must-visit in GentSquare & Landmark

Stadhuis van Gent

📍 Stadhuis van Gent, Gent, Belgium

1 photos

4.5/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Belgium, Gent
Category: Square & Landmark
Duration: 1-2 hours
Ticket Price: Tours carry a fee, typically covered by the Ghent CityCard — verify online.
Address: Stadhuis van Gent, Gent, Belgium
Coordinates: 51.0545, 3.7253

Introduction

Ghent's Town Hall is a building of two eras in one: the High Gothic facade facing Hoogpoort was begun in 1519, but before its flame tracery and statued niches were finished, Renaissance taste arrived — and the rest of the complex continued in a completely different style, wrapping up in the 17th century. In 1576 the Pacification of Ghent, uniting the northern and southern Low Countries against Spain, was signed here. Guided tours open the historic halls and wedding chambers to the public, where Gothic and Renaissance rooms sit side by side — a living specimen of civic architecture in the Low Countries.

✨ Highlights

Two Styles

One building, two faces — the facade reads like a timeline from Gothic to Renaissance.

1576 Pact

The Pacification of Ghent, uniting the Low Countries against Spain, was signed here.

Wedding Halls

Painted ceremonial chambers survive intact and still host civil weddings today.

Belfry Neighbors

Next to the Belfry, forming Ghent's most photogenic architectural cluster.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：Botermarkt 1 in Ghent's historic core, within walking distance of St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry.

→Tours：Interior access is by official guided tour; see the city website or on-site notice for times.

→Exterior：The facade is viewable anytime; early morning on Hoogpoort is nearly people-free.

→Timing：Tours last about an hour; add half an hour for exterior and square photos.

→Ticket Information：Tours carry a fee, typically covered by the Ghent CityCard — verify online.

💡 Tips

• Tour slots are limited — stop by the visitor centre in the morning to lock in a time.

• Civil weddings on Saturday afternoons can close halls at short notice.

• String the Town Hall, Belfry and St Bavo's into one 100-meter walking line.

• The illuminated facade is worth a post-dinner photo — it gains real drama after dark.

FAQ

How much is the admission for Stadhuis van Gent?

Tours carry a fee, typically covered by the Ghent CityCard — verify online.

Any practical tips for visiting Stadhuis van Gent?

Tour slots are limited — stop by the visitor centre in the morning to lock in a time. Civil weddings on Saturday afternoons can close halls at short notice.