Description of the attraction
Amsterdam, the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a city with a rich architectural history. Many ancient buildings have survived here, which invariably attract the attention of tourists.
The Royal Palace is considered the architectural gem of Amsterdam. The building was built in 1665 by the famous Dutch architect Jacob van Kampen, a prominent representative of Dutch classicism, and the palace is a fine example of this architectural style. However, the building was not built as a palace, it was the building of the Amsterdam City Hall. Classic proportions and luxurious interior decoration were meant to symbolize the greatness and wealth of Amsterdam. At the time, it was the largest administrative building in Europe.
Louis Bonaparte, who came to power in 1806, made the town hall his palace. After a while, power again returned to the Orange dynasty. Amsterdam became the capital of the united kingdom of the Netherlands, and the capital could not do without the official royal residence.
Now the palace is used for ceremonies, presentation of state awards, various official receptions, etc. During the holidays, the Dutch monarchs greet the inhabitants of the country from the balcony of the palace.
The length of the main hall of the palace is over 36 m, width - 18 m, height - 27.5 m. There is a map of the world on the marble floor. On the dome of the building, at the top of the spire, there is a weather vane in the shape of a ship, the symbol of Amsterdam.
The palace houses a collection of paintings by famous Dutch artists, incl. Rembrandt and Hovert Flink.
The palace is open to the public at times when there are no official events taking place there.
