Hotel de Ville - Amiens

Historic Building in Amiens

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Florestan

The Hôtel de Ville d’Amiens, or Amiens City Hall, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural evolution. Constructed in 1760 by architects Pierre-Louis Beffara and Jean-Jacques Jumel-Riquier, the building showcases a neoclassical design characterized by its symmetrical façade, Doric and Corinthian columns, and a prominent pediment housing a clock. This structure replaced an earlier town hall that had been partially built between 1550 and 1600 but remained incomplete due to the French Wars of Religion.

Throughout its history, the Hôtel de Ville has been a focal point for significant events. Notably, in March 1802, it hosted the signing of the Treaty of Amiens, which temporarily ended hostilities between France, Spain, and the United Kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars. In the latter half of the 19th century, the building underwent expansions to accommodate the city’s growth, resulting in the addition of two wings that formed a courtyard. The façade features statues commemorating local figures, including Bishop Geoffroy of Amiens and King Louis VI, who were instrumental in granting communal rights to the city in the 12th century.

Today, the Hôtel de Ville continues to serve as the administrative heart of Amiens, embodying the city’s enduring commitment to civic pride and historical preservation. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a notable landmark, reflecting the rich tapestry of Amiens’ past and its evolution through the centuries.

The Hotel de Ville - Amiens appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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