Stadhuis (City Hall), Maastricht

The City Hall (Stadhuis) of Maastricht, an architectural jewel of Dutch classicism, has stood at the heart of Markt Square since the 17th century, embodying the city's historical and political legacy. Designed by Pieter Post, one of the foremost architects of the Dutch Golden Age, this five-story structure is clad entirely in Namur stone, its dignified presence crowned by a stately slate roof.

Construction began in 1659, with a ceremonial foundation stone marking the occasion—along with a lead box of coins and a commemorative copper plaque entombed in the southwest corner. By 1664, the municipal council had settled into its new quarters, although the tower’s completion was postponed until 1684 due to financial constraints. Today, the 25-meter tower houses a 49-bell carillon, which tolls automatically every half hour.

The façade features symbolic sculptural elements: a city maiden bearing the Maastricht coat of arms is flanked by Mars, representing the city's resilience, and Minerva, signifying wisdom with her Medusa-adorned shield and owl companion. Inside, the richly decorated rooms—largely shaped in the 18th century following damage during the 1793 French bombardment—reflect Maastricht’s divided historical allegiances. The north half of the building represents Liège, while the south half stands for Brabant, with Liège’s quarters given precedence due to the rank of the Prince-Bishop over the Duke of Brabant.

More than just a municipal hall, the City Hall once accommodated the city’s entire civil infrastructure, including a library, archives, prison, weigh house, and carpentry yard. Interrogation rooms, cells, and jailers' quarters occupied the lower levels, a stark contrast to the grandeur above. Today, while the building serves its administrative function, it remains a powerful symbol of Maastricht’s enduring history and architectural splendor.