The Hague - Binnenhof

In the center of the older portion of The Hague is the Binnenhof, an irregular group of buildings, some old and some more recent, built around a central courtyard. About 1250 Count William II of Holland began the building of a castle which was completed by his son Floris V, who in 1291 made this his principal residence. From the time of Prince Maurice of Orange-Nassau the Binnenhof was the residence of the Stadholders. It now houses both chambers of the Dutch Parliament as well as a number of government departments. The rectangular complex of buildings has entrances at each end; there is a third doorway, the Grenadierspoort, half way along one side.

There is an information center at Binnenhof 8A. Conducted tours of the Knights' Hall and Parliament can be arranged; they should be booked in advance by telephone.