Dinghuis

The Dinghuis (Ding House) is a building in downtown Maastricht, Netherlands, constructed at the end of the 15th century. (Ding is the Dutch name for the governing assembly known in most Germanic languages as a thing.)

For the similarly named building in Dorne, see nl:Dinghuis (Dorne).
The Dinghuis

The building was constructed in the gothic style of architecture. The northern façade, built around 1470, is timber-framed, and the main façade, built of Namur stone, has a pediment containing a grand clock face. At the top of the steeply sloped roof is a tower that was once used as a lookout.

The  Dinghuis served mainly administrative and judicial functions (a ding/thing being a judicial assembly), and its cellars contained gaols for holding prisoners. In 1713, the Dinghuis also served as a theater. Today, it is home to the town's visitor center.

References
  • Boogard, J. van den, en S. Minis (2001): Monumentengids Maastricht. Primavera Pers, Leiden. ISBN 90-74310-52-4
  • Koreman, J.G.J. (1974): Rondom Het Maastrichtse Dinghuis. Het Limburgse Monument #2. Schrijen, Maastricht
  • Mes, W. (1986): Het Dinghuis. Maastrichts Silhouet #21. Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht, Maastricht. ISBN 90-70-356-29-5
  • Ubachs, P.J.H., en I.M.H. Evers (2005): Historische Encyclopedie Maastricht. Walburg Pers, Zutphen. ISBN 90-5730-399-X

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