Kanselarij, Gothic monument in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
The Kanselarij is a historic building on the Turfmarkt in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, recognizable by its stepped gable facade decorated with nine stone figures representing divine providence and female personifications. Inside, several rooms are used for events and gatherings, including the Grote Zaal and the Rembrandtzaal.
The building was constructed between 1566 and 1571 to serve as the seat of the Hof van Friesland, the regional court of justice. Over the following centuries it was used as a hospital, then as barracks, and later as a museum before returning to civic use.
Four stone lions on the terrace each represent one of the historic regions of Friesland: Oostergo, Westergo, Zevenwouden, and the Frisian cities. They are still visible today and give the building a strong regional identity that visitors notice right away.
The building is generally open on weekdays, though access to certain rooms may depend on events taking place at the time. It is worth checking ahead before visiting to know which parts of the building can be seen.
During recent restoration work, lead bullets were found embedded in the steps of the original oak spiral staircase from 1571. Their presence points to violent events at some point in the building's long past, though no written record clearly explains when or why.
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