Town hall of Calais

The Town Hall of Calais is an administrative building featuring a 72-meter-high tower in red brick and white limestone with Renaissance Revival and Flemish architectural elements. It stands at Place du Soldat-Inconnu and today houses municipal services and civic events.

Construction began in 1912 but was interrupted during World War I when German bombs damaged the unfinished structure in September 1917. Work resumed after the war and was completed in 1923.

Inside, stained glass windows show the 1558 liberation of Calais and a tapestry tells the story of six citizens from the Hundred Years War. These artworks remind visitors of pivotal moments in the city's past.

The building is easily reached from the central square, and visitors can admire its exterior features and tower from the street. Opening times for visits and interior access should be checked beforehand as it remains an active administrative center.

The tower was inscribed as a historic monument in 2003 and has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. This makes it one of only a few town halls in France with this dual recognized status.

Location: Calais

Architects: Louis Debrouwer

GPS coordinates: 50.95258,1.85439

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48