Binnenhof & Ridderzaal

The Hague’s Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex is not only an important political hub – housing the official offices and meeting rooms of the Dutch Parliament and Prime Minister – but one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Built back in the 13th century as a hunting lodge for the counts of Holland, Binnenhof centers around the Hofvijver or 'Court Pond' and includes the Het Torentje, ‘the Little Tower' where the Prime Minister’s office is located and the resplendent Ridderzaal, the ‘Hall of the Knights’ where the Queen holds her annual speech on Prinsjesdag.  The Ridderzaal, with its dramatic twin towers, richly decorated interiors and intricate leaded glass windows, was the last building to be added in 1280, and stands proud at the heart of the cobblestone courtyard.

Several of the Binnenhof’s monumental buildings are open to the public as part of an official guided tour, including the Ridderzaal, where a permanent Parliament exhibit is housed, or else you can wander the stately grounds for free.