Knights’ Hall

Monument in The Hague

Published: 17 August 2009 Modified: 14 October 2009

Without a doubt, the most striking building on the Binnenhof is the Knights’ Hall, built in the 13th and 14th centuries as the castle for the Earls of Holland.

The Main Hall, which has been called the Knights’ Hall since the 19th century, dates from the second half of the 13th century. The famous wooden covering was demolished in 1861, however, less than forty years later it was replaced by an exact copy. Since 1904 the Knights’ Hall has been the setting for the reading of the Queen’s speech at the annual opening of Parliament. In her speech, the Queen announces the government’s plans for the coming year to the parliament and to the Dutch people.