Stadhuis, the grand old castle which is now the city hall, was originally built in 1250 as a hunting lodge for Count William II of Holland. In the latter part of the 13th century, Count William’s son, Floris V, added a church and monastery for Dominican monks at the rear of the Haarlem hunting lodge. Both kings led successful lives, but their ends were rather ignominious. William II was killed when his horse fell through ice and he was attacked by Frisians, while Floris V was murdered by his vassals. See their portraits still hanging in the Stadhuis.
Several framed works from the golden age of Dutch painting decorate the Stadhuis walls. Look for a number of religious artworks, which are thought to have been moved to the hall to preserve them from the ransacking of Catholic icons that occurred in the 16th century. The building also houses an intricate tapestry depicting scenes from the Crusades.
The Stadhuis had a makeover in the 17th century after the ravages of religious war and was given the neoclassical façade that faces the Grote Markt today. Admire the bell tower, which was rebuilt from original drawings in the 20th century.
Since the Stadhuis is still used as town offices, it is open to visitors only on select days. Visit on Open Monument Day, which takes place across the Netherlands over a September weekend. Ask at the door whether any parts of the Stadhuis can be toured on that day.
Visit another of William II’s 13th-century castles in The Hague. The Gothic Binnenhof, completed by his son Floris V, now functions as parliamentary offices.
After you leave Stadhuis, be sure to walk to the Cathedral of St. Bavo or Grote Kerk, the grand church alongside Grote Markt. Look for the crown on the top of its clock tower.
