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    Tourist Attractions in the Hague

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in the Hague. Photos and a brief description.

    The Hague
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    About the Hague

    The Hague, standing on the turbulent shores of the North Sea, is considered the political capital of the Netherlands. The offices of such important organizations as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are located here. Perhaps that is why The Hague is perceived as a strict and serious city, where there is no place for entertainment.

    But the first impression is wrong. Tourists here will find an incredible number of interesting museums, palaces, shady parks and even a real beach, no matter how strange it may be for a northern city. And, nevertheless, the Scheveningen area of The Hague is a prestigious resort with a well–maintained coastline, where you can have a great rest, enjoying the seascapes and even get a tan, provided that you are lucky with the weather.

    Top Tourist Attractions in the Hague

    Peace Palace

    The palace was built in 1907-1913 at the expense of E. Carnegie, an industrialist and philanthropist from the USA. The idea of creating such a building appeared in the wake of numerous conferences and assemblies dedicated to world peace. The building was built in the Neo-Renaissance style by the French architect L. Carbonnier. The palace houses a museum and a library containing a huge amount of materials on international law.

    Peace Palace
    Scheveningen

    Scheveningen

    The resort area of The Hague, located on the shore of the North Sea. It is famous for its long sandy beaches and suitable conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. On the territory of the district there are several interesting museums, an oceanarium, a miniature park and a theater. In the XIX century, there was a fishing village on the site of the Scheveningen district, until one of the locals came up with the idea to offer rich citizens to take salt baths away from prying eyes.

    Pier Scheveningen

    The pier is located on the territory of the district of the same name. It was included in the list of attractions of The Hague because of its unusual design. The pier consists of two levels. The lower one is a covered glass gallery, the upper one is an open observation deck. The end of the structure, which rests on the sea, is divided into four parts-"islands", where restaurants and shops work. There is also a 60-meter observation tower on the pier, where there is an equipped place for bungee jumping.

    Pier Scheveningen
    Binnenhof

    Binnenhof

    A complex of buildings that includes the residence of the Parliament and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, as well as several museums (including an art gallery) and historical monuments. The construction of the Binnenhof began under Willem II in the middle of the XIII century. The main number of buildings included in the complex are built in a Gothic manner around the Hoffaver Pond, a picturesque artificial reservoir dug in the distant 1350.

    Knight's Hall

    Ridderzaal is a small Gothic mansion, part of the Binnenhof architectural complex. It is used for royal receptions, solemn speeches by the monarch of the Netherlands, inter-parliamentary meetings and other state needs. The Ridderzaal was erected under Floris V according to the project of G. van Leyden. The building got its name because of the large front hall, in which all the events take place.

    Knight's Hall
    Nordeinde Palace

    Nordeinde Palace

    The official residence of the royal family. The castle was built in the middle of the XVI century and expanded at the beginning of the XVII century. The works were carried out according to the project of Dutch architects P. Post and J. van Kampen, who worked in the classicism style. Since 1815, after the liberation of the Netherlands from French rule, the royal residence has been located in Nordeinde. Tourists can freely enter only the palace garden.

    Hayes Ten Bos Palace

    The structure stands in the middle of the Haagse-Bos Park in the northern part of The Hague (previously it was outside the city). The palace is another active residence of the king. Monarchs have always preferred to spend more time in Hayes ten Bos than in their other castles. The building is built in the classic Dutch