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Ridderzaal

Ridderzaal, meaning Knight’s Hall, is a historic hall in the Binnenhof complex in The Hague, Netherlands. It is one of the oldest parts of the complex and a focal point of Dutch political history. The hall sits within the medieval core of the Binnenhof, overlooking the Hofvijver and facing the Buitenhof.

Historically, the Ridderzaal dates to the late Middle Ages, built in the 13th to 14th centuries for

Today the Ridderzaal is best known for its ceremonial function. Each year on Prinsjesdag, the Speech from

the
Counts
of
Holland
and
later
serving
as
a
principal
meeting
place
for
the
States
General
and
other
governing
bodies.
Over
the
centuries
it
has
undergone
modifications
and
restorations,
but
it
has
retained
its
character
as
a
large
Gothic
hall
with
a
timber
roof
and
stone
columns.
It
has
remained
closely
tied
to
the
governance
and
ceremonial
life
of
the
Dutch
state.
the
Throne
is
delivered
to
the
joint
session
of
the
States
General
from
a
raised
dais
in
the
hall,
marking
the
formal
opening
of
the
parliamentary
year.
Outside
of
these
official
events,
the
hall
is
part
of
the
national
heritage
and
is
presented
as
a
symbol
of
Dutch
constitutional
history.
The
Ridderzaal
continues
to
be
a
prominent
architectural
and
historical
landmark
within
the
Binnenhof
complex,
reflecting
its
enduring
role
in
Dutch
government.