Huy Town Hall

The town hall was built in 1765 and stands out for its triangular pediment with the city's coat of arms. It carries a carillon on top of the roof. The coat of arms refers to the fortified city of Huy during the Middle Ages. The golden color reflects wealth. The red background reflects courage.

In the past, the city magistrates met in the monasteries . From the end of the 17th century, the monasteries completely shied away from their obligation to allow meetings within their walls. The city magistrates then met in La Maison du Coq , an old building from the 14th century. In 1768 the city council wrote a letter of complaint to Prince-Bishop d'Oultremont; they described La Maison du Coq as a dilapidated shack.

The new town hall replaced the Graanhuis. To secure financing , usable pieces from the Graanhuis were sold , as well as the large bell of the former belfry. The belfry no longer existed because it had to be demolished in 1739 after a collapse. The belfry was located next to the Friars Minor Monastery on a hill in the middle of the city. The large bell was nicknamed Clok-Powr, which in the local dialect means alarm bell. The remaining bells of the belfry were retained for the town hall to be built.

The sale of the historic Clok-Powr was difficult for the townspeople, because for them it was a loss of prestige compared to other cities of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. That is why the architect had to adjust his plans while construction had already started . He drew a bell tower in the middle of the roof - which was not foreseen - so that the bell tower was supported on the central hall.

The tower could thus carry 37 bells . Twenty-two of the 37 bells came from the former belfry; 15 bells were purchased new. The timepiece comes from St. Lambert's Cathedral in Liège, and was repaired by a watchmaker in Huy before being hung.

Inside there are the old oak entrance door in the vestibule, dated 1714 "possibly from the Maison du Coq", stained glass windows , oil paintings, monumental oak staircase , marble fireplaces, a large, beautifully decorated wedding room, etc...

Willem Vandenameele