town hall of Zottegem

The town hall of Zottegem (Dutch: Stadhuis van Zottegem) occupies a corner of the town's market square and has served as the administrative heart of the settlement since the 16th century. The current building, completed in 1862 to a design by architect Emile Vanhoecke-Peeters, replaced an earlier seat of local government that was burned down on 7 September 1658 by French troops. The structure is built in an eclectic style, blending elements from different historical architectural traditions, a common approach in Belgian public buildings of the mid-to-late 19th century.

What stood here before the current building?

Long before the present town hall was built, the same corner of the market square hosted the seat of the local schepenbanken – the municipal magistrates who combined administrative and judicial duties. These magistrates presided over local affairs until 1796, when older governance structures across the region were reorganized. The destruction of the earlier building during the French incursion of 1658 left a gap that was only filled more than two centuries later with the construction finished in 1862.

Why is the building only officially called "stadhuis" since 1985?

Although the current structure has stood since 1862, it only carries the official Dutch designation stadhuis (city hall) since 1985 – the year Zottegem was granted city status. Before that, despite performing essentially the same administrative role, the building was referred to differently, in line with the settlement's earlier status as a municipality rather than a city. The building has been a legally protected monument since 1981, recognizing its architectural and historical value within the East Flanders region.

What makes the council chamber unusual?

One of the most distinctive features inside the town hall is its council chamber, which has held a reliquary since 1984 containing a neck vertebra attributed to Lamoral, Count of Egmont – a Flemish nobleman and military leader executed in the 16th century for opposing Spanish rule in the Low Countries. Egmont's story remains closely tied to the region's history, and his presence in the town hall underscores his local significance. The same chamber also displays two paintings connected to his story: "Last Honours to Egmont and Horne" by Louis Gallait and "Egmond aan den Hoef Castle" by 16th-century painter Gillis De Saen.

What functions does the building serve today?

Today the Zottegem town hall serves more than a purely administrative role. Since 2016 it has housed the Centre for Regional History, gathering materials related to the past of the town and surrounding area. The building also hosts the local tourist information service, assisting visitors who want to explore the town and nearby heritage sites. The town hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:30, and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:30.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors tour the town hall of Zottegem? The building combines administrative and tourist functions, and access to specific rooms, including the council chamber, depends on the opening hours of the on-site tourist information office.

Why is the building considered a protected monument? Because of its eclectic 1862 architecture and the historical significance of the site, which has hosted local administration since the 16th century – its legal protection as a monument dates back to 1981.

What is the contact number for the town hall? Visitors and residents with official business can reach the town hall by phone at +32 9 360 00 08.