Town Hall Damme

The town hall, which was built between 1464 and 1468 in Brabantine Gothic style, along with the surrounding patrician houses, illustrates the importance of Damme in the Middle Ages and in later periods. The town hall is a beautiful example of civic architecture with features of a fortified castle. Over the centuries, there have been hardly any changes to the building, except for the small tower which was rebuilt in 1642. Instead of a rooster, a graceful greyhound, which we also find in the coat of arms of Damme, indicates the direction of the wind. The tower houses two of the oldest bells in Flanders, namely the Neringen Bell from 1392 and the Victory Bell from 1398. The niche sculptures on the facade made of Balegem white stone tell a substantial piece of Damme's history. The figures are by the Bruges sculptor Gustave Pickery and were placed there in the 19th century. From left to right, we see Count Philip of Alsace, who granted city rights to Damme in 1180. Next to him is Johanna of Constantinople and Countess Margareta of Constantinople, who are said to have given permission for the construction of the St. John's Hospital. Furthermore, Count Philip of Chieti, Charles the Bold, and Margareta of York, who married in Damme, are depicted. Those who look closely can see how Charles the Bold is offering a ring to his wife. At the corner of the facade hang two peculiar ornaments, called ‘justice stones.’ Those accused of slander had to wear one around their neck and make their way from the town hall to the church with it.

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