Binnenhof

The Binnenhof grew from a hunting lodge that Floris IV bought in 1229 and his successors turned into a residence, and at its centre stands the Ridderzaal, the Hall of Knights, built by Floris V in the 1280s - a great hall with a timber roof of enormous span, on the scale of a cathedral nave, built for a count who wanted to be taken seriously among European rulers. Since the sixteenth century the buildings around it have housed the States General, and they still do: the Binnenhof is generally cited as the oldest parliament building complex still in use anywhere. On the third Tuesday of September the monarch rides to the Ridderzaal in a coach to open the parliamentary year. The whole complex is under a long renovation begun in 2021 with parliament moved out, so access has been restricted and the courtyard partly closed - check before travelling.

History

Count Floris IV of Holland bought the grounds in 1229 and built a hunting lodge here, and his successor William II, King of the Romans from 1248, is often credited with founding the Binnenhof and starting the Ridderzaal. The castle was the residence of the counts of Holland and became the political centre of the Dutch Republic in 1584 (Wikipedia, Binnenhof).

What's there

• The Ridderzaal - a great hall of the 1280s with a timber roof of cathedral span.
• The oldest parliament complex in use - government here since the sixteenth century.
• A count's residence - built up from a hunting lodge bought in 1229.
• Prinsjesdag - the monarch's coach arrival to open parliament in September.

When to go

All year. Half a day.

Things to know

A major renovation started in 2021 with parliament relocated, and access to the courtyard and Ridderzaal has been limited throughout - confirm what is open before going. Tours must be booked.

Nearby

The Mauritshuis is at the corner of the Hofvijver; the Peace Palace is west.

Key facts