Address
Place du Soldat Inconnu
62007
Calais
FranceTelephone: +33(3)21466200
Websites
- Official Homepage
- Hotels nearby
Description
The Town Hall was planned when Calais and St Pierre merged into one city in 1885. Work began in 1911 but was interrupted by World War I and was event
[more]The Town Hall was planned when Calais and St Pierre merged into one city in 1885. Work began in 1911 but was interrupted by World War I and was eventually completed in 1925. More damage and repair work was necessary after World War II.
The style is 15th century Flemish renaissance and the building is dominated by the 75m high belfry which is visible for miles around, even from the English coast. The chimes were added in 1961 and are said to be one of the most beautiful in northern France. The belfry was a symbol of civic pride and power in the region and this modern example evokes that. It is one of a group of belfries of northern France and Belgium which are now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Inside, the council chamber and civic rooms can be visited. Outside is the famous Rodin statue of the Burghers of Calais, which commemorates the six citizens who volunteered their lives to save the town during the siege by the English in 1347.
The city hall is open for visitors from Monday to Friday 2pm to 5pm and guided tours are available.
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