Grand Place

The Grand Place is the centre of trade and entertainment. There are also a lot of city services located here. By the way, did you know that there is a market on the square no less than twice a week. That is quite unique in Flanders.

The old town hall was replaced in the early 50s by the building you see today. Works of art by Constant Permeke, Victor Van Hove and Jean Bologna are preserved.

On the roof of the town hall you can see a double eagle, it is the coat of arms of Ronse. It also adorns the obelisk, which you obviously can't miss.

The obelisk is the first public fountain of Ronse, and dates from the 19th century. It is 12 meters high and has 4 water basins at the bottom with pure water from the green hills around the city. On the sphere at the top used to be a crown with the letter W of William I, King of the Netherlands. When Belgium gained independence in 1830, it was demolished. The large crown is kept in the textile museum, but the W has mysteriously disappeared.

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