Probably the finest ornament of the Grand-Place and an emblematic monument in the landscape of the capital, Brussels City Hall has had a turbulent history. Severely damaged in 1695 by the bombardment of Marshal de Villeroy, it quickly rose from its ashes with its original appearance preserved and was enlarged with a rear wing. In the 19th century, its appearance continued to evolve when more than 300 statues were added during a restoration campaign led by architects Tilman-François Suys and Pierre-Victor Jamaer, both disciples of Viollet-le-Duc. The two also reworked the interior decoration, transforming in neo-Gothic style the great hall where the Dukes of Brabant once swore to respect the laws and privileges of the city, as well as the wedding hall. Other rooms, however, preserve the imprint of different periods, such as the Municipal Council chamber with its sumptuous late-17th-century decoration, or the historicist grand staircase completed at the very end of the 19th century. A true open book of history, the Town Hall is one of Brussels’ strongest symbols, with its tower in pure Flamboyant Gothic style rising to 96 metres, crowned by the protective statue of Saint Michael, patron saint of the city. (Listed since 05/03/1936)