BINNENHOF
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The center of power of the Netherlands, consisting of several remarkable buildings occupied by the various political bodies
It's the center of power in the Netherlands, where the government and parliament have been based for centuries (although Amsterdam is the country's political and economic capital). Located in the heart of the historic city, the Binnenhof (meaning inner courtyard) comprises a number of remarkable buildings occupied by the various political bodies, grouped around a large interior space that can be crossed freely. The body of water bordering the northern part of the complex, which can be easily circumnavigated in the city, is called Hofvijver (Court Pond). The origins of the complex are not precisely known, but the oldest buildings date back to 1230. In the center of the Binnenhof, a Gothic chapel-like building with two towers houses the Knights' Hall (Ridderzaal), home to the Royal Throne. The ProDemos Visitor Centre organizes guided tours of the Ridderzaal and the two chambers of Parliament (one for senators, the other for deputies) all year round. Note the superb neo-Gothic fountain designed by P. Cuypers, donated by dignitaries as a thank-you for the renovation. The most interesting visit takes place on the3rd Tuesday in September, when the Budget Day opens and the monarch delivers the "Speech from the Throne", outlining the government's plans for the coming year. It's a very popular and well-publicized event. Information in French is available on the website.
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