Adjoining the Chapelle du Saint-Sang is the Hotel de Ville. This structure is a very fine example of Flemish municipal architecture, dating from the last quarter of the fourteenth century. Here the Counts of Flanders formerly took the oath to respect the rights and privileges of the city, this formality taking place in the last window to the right. Originally there were statues of former princes on the façade and six of these were coloured by Jean Van Eyck in 1435. All were destroyed during the Revolution. Part of the interior is still used by various government officials, while up-stairs the tourists usually visit the ancient Salle Echinivale, or Council Chamber. This was restored in 1895 and decorated with a series of twelve mural paintings representing notable scenes in the history of the city. Of these eleven are by Albrecht de Vriendt, and the last by his brother, Julian, the first artist dying just before his work was completed. As these pictures form an interesting epitome of the history of the city, the subjects are given herewith: 1.--Return of the Brugeois from the Battle of the Golden Spurs at Courtrai in 1302. 2.--Foundation of the Order of the Golden Fleece by Philip of Burgundy at Bruges in 1430. 3.--Dierick of Alsace bringing the Holy Blood to the chapel of St. Basil in 1150. 4.--The interior of the ancient Hospital of St. Jean. 5.--Magistrates of Bruges renewing the privileges of the Hanseatic League. 6.--Count Philip of Alsace granting a charter to Bruges (1190). 7.--Magistrates visiting the Studio of Jean Van Eyck (1433). 8.--The printing by movable type in Bruges by Jean Britto in 1446. 9.--Count Louis of Maele laying the foundation of the Town-hall (1376). 10.--Jacob Van Maerlant, father of Flemish poetry, born at Damme. 11.--The Free-fair. 12.--Opening of the new Zwyn canal in 1404. [Illustration: _Palais du Franc, Bruges_]