Cities
Netherlands The Hague South Holland Historical Landmark

Ridderzaal

About

The Ridderzaal, or Hall of Knights, is the architectural centerpiece of the Binnenhof and one of the most iconic historic buildings in The Hague. Dating back to the 13th century, it was originally part of a medieval castle complex and today stands as a powerful symbol of Dutch statehood. Its striking Gothic façade and twin towers lead into a grand hall with high wooden beams, stained‑glass windows, and a regal atmosphere that evokes centuries of political and ceremonial life. The Ridderzaal is best known as the setting for Prinsjesdag, when the monarch delivers the Speech from the Throne to open the parliamentary year. Though steeped in tradition, the hall remains a living part of the nation’s democratic process. Its blend of medieval grandeur and modern significance makes it an essential landmark for anyone exploring the history and identity of The Hague.

The Hague Netherlands
Ridderzaal
Location

Ridderzaal is located at Binnenhof 11 within the historic Binnenhof complex, in the heart of The Hague's city centre beside the Hofvijver pond. This 13th-century Gothic Knights' Hall serves as the centrepiece of the Dutch parliamentary seat, used for the annual Prinsjesdag speech from the throne and official receptions. Nearby are key landmarks including the Mauritshuis museum, ProDemos visitor centre, Torentje (Prime Minister's office), Grote Kerk, City Hall, Nieuwe Kerk and Buitenhof shopping arcade, all within easy walking distance; access is limited during ongoing renovations.

Mauritshuis Mauritshuis Museum Kunstmuseum Den Haag Kunstmuseum Den Haag Museum Escher in Het Paleis Escher in Het Paleis Museum Panorama Mesdag Panorama Mesdag Museum Museum Beelden aan Zee Museum Beelden aan Zee Museum Louwman Museum Louwman Museum Museum Haags Historisch Museum Haags Historisch Museum Museum Museum Bredius Museum Bredius Museum Galerij Prins Willem V Galerij Prins Willem V Museum Museum de Gevangenpoort Museum de Gevangenpoort Museum Fotomuseum Den Haag Fotomuseum Den Haag Museum KM21 KM21 Museum Kinderboekenmuseum Kinderboekenmuseum Museum Huis van het Boek Huis van het Boek Museum Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel Museum Atlantikwall Museum Scheveningen Atlantikwall Museum Scheveningen Museum Muzee Scheveningen Muzee Scheveningen Museum Louis Couperus Museum Louis Couperus Museum Museum Museum Van Kleef Museum Van Kleef Museum De Mesdag Collectie De Mesdag Collectie Museum Koninklijke Schouwburg Koninklijke Schouwburg Theatre Theater aan het Spui Theater aan het Spui Theatre Amare Amare Concert Hall Korzo Theater Korzo Theater Theatre Theater PePijn Theater PePijn Theatre Theater De Regentes Theater De Regentes Theatre Binnenhof Binnenhof Palace Noordeinde Palace Noordeinde Palace Castle Huis ten Bosch Huis ten Bosch Castle Binckhorst Castle Binckhorst Castle Castle Peace Palace Peace Palace Museum Grote Kerk Grote Kerk Church Kloosterkerk Kloosterkerk Church Oude Kerk Scheveningen Oude Kerk Scheveningen Church Antonius Abtkerk Antonius Abtkerk Church Paschaliskerk Paschaliskerk Church Scheveningen Pier Scheveningen Pier Tourist attractions Madurodam Madurodam Tourist attractions Independence Monument Independence Monument Historical Landmark Zuiderpark Zuiderpark Park Haagse Bos Haagse Bos Park Japanese Garden Japanese Garden Garden Westduinpark Westduinpark Park