Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, in Erkelenz, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a stunning example of late Gothic brick architecture from the 16th century. This historic building, located in the heart of Erkelenz, stands as a testament to the town's rich history and resilience. Alongside the Lambertus Tower, it is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, captivating visitors with its unique charm and storied past.

The History of Altes Rathaus

The origins of the Altes Rathaus date back to the Middle Ages. When Erkelenz was granted city status in 1326, a domus fori (market house), also known as Gewanthuys (cloth hall), was documented. This building was a hub for trade, particularly in linen cloth from local flax cultivation, and served as a venue for assemblies and administration. The enforcement of weights and measures, tax collection, and the exercise of municipal privileges such as market days were all overseen here.

Tragically, a massive fire on June 21, 1540, destroyed the original building, along with most of the city. Among the casualties was a city official named Gobell, and with him, all municipal documents were reduced to ashes. Just a year later, the city commissioned stonemason Jan van Vyrß from Viersen to rebuild the town hall. The provost of the Marienstift in Aachen generously gifted the Gewanthuys and Stadthuys to the citizens. The construction took until 1546 to complete, with this year marked on a stone set into the masonry near the entrance.

Architectural Features

The Altes Rathaus is characterized by its late Gothic brick construction, resting on square pillars with open arcades on the ground floor, a council chamber above, and storage rooms under the roof. Originally, the ground floor was an open market hall with pointed arches between the pillars, while the upper floor featured Gothic cross-bar windows set in flat arch niches. The high, slate-covered hipped roof was adorned with a decorative battlement and four corner turrets.

In 1756, the building underwent significant alterations to accommodate the city administration. The battlements and corner turrets were removed, with their projections still visible in the masonry. The roof was extended to the cornice, and the Gothic windows were replaced with simple blue stone frames. The arcades on the ground floor were bricked up, creating additional rooms for a police station and a jail cell, the latter's small barred window facing the street. A Rococo portal was added, and the masonry was whitewashed in the style of the time.

20th and 21st Century Changes

The Altes Rathaus served as the city administration's seat until 1907, after which the administration moved to the former Franciscan monastery building and later to a new town hall at Johannismarkt in 1918. Efforts to preserve the now-dilapidated building ranged from restoration to complete reconstruction with an extension at another market location. However, financial constraints, World War I, and inflation thwarted these plans.

During the post-World War I period, the Belgian occupation forces temporarily used the Altes Rathaus as their headquarters. After their departure in 1926, the History and Antiquities Association, founded in 1920, took on the task of restoration. In 1930, they established a local museum on the upper floor. In 1931, the roof was re-covered, and three arcades on the south side were reopened. The ground floor housed a police station, jail cell, and a homeless shelter until 1939.

World War II brought further destruction. On the night of June 19-20, 1940, incendiary bombs set the roof ablaze, destroying the museum collection stored there. The building received a temporary flat roof, but a major air raid on February 23, 1945, caused additional damage, demolishing the southeast corner and its arcade.

After the war, the city council initially considered demolishing the Altes Rathaus. However, in 1948, around 30 young citizens volunteered to clear the rubble, prompting the council to opt for reconstruction. The restoration, including the reopening of more arcades, took place between 1949 and 1951, with the interior completed in the following years. The official reopening was on January 18, 1956. Despite the modifications, the building's proportions remained harmonious, with the whitewashed masonry contrasting sharply with the black roof, earning it the title of a gem of brick Gothic architecture in the Lower Rhine region.

Modern-Day Altes Rathaus

Today, the Altes Rathaus serves as a council chamber and a venue for representative purposes. In 2013, the city of Erkelenz undertook a renovation, re-roofing with slate and partially reopening bricked-up arcades. Three of the five arcade axes on the long side were uncovered, and the middle arcade on the wide side was fully glazed, allowing visitors to peer into the ground floor.

Since 2008, the Altes Rathaus has been the twelfth and final stop on the Route Against Forgetting, a trail in Erkelenz commemorating the Nazi regime's atrocities. A plaque on the building honors resistance fighters from the Erkelenz region.

Art and Exhibits

In the entrance area, a Roman votive stone found in Erkelenz in the 18th century is displayed. It bears a dedication from Centurion Gaius Julius Proculus of the Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix to Jupiter, first described in 1801 by art collector Adolf von Hüpsch.

Inside the Good Room of the town hall, three tapestries depicting a wedding, a cheat, and a pig slaughter hang on the walls, along with two smaller bird scene tapestries. These large wall hangings were crafted around 1630 in Brussels by the Jan Seghers manufactory from wool and flax yarn.

The stained glass windows in the council chamber were designed in 1961 by Hermann Gottfried, using antique glass, lead, and black paint. Executed in grisaille tones with simple line ornaments and occasional blue, green, and brown hues, the windows were produced by the Linnich Glassworks Oidtmann.

At the southeast corner of the building, a Madonna statue stands in a niche about 3.5 meters high. This replacement for an earlier statue was created by Erkelenz sculptor Peter Haak in 1958. The Madonna holds the Christ Child in her left arm and a lily in her right hand, with the Child's right hand in a blessing position and a globe in the left. Both figures are crowned, and the pedestal is inscribed with AVE MARIA KAISERIN. The statue commemorates the city's connection to the Marienstift in Aachen, which held lordship for centuries. The lily appears in its seal and coat of arms.

The Altes Rathaus in Erkelenz is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the town's enduring spirit and historical significance. Its walls tell stories of trade, governance, war, and resilience, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming German town.