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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.