The Royal Palace Amsterdam (also referred to as Koninklijk Paleis van Amsterdam or Paleis op de Dam) is likely one of the most important landmarks within the Netherlands. It’s within the heart of Amsterdam, reverse the Battle Memorial and subsequent to the Nieuwe Kerk. The palace’s historical past dates again to the Seventeenth Century when it was initially constructed as the town corridor for the magistrates of Amsterdam.
As we speak, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a nationwide monument, one in every of three palaces within the Netherlands that the Dutch monarch has entry to by Act of Parliament.
It’s a big cultural property and historic monument that draws guests from each nook of the earth. The palace is open to the general public yearly and hosts numerous exhibitions and occasions.
Under, you’ll discover all of my distinctive images from visiting the palace a number of occasions to assist information you on the customer expertise. I hope you respect this facet’s uniqueness and the direct private expertise I can provide (in spite of everything, I’m an Amsterdam resident).
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam options outstanding structure that displays the wealthy historical past of the Dutch Golden Age. It encompasses a neoclassical facade, a central dome, and 4 wings surrounding a big courtyard.
The palace’s inside is equally spectacular, with lavish decorations, marble flooring, and complicated murals. Guests can discover the palace’s many rooms, together with the Royal Flats, the Council Chamber, and the Residents’ Corridor.
Historical past
The Royal Palace Amsterdam, situated on the west facet of Dam Sq., was initially constructed as a metropolis corridor for the burgomaster and magistrates of Amsterdam. The celebrated architect Jacob van Campen designed the palace and constructed it solely of white stone. The palace and metropolis corridor’s building had been accomplished in 4 phases, with the primary part opening in 1655.
Building
The palace’s design is an ideal instance of Baroque structure. With its grand entrance, spectacular staircase, and stylish furnishings, it drips with luxurious each inside and outside. Building started in 1648 and was accomplished in 1655. The second section started in 1660 and was accomplished in 1665. The third section started in 1734 and was accomplished in 1737.
The ultimate stage was added a lot later and was not a part of van Campen’s unique design. Building started in 1808 following the French-backed revolution and the ascension of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother to the throne. It was accomplished in 1815, 5 years after Louis Napoleon was compelled to give up.
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Royal Residence
In 1808, the palace grew to become the royal residence of King Louis Napoleon and later grew to become the property of the Dutch Royal Home of Orange-Nassau in 1936. Since then, the palace has been used for numerous royal features, together with state banquets, official receptions, and royal weddings.
As we speak, King Willem-Alexander and the Royal Home use the palace for leisure, official features, and state visits. Additionally it is a residence for state guests.
Museum
The palace is principally used as a museum and is incessantly open to the general public. Guests can discover the palace’s opulent rooms, together with the Throne Room, the Flats, the Citizen’s Corridor (typically referred to as Marble Corridor), and the Council Chamber (or Moses Corridor).
The palace additionally homes an unlimited assortment of artwork and historic artifacts, together with work by Rembrandt and different Dutch masters and a set of royal carriages.
Picture Gallery
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Structure and Design
Exterior
The palace’s structure is a wonderful instance of Dutch Classicism. Initially constructed because the City Corridor of Amsterdam within the mid-Seventeenth Century, the principal architect, Jacob van Campen, designed the constructing to mirror the ability and wealth of Amsterdam in the course of the interval generally known as the Dutch Golden Age.
Constructed on 13,659 picket piles, the palace encompasses a symmetrical facade with a central portico and two wings. The facade has sculptures and reliefs depicting mythological and historic figures from historical Rome and Greece.
The constructing’s exterior underwent a number of modifications over time. Within the early nineteenth Century, King Louis Napoleon I ordered the palace to be renovated within the French Empire fashion. The renovation included including a balcony and changing the palace’s unique dome with a brand new one.
Within the twentieth Century, the palace was restored to its unique Classicism fashion, eradicating most of the traces the previous occupiers added.
Inside
The inside is simply as spectacular as its exterior, that includes priceless items of furnishings, art work, and different ornamental objects of historic and inventive significance. This contains tapestries, chandeliers, clocks, and work by Dutch masters similar to Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol.
