Kneuterdijk Palace, Hague
Kneuterdijk Palace, situated in The Hague, holds a significant historical and governmental role today as the headquarters of the Council of State (Raad van State).
This architectural gem, constructed in 1716 during the Louis XIV era by the renowned architect Daniel Marot, was commissioned by Count Johan Hendrik of Wassenaer-Obdam, a member of the House of Wassenaer. Initially, the palace served as the residence for King William II of the Netherlands and his wife, Queen Anna Paulowna, during the first half of the 19th century, when he held the title of crown prince. King William II made notable additions to the palace complex, incorporating English Tudor-style buildings, with the "Gothic Hall" being the sole surviving example. The design of this hall was inspired by the grand dining hall at Christ Church, Oxford, where King William II had studied as an alumnus.
Subsequently, the palace was used by their grandson, Crown Prince William, between 1858 and his passing in 1879. In the 1930s, Princess Juliana occasionally utilized the premises. Following World War II, the former ballroom of the palace became the venue for the trials of Dutch war criminals, with some receiving death sentences. Later, the Ministry of Finance occupied the building for an extended period. However, after extensive restoration efforts were completed in 2001, Kneuterdijk Palace became the official residence of the Netherlands' Council of State.
The Council of State holds a vital constitutional role in the Netherlands, serving as an advisory body to the government and the States General. Its members include both members of the royal family and individuals appointed by the Crown, typically possessing backgrounds in politics, commerce, diplomacy, or the military. Established in 1531, the Council of State stands as one of the world's oldest functioning state organizations, contributing significantly to the Dutch governance structure.
This architectural gem, constructed in 1716 during the Louis XIV era by the renowned architect Daniel Marot, was commissioned by Count Johan Hendrik of Wassenaer-Obdam, a member of the House of Wassenaer. Initially, the palace served as the residence for King William II of the Netherlands and his wife, Queen Anna Paulowna, during the first half of the 19th century, when he held the title of crown prince. King William II made notable additions to the palace complex, incorporating English Tudor-style buildings, with the "Gothic Hall" being the sole surviving example. The design of this hall was inspired by the grand dining hall at Christ Church, Oxford, where King William II had studied as an alumnus.
Subsequently, the palace was used by their grandson, Crown Prince William, between 1858 and his passing in 1879. In the 1930s, Princess Juliana occasionally utilized the premises. Following World War II, the former ballroom of the palace became the venue for the trials of Dutch war criminals, with some receiving death sentences. Later, the Ministry of Finance occupied the building for an extended period. However, after extensive restoration efforts were completed in 2001, Kneuterdijk Palace became the official residence of the Netherlands' Council of State.
The Council of State holds a vital constitutional role in the Netherlands, serving as an advisory body to the government and the States General. Its members include both members of the royal family and individuals appointed by the Crown, typically possessing backgrounds in politics, commerce, diplomacy, or the military. Established in 1531, the Council of State stands as one of the world's oldest functioning state organizations, contributing significantly to the Dutch governance structure.
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Kneuterdijk Palace on Map
Sight Name: Kneuterdijk Palace
Sight Location: Hague, Netherlands (See walking tours in Hague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hague, Netherlands (See walking tours in Hague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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.
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
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 鈥� stretching all the way back to 1280 鈥� 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 鈥� stretching all the way back to 1280 鈥� with the locals still... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 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