Town hall of Benfeld, City hall in Benfeld, France
The town hall of Benfeld is a historic monument in the town center built in Renaissance style. The original section dates from 1531 with timber framing on the ground floor, while a clock tower featuring three wooden automaton figures was added in 1619.
The original building was constructed in 1531 as a courthouse where local judges made rulings. The clock tower with its famous wooden automaton figures was added in 1619, and the structure underwent renovation in 1865.
The town hall carries the local name Laube, meaning a covered court in the regional tradition. It served as a gathering place for local officials and remains today where residents and visitors naturally pass through the town center.
The town hall sits at Place de la République in the heart of Benfeld and is easily reached on foot. Guided tours are available and offer closer views of the wooden automaton figures and the building's historic rooms.
The three wooden automaton figures were created in 1619 by sculptor Johann Fröbe from Strasbourg and represent Prudence, Death, and Justice carved from oak. The clock tower features three separate clock faces showing different times, making it one of the rare working automaton clocks from the 17th century.
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