City Hall

The 18th century was a period characterized by the neoclassical style (a style that used Greco-Roman elements such as columns, pediments, harmonious proportions and was at the service of politics). Its purpose is to bring up to date the forms of Greco-Roman antiquity and consequently the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. In Belgium, at that time in the Austrian Netherlands, it was during the reign of Maria Theresa that this style developed and met with great success in the country's cities. The Town Hall is the main building of the Grand'Place. It was completed in 1858 and is composed of local schist and limestone imported from France. The façade resembles that of an ancient temple with its eight Doric columns (inspired by an ancient Greek architectural order) rising on two levels. Decorative ornament is not the only function of the columns. Those on the ground floor support the balcony and those on the first floor have a triangular pediment with a clock

Val et Oli