Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus is a Renaissance administrative building on Market Square in Bocholt featuring Dutch brick construction with a symmetrical facade. The structure contains eight vertical axes and three floors, with the ground level originally forming a covered arcade.

Construction took place between 1618 and 1621, creating a Dutch Renaissance structure for the growing city. The building suffered severe damage during World War II but underwent complete reconstruction from 1948 to 1955.

The central gable displays Saint George, the city patron, while carved consoles beneath the balustrade show animal and human faces. These decorative details shape how the square looks today and reflect the craftsmanship of the Renaissance period.

The building has served as a civil registry office since 1977, where residents can hold wedding ceremonies in first-floor facilities. It sits centrally on Market Square and is easily reached on foot, with views of the historic facades surrounding the plaza.

The ground floor originally contained a covered arcade connecting the courthouse, city weighing room, meat hall, and guard quarters all in one space. This arrangement allowed citizens to access multiple services from a single location.