H... Houses of Parliament
This is part of the Binnenhof (Dutch, literally "inner court"). It is a complex of buildings in The Hague. It has been the location of meetings of the Staten-Generaal (consisting of the two Dutch houses of parliament) since 1446, and has been the centre of Dutch politics for many centuries.
The grounds on which the Binnenhof now stands were purchased by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1229, where he built his mansion, next to the little lake that has been called Hofvijver or 'Court Pond' since the 13th century. More buildings were constructed around the court, several of which are well known in their own right, such as the Ridderzaal (Great hall; literally Knight's Hall), where the queen holds her annual speech at Prinsjesdag. You'll probably get to see that later this month.
This 'Inner Court' is studded with monumental old buildings testifying of eight centuries of governing in the Low Countries, but it also has several ample open spaces, all freely open to the public.
A large modern building at the south side of the Binnenhof since 1992 houses the Tweede Kamer, the lower but most important of the Dutch democracy elected houses.
For an impression of this modern extension click here. |
