Willemskerk (William's Church), Hague
The William's Church (Willemskerk), now known as William's court (Willemshof), is a historic building situated in Willemspark, The Hague. Initially built in 1846 as a riding school for King Willem II, it was repurposed as a church in 1856 and served in this capacity until 1962. The building is a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture, showcasing influences of both English Gothicism and neo-Gothicism, popular during King Willem II's reign. Its octagonal braces are a notable feature.
Architect Elie Saraber (1808-1878) oversaw the church's renovation. With 2,086 seats, it was once the largest-seating church in the Netherlands. The baptismal font, pulpit, and communion service were designed by the King's Architect, Henri Camp. The tower was specially modified to accommodate church bells.
Historically significant, Queens Wilhelmina and Juliana were baptized in this church. However, in 1971, most of the William's Church was demolished, leaving only the tower and facade. Behind these, an office building was constructed, named William's court, and inaugurated in 1975 by Crown Princess Beatrix. This building has since been used by the Association of Dutch Municipalities and related associations.
In 2008, architect Freek Claessens renovated the office to meet new requirements, making the monumental facade more prominent. Today, William's court stands as a blend of historical architecture and modern functionality, symbolizing the adaptive reuse of architectural heritage.
Architect Elie Saraber (1808-1878) oversaw the church's renovation. With 2,086 seats, it was once the largest-seating church in the Netherlands. The baptismal font, pulpit, and communion service were designed by the King's Architect, Henri Camp. The tower was specially modified to accommodate church bells.
Historically significant, Queens Wilhelmina and Juliana were baptized in this church. However, in 1971, most of the William's Church was demolished, leaving only the tower and facade. Behind these, an office building was constructed, named William's court, and inaugurated in 1975 by Crown Princess Beatrix. This building has since been used by the Association of Dutch Municipalities and related associations.
In 2008, architect Freek Claessens renovated the office to meet new requirements, making the monumental facade more prominent. Today, William's court stands as a blend of historical architecture and modern functionality, symbolizing the adaptive reuse of architectural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Willemskerk (William's Church) on Map
Sight Name: Willemskerk (William's Church)
Sight Location: Hague, Netherlands (See walking tours in Hague)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Hague, Netherlands (See walking tours in Hague)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Hague, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Hague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Scheveningen Walking Tour
Originally an independent fishing village, today Scheveningen is one of The Hague's eight districts. With its long beaches loved by both the young and old in all seasons, Scheveningen gets particularly crowded in summer.
Modern as it is, this seaside resort, the most popular in Holland, boasts a great deal of history – stretching all the way back to 1280 – with the locals still... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Modern as it is, this seaside resort, the most popular in Holland, boasts a great deal of history – stretching all the way back to 1280 – with the locals still... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hague's Classic Architectural Jewels
As the third largest metropolis in the Netherlands, The Hague has plenty to offer architecturally discerning travelers. The city is a living proof of a harmonious coexistence between a modern, easy on the eye skyline and a steeped in history downtown. Owing to its fascinating (political) past, The Hague has a plethora of historic buildings associated with worship, governance, royalty and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The Hague Introduction Walking Tour
While the official capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, The Hague is the country's de facto capital and administrative center.
Little is known about the origin of The Hague as such. What is certain is that it was founded by one of the last counts of the House of Holland, Floris IV, who already owned two residences in the area, but had his eye set on a waterfront property near the pond... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Little is known about the origin of The Hague as such. What is certain is that it was founded by one of the last counts of the House of Holland, Floris IV, who already owned two residences in the area, but had his eye set on a waterfront property near the pond... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles