A History of The Hague

Stroll through the heart of The Hague’s old city centre you’ll feel something regal in the air.

Last modified: 15 April 2013

The Hague is a city of international importance with many faces, home to many different cultures. Once little more than a country house near a pond, The Hague has developed into a city of international character and importanc ...

Last modified: 12 January 2012

The story of The Hague is one of sea and dunes. People have been attracted by its favourable location for thousands of years.

Last modified: 12 January 2012

People left traces and things behind in the ground, and those are regularly found again. Every object has its story: about the city’s past and about how its people lived and built, and what they ate. These stories are worth p ...

Last modified: 25 November 2011

After the rule of Kings William I, William II and William III in the 19th century, Queen Wilhelmina, grandmother of Queen Beatrix, was the first female to ascend the throne in 1898.

Last modified: 16 June 2011

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. After three consecutive queens, King Willem Alexander is the first king of the Netherlands for over a century. He succeeded his mother, Princess Beatrix, who abdicated in his favo ...

Last modified: 6 May 2013

The 20th century saw The Hague’s coming of age as an international city of peace and justice. In 1899 hundreds of delegates from 26 countries gathered for three months at Huis ten Bosch (the royal residence) for the First Pea ...

Last modified: 23 November 2009

An extensive inventory of all the cemeteries in The Hague has produced a detailed overview of the graves of historically important figures.

Last modified: 28 November 2011 - Overview

The Hague is a beautiful city behind the dunes and today still known as 'the largest village of Europe'. It’s a city that is full of history and royalty.

Last modified: 10 November 2011 - Overview

Quite a number of well-known Dutch people were born and/or raised in The Hague. The following is a limited and random selection:

Last modified: 5 March 2012