The palace options a number of grand rooms which might be open to the general public. Essentially the most notable of those rooms is the Residents’ Corridor, initially constructed because the city corridor’s primary corridor. The corridor has marble columns, a painted ceiling, a number of sculptures, and big chandeliers. It additionally encompasses a huge map of the world created within the Seventeenth Century.
Different notable rooms within the palace embody the Council Chamber, the Royal Flats, and the Throne Room. The Council Chamber was the place the town council of Amsterdam held its conferences. The room is dominated by the massive portray Moses and the Seventy Elders by well-known Dutch painter Jacob de Wit and different work of monarchs below an elaborate vaulted ceiling.
The Royal Flats are a set of rooms used for civic functions earlier than changing into royal bedrooms. They nonetheless bear the names of their outdated features, such because the Orphan Chamber and the Treasury Bizarre. These rooms are fantastically embellished and full of gorgeous furnishings, though don’t you dare sit!
The Throne Room is an artwork lover’s dream. It options flat and vaulted ceilings adorned with gorgeous frescoes and glistening chandeliers. Right here, you’ll discover quite a few portraits and crests of members of the Home of Orange.
See Associated: Rijksmuseum Journey Information: What to Know When Visiting
Artwork and Decorations
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is legendary for its wealthy and imposing decorations. The central theme, featured in a lot of the ornament, was the ability of the town authorities in Amsterdam particularly and the far attain of the Dutch Republic basically. The palace is dwelling to many work, sculptures, and items of furnishings that mirror the grandeur of the constructing.
Work and Sculptures
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam’s work and sculptures inform quite a few tales from when the palace was nonetheless the royal household and Amsterdam’s City Corridor. These distinctive artworks had been crafted by famend artists similar to Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol. These artworks are a significant a part of the palace’s wealthy historical past and add to its grandeur.
Furnishings and Decor
The furnishings and decor are simply as spectacular as its work and sculptures. The Empire furnishings introduced in by the youthful Napoleon has been restored to its former glory, and the tiger pores and skin carpets of the Treasury Bizarre (Louis’ outdated bed room) are the originals.
In different rooms, Seventeenth-century patterns beautify the partitions and curtains. The palace’s furnishings and decor are a testomony to the grandeur and energy of Amsterdam and the Dutch Republic, in addition to the French Imperial fashion and elan.
Tribunal
The Tribunal is a big historic function that provides guests a glimpse into the palace’s judicial previous. Because the palace was initially a metropolis corridor, justice was administered on this area. As we speak, vacationers can discover the Tribunal and respect its historic significance inside the palace’s grandeur.
It stands as a testomony to the palace’s multifaceted historical past past its royal associations, offering a deeper understanding of the societal features the constructing has served over the centuries. Visiting the Tribunal is important for these fascinated with Amsterdam’s authorized heritage.
See Associated: The place to Keep in Amsterdam
Customer Data
It is a extremely really helpful vacation spot for wanderers who need to uncover the town of Amsterdam, so listed here are some necessary particulars to know earlier than you go.
Hours and Admission
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is open to the general public most days of the 12 months. Hours differ relying on the season, so checking the official web site for up-to-date info is greatest. Admission costs additionally differ, with reductions accessible for youngsters, college students, and seniors. It’s necessary to notice that tickets for royal occasions should be bought prematurely, as they’re unavailable on the market on the palace.
Guided Excursions
For individuals who need a extra in-depth expertise, guided excursions can be found. These excursions are led by educated guides who can present perception into the historical past and structure of the palace. Audio excursions are additionally accessible in a number of languages, together with English, Dutch, and Spanish. It’s really helpful that you simply e-book a tour prematurely to make sure the provision of an audio information.
Accessibility
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is wheelchair accessible, with elevators to achieve all flooring. Service animals are additionally allowed contained in the palace. To make sure a clean go to, it’s really helpful that you simply contact the palace prematurely for those who want any particular accessibility.
The place to Keep Close to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Whereas individuals can keep on the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, they should be on a state go to, which counts most of us out! Alternatively, you may keep close by on the extremely hip W Amsterdam, as pictured above (simply have a look at these rooftop views), or push the boat out and be handled like royalty at Lodge TwentySeven, probably the most luxurious small inns on the planet.
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