Visit the historical Binnenhof (Inner Court) situated in the city center of The Hague, next to the Hofvijver. The complex of buildings houses are the meeting place of both houses of the States General, as well as the Ministry of General Affairs and the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. This place has been the location of meetings of the Dutch parliament since 1446, and the center of Dutch politics for centuries.

Built in the 13th century, the Gothic castle was originally a residence for the Counts of Holland and became the political center of the Dutch Republic in 1584. Additional buildings were added around the court including the most famous part of the Binnenhof, the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall), where the King holds his annual speech at Prinsjesdag every third Tuesday of September.

Step inside Het Binnenhof for a look through the Ridderzaal and the First and/or the Second Chamber of Parliament. Start with an introductory video that explains the history of the Dutch parliament and the parliamentary buildings. Then, you can explore the House of Representatives.