Town Hall (Stadhuis)

About

The Antwerp City Hall, known in Dutch as Stadhuis van Antwerpen, stands majestically on the eastern side of Antwerp’s iconic Grote Markt. Designed and constructed between 1561 and 1565 by the renowned Renaissance architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt and his collaborators, the building showcases a striking blend of Flemish and Italian classicism. Its richly ornamented façade is crowned with statues of Justice, Prudence, and the Virgin Mary, while the central tower proudly bears coats of arms representing the Duchy of Brabant, the Habsburgs, and the Margraviate of Antwerp. Inside, a grand open gallery above the ground floor offers sweeping views of the city’s historic market square. The hall survived a destructive fire during the Spanish Fury of 1576 and was painstakingly restored a few years later, reflecting the city’s resilience and artistic heritage. Today the City Hall is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a vibrant symbol of Antwerp’s cultural identity, drawing visitors eager to experience its architectural splendor and deep historical significance.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes