Town hall of Gouda

The town hall of Gouda is a Gothic building at the market square featuring pointed arched windows, stone decorations, and a Renaissance staircase leading to the main entrance on the first floor. The facade displays elaborate architectural details that distinguish it as one of the city's most important administrative structures.

Following the city fire of 1438, the city council commissioned construction of this Gothic building, which opened in 1450. The town hall became a symbol of the city's recovery after the disaster.

The building displays a mechanical puppet show on its facade featuring Floris V of Holland, who granted the city its rights in 1272. This moving artwork serves as a daily reminder of how the city began.

The building sits directly on the market square in the center of Gouda and is easily reached on foot. Visitors can purchase combined tickets here to access multiple local attractions and museums.

The building houses a historical pillory, a symbol of former justice practices in the city. This was the site of the last execution in the Netherlands in 1860.

Location: Gouda

Inception: 1459

Architects: Keldermans family

Official opening: 1450

Address: Markt 1

GPS coordinates: 52.01167,4.71056

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54