Eight centuries of power
The Binnenhof has been the seat of government since the thirteenth century.
Effeietsanders (talk) — CC BY-SA 3.0 nl · Hubertl — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hubertl — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hubertl — CC BY-SA 4.0
A historic gate at the Binnenhof in The Hague, known by two names both in use: the Grenadierspoort and the Mauritspoort. The Binnenhof itself is the context. The complex began in the thirteenth century as a palace of the counts of Holland, became the seat of government, and today houses the Dutch parliament — meaning it has remained the centre of power in this territory for some eight continuous centuries, which is rare in Europe. The gates are part of that long history: the complex was walled with defined entrances, and their names point at who guarded them or who they were associated with. The Grenadiers were an infantry unit that guarded the entrance, and Maurits refers to Maurice of Nassau, the commander who reshaped Dutch army tactics during the Eighty Years' War. The complex has undergone major restoration and parts have been closed to the public for years, which is worth checking before a visit. Practical points: the gate is free to see from outside. Access to the Binnenhof's inner courtyards may be restricted because of the restoration — check before going.
The Binnenhof has been the seat of government since the thirteenth century.
The Grenadiers guarded the entrance; Maurits led in the Eighty Years' War.
Parts of the complex have been shut for years — do not assume access.
The Binnenhof, central The Hague
MauritshuisA small seventeenth-century palace in central The Hague, holding one of the fine1 min walk
The BinnenhofThe world's oldest working parliament as building: the Binnenhof — 'inner court'1 min walk
Museum BrediusMuseum Bredius is an eighteenth-century house on a canal near the Binnenhof, hol2 min walk
The Prison Gate MuseumA castle gate that became a prison that became a museum: the Gevangenpoort was b3 min walk
Pulchri StudioAn artists' society and exhibition rooms in an eighteenth-century mansion on the3 min walkIt depends on the stage of the restoration. The complex entered a comprehensive renovation lasting years during which parliament moved to a temporary building and the courtyards and tours were closed. Check the current position before visiting — you may find only the gates and facades, or the courtyards may have reopened.
The Mauritshuis is metres away and holds Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson — among the finest small museums in the world. The Hofvijver pond lies directly in front of the complex, and Noordeinde Palace is a short walk. This corner gathers the best of The Hague.
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