Stadhouderlijk Hof, Palace and Rijksmonument in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
Stadhouderlijk Hof is a palace in Leeuwarden with a white facade and architectural features from the 16th century, including detailed stonework and tall windows. The building spans multiple floors and maintains its original lower floor structure, now housing a hotel within its historic walls.
Built in 1564 by Boudewijn van Loo, the palace served as residence for the Frisian branch of the House of Orange for nearly two centuries. Its departure from noble use marked a turning point when local power shifted away in 1747.
The palace contains an 18th-century portrait collection displaying works by notable Dutch artists, reflecting the interior design by Marot from 1710. These galleries reveal the artistic taste and self-representation of the noble family who once called this home.
The palace operates as a hotel today and welcomes visitors to experience accommodations within a historical setting. The spaces remain well-maintained and offer a chance to explore the building's interior while enjoying modern guest amenities.
William IV was the last stadtholder to live here before relocating his court to The Hague, marking the end of an era. This move symbolized the shift of Frisian power away from Leeuwarden to the Dutch capital.
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