Binnenhof

The Binnenhof ( German: Inner courtyard ) is a complex of buildings in the center of The Hague. Since 1446, the Dutch parliament assembled here ( Staten Generaal ); see Dutch policy. The city of The Hague developed from the 13th century to the Binnenhof around who had various functions in the course of history. In the Golden Age ( 17th century ) was the Binnenhof, the center of European diplomacy. He was declared a Rijksmonument.

History

The emergence of the internal courtyard is not known with certainty. The oldest building to have been built in the late 12th or early 13th century; under the " Rolgebouw " ( courthouse ), as the Binnenhof was first called, remains of walls were found from this period.

One theory holds that Count Floris IV had acquired the area around the courthouse around 1229. It is certain that his son Count William II of Holland 1250 there began the construction of a castle, which was to replace the old hunting seat of the family. His son Floris V completed the construction and moved his residence 1291 's- Gravenhage around which a settlement developed over the centuries and from 1593 became the political center of the Netherlands.

Today the boardrooms of the First (comparable to the German Bundesrat ) and the Second Chamber are located in the Binnenhof (comparable to the German Bundestag ) of the Dutch States General.

The Binnenhof was surrounded by canals and in the north by the " Hofvijver ", the castle pond, limited. Today, the castle pond and a short piece canals are only obtained that ( Outer Court ), which belong to the complex, now busy forecourt ends on Buitenhof. Apart from the Binnenhof is the Mauritshuis, which today serves as a museum.

Construction

The Binnenhof consists of a large rectangular courtyard, which is surrounded by various buildings and lead to the several entrances. On the east side of the western square, a native of the time Floris V. Ridderzaal is ( Knights' Hall ), a by its two flanking towers sacred -sounding building that serves official receptions and annually on the third Tuesday in September - the Budget Day - scene of the opening of parliament by the represents speech from the throne the monarch / of the monarch. The building was built by Gerard van Leyden as a banquet hall in the 13th century. Later he served temporarily as a market, convertible bonds and exercise hall, children's playground, archive and Hospital, even the state lottery had their headquarters here once with the restoration from 1898 to 1904 he was handed his new official capacity.

To the east of the Knight's Hall closes to the oldest assembly, presumably since Philip is serving the good as a court. The castle pond facing the north wing contains the former meeting room of the States General, the Prime Minister's Office and the office of the State Information Service. The " Rolzaal " and the " Trêvezaal " serve state receptions, the latter holds seven canvas painting of 1688. In the north- west wing is the seat of the First Chamber of the States General, which functions similar to the German Federal perceives and is a representation of the twelve provinces of the country. In the niches of 1652, built by Pieter Post hall remember painted medallions of famous statesmen. About the chair of the Chairman is to see a portrait of King William II of the Netherlands State coat of arms. Also on the Buitenhof the king is represented with a still image.

The building complex also includes the Gevangenenpoort ( prison gate ), which served as a prison until the 19th century. Here was imprisoned, among other Cornelis de Witt. 1773 was Prince William V set up an art gallery in the adjacent building, where he exhibited his private photo collection - and thus founded the first museum in the Netherlands. Even today, this section of the building is decorated in the style of the 18th century, the pictures hanging on the walls to the ceiling. The actual collection but was long since converted to the Mauritshuis.

The former ballroom from 1790, located in the south wing of the internal courtyard, served until 1992 as the seat of the Second Chamber of the Netherlands, which corresponds to the German Bundestag and legislative power has. The wooden wall paneling can still be seen today.

Since 1992, the Deputies meet in the opposite construction of Pi de Bruijn. No daylight penetrates into the green and blue held space and a modern communication system has replaced the ushers.