Architecture.... Stadhuis (Town Hall) In 1597 the medieval Town Hall got its monumental facade in Renaissance style. This proud facade symbolized the impetuous economic growth of the city, which followed the Relief of the Siege of Leiden in 1574. Over the gate left of the steps a verse is inscribed which refers to the siege by the Spaniards and the relief at 3 October. The gilt capitals together form the number 1574, the number of capitals refers to the duration of the siege in days. On the banisters of the steps two resting children personify Time (left) and Eternity (right). In the recesses next to the entrance Justice and Peace are personified by statues of women. Anyone who enters the building is surprised by the modernity of the interior, which is much newer than the outside suggests. This is the result of a disaster which took place in February 1929: the old Town Hall burnt to the ground, except for the facade. Several architects took part in a contest to supply the design of a new city hall which preserved the old facade. Between 1934 and 1940 the Haarlem architect Blaauw erected a new building which can be seen very well from the square. Although at first sight it seems rather traditional, the sculpted details on the outside and the decoration of the interior are surprisingly modern on closer inspection. Rich materials were used for each room: marble for the Marriage Room, dark wood for the Council Room, lighter colours for rooms for mayor and aldermen. The furniture was also designed by Blaauw. Of special interest are the wooden mosaics by Escher.
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