The (old) town hall is another landmark of Alkmaar, which was built in Gothic style between 1509 and 1520. The stunningly striped façade of the town hall boasts a flight of steps flanked by an elegant octagonal tower, streaked with white limestone. Lions stand guard at the entrance bearing the Alkmaar shield of arms.

Various buildings were added in the following centuries, including a Dutch Classicist wing in 1694. The building and the tower were restored in 1911-1913and the present façade is in fact a copy of the original.

After the construction of the new city office, the (old) town hall now houses the administrative functions, wedding room and fraction rooms. Being located in the Langestraat - main shopping street of Alkmaar – don’t be surprised if a newly-married bridal couple is coming down the stairs.