The Old Civil Registry (Oude Civiele Griffie) is a historic landmark and one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Flanders. Its construction was completed in 1537, and it served as the residence of the clerk-civil, a highly important city official during that time. The building's facade is entirely made of natural stone and features elaborate sculptures as decorations. These bronze statues, created by the renowned Bruges sculptor Hendrik Pickery, were added in 1883, further enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.Over the years, the Old Civil Registry has undergone three major restorations to preserve its historical significance. The first restoration took place between 1877 and 1881 and was overseen by the city architect Louis Delacenserie. Delacenserie meticulously renewed and added sculptures, decorations, and polychromy to restore the building to its original 16th-century splendor.
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