Ridderzaal, Gothic great hall at Binnenhof complex, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Ridderzaal is a great hall inside the Binnenhof complex in The Hague, built in Gothic style. Pointed arch windows with colored heraldic glass line the long walls, while the open timber roof rises above the single unbroken room.
Count Floris V commissioned the hall in the 13th century as part of his residence. Later rulers used it for receptions and feasts until it was adapted for parliamentary ceremonies during the 19th century.
Every third Tuesday in September, members of Parliament gather here to hear the monarch read the annual speech. This ceremony draws thousands of people who line the surrounding courtyards to watch the royal carriage arrive.
Visitors enter through Binnenhof 142 and pass a security check before accessing the building. Guided tours explain the function of the room and point out details of the timber construction and window glass.
Carved wooden heads attached to the roof beams were placed there in medieval times to symbolically prevent dishonesty during political meetings. These figures still look down on the members of Parliament who gather each September for the throne speech.
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