Despite the fact that the gothic city hall dating back to 1629 is still in full use as the office of the mayor and senior civil servants, it's still possible to visit a part of this magnificent historical building. The ‘s-Hertogenbosch city hall, which has a Dutch classicist facade, is a sight to see. The edifice shows remarkable similarities to St. John’s Cathedral which is only a stone’s throw away and with the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Each half hour, the revolving mechanical horses above the doors play a musical tune, so everybody in the inner city knows what time it is. Once inside, the marble floors and superb tapestries adorned with chivalrous knights and virgins are bound to impress. Genuine cannons, wood carvings and statues complement the impressive interior of the hall. The so-called wedding room with its gold leather wallpaper, stained-glass windows and enormous chandeliers is a must see. After the gallery, with paintings of the city's former mayors you'll find an imposing upward-leading staircase, where this fascinating building will reveal even more of its secrets. Kring Vrienden van ’s-Hertogenbosch is the only organisation which is allowed to give guided tours in this centuries-old building. Frustratingly, tours are only in Dutch every Wednesday at 15:00 and Saturdays at 13:00 and take about 90 minutes. For tickets call tel. (+31) 736 13 50 98, or go to the service desk at its sales office at the Parade 23 (open 10:00 - 17:00, Sunday 12:00 - 16:00, Mon 13:30 - 17:00). At the sales desk at the Molenstraat 15a (pick-up point for boat tours) you can also buy tickets for individual tours.