The Old City Hall

The Old City Hall stands on the Dagelijkse Groenmarkt, recognizable by its pink-red brick facade, elaborate stepped gables, and a tower that rises above the historic square. Built in fifteen sixty-five, this Renaissance structure replaced the earlier city castle of the Brederode family. Its construction carries a notable bit of local lore: the funds originally collected by the town’s residents to build defensive city walls were instead used by the mayors to finance this grand municipal hall. Because no walls were ever built, the town remained technically undefended for centuries.