Ridderzaal

The Hall of Knights stands at the centre of the Binnenhof complex and dates to the thirteenth century, when it served as the great hall of the counts of Holland. Its high timber roof, shaped like an inverted ship's hull, spans the medieval space without internal columns. Each year the Dutch monarch delivers the throne speech here on Prinsjesdag, the ceremonial opening of the parliamentary session. Outside of these events the hall can be visited, its rows of banners and rose windows recalling its origins as a seat of feudal power.