Binnenhof, The Hague

Favorite thing: The Binnenhof is the place where it all began. It is a complex of buildings where used to be a castle that was built between 1230 and 1280. Though it started off as a small hunting lodge, it was extended under successive counts, including Floris V. In the fourteenth century a settlement known as 's-Gravenhage (abbreviated to "Den Haag") grew up around the castle.

Favorite thing: The other day i had to be inside the Binnenhof. Unfortunaltely i still haven't seen much of it but the little i have seen so far looks really nice. I'm not sure i was allowed to photograph even though i asked..

Favorite thing: The dr. W. Drees-monument has been moved in 1997 to the Buitenhof (next to the entrance of the Binnenhof).

The monument is a design of Eric Claus. It's a metal framwork with two open panels of 4.20 meters height, in which a brons portret of Drees at age 60. In the walkway at a few meters distance a red dot symbolises Drees social ideals.

First erection was at July 5, 1988 at the Groenmarkt. Renovations of the square led to the re-location.

Favorite thing: Het Kabinet der Koningin [The Queen's Office support to the Queen in the performance of her constitutional duties and acts as a link between the Queen and her ministers. Its functions are laid down in the Royal Decree of 16 December 2003. The Prime Minister has ministerial responsibility for the Office.

The historic building that houses the Queen’s Office is not open to the public, but the Virtual tour starts here.

Address: Korte Vijverberg 33 - 2513 AB Den Haag
tel.: +31-70-3308888

Favorite thing: Such a fairy-like castle the Binnenhof is, surrounded by famous buildings from the 15th to the 18th century. Inludes the Great Church of St. Jacobs (1399) and its largest carillon in the Netherlands; the old Renaissance-style Town Hall (1564); the Royal Palace on the Noordeinde (16th century) where Queen Beatrix keeps the works; the Royal Palace known as Huis ten Bosch (1640); the Protestant New Church (1654). Among the cities more striking modern buildings are the headquarters of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group (1941), the KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) building (1949), and the United States Embassy (1959)...
... quite a job to add all its pics ... ;o)

Fondest memory: Ofcourse Queen Beatrix on Prinsjesdag in her Golden Carriage is a must, and a great memory when ever experienced. This year 2005 this will be on Tuesday September 20. Outside the Inner Courtyard (Buitenhof) you can find the best herring of The Hague ... where RoyJava is to be found every year (included this year in September)!
And see >>>
Golden Carriage
Day Of The Little Prince & Queen Speech
Binnenhof

Favorite thing: Strawl through the old centre, where the oldest democratic buildings of the world are to be seen. Only recently these buildings were changed to new settlement for our parlement. The 'Binnenhof' (innercourt) has a spectacular room, where still every year traditional opening of the governemental year is happening (always the third Tuesday of September, called the day of the little princes). The queen is driving through town in her Golden Carriage (yes, it's realy goldplated!) and with a proclamation in the beautiful 'Ridderzaal' (hall of knights) she tells the plans of the 'Staten Generaal' (the state) for the coming year.
The Ridderzaal can be visited in a tour. The bookingoffice is in the cellars of the building.

Fondest memory: The (stormy) wind and sound of the surf, when walking along the beach at Scheveningen.

Favorite thing: The Hague is home to the Royal Household, the Cabinet, the Parliament and just about all ministries. The legisiature is formed by Parliament together with Sovereign and Ministers. Formally referred to as the States General, Parliament consists of two houses: the Upper House ( called the First Chamber ) and the Lower House ( referred to as the Second Chamber ).

Favorite thing: visit the Binnenhof, a part of the former castle and the political heart of the Netherlands. It is composed of several buildings around a beautiful courtyard by a small pond in the city centre. You can see more pictures in the travelogue Binnenhof .

Favorite thing: Of course most of the decorations aren't original anymore. At least not in this room. Or maybe it is a mixture of old and new. Since i had no guide, leaflet or anything else.. this will remain a mystery unless someone can provide me with the answer...

Favorite thing: Since no one stopped me from taking pictures.. i made a few more.

The lamps, like this one aren't very old of course, but they fit nicely in the ambiance of the room