Binnenhof (Inner Court), Hague (must see)

In November 1229 Count Floris IV of County Holland bought a lakeside homestead from one Meiland van Wassenaar. Count Floris improved the property, changing the homestead into a Keep. Floris' son, William, continued the development and built the Ridderzaal.

The Ridderzaal was in two parts, attached to the rear of the Binnenhof and facing the lake, Hofvijver. On one side was the court chapel and on the other the Knights' House. The Ridderhuis functioned as a resting place and shelter for visiting knights. It was the airport motel of its time.

Facing the calm waters of the Hofvijver on the western corner of the Binnenhof is the Senate chamber. The House of Representatives congregates in a chamber in the modern wing. The Prime Minister now inhabits the Torentje, his own "little tower." In the northwest wing is the Trevezaal. A conference room for the Cabinet.

The entire government complex of the Binnenhof is open to the public without charge. There are tours most days. The inner court has been kept basically unchanged. It is easy to imagine oneself in a much earlier time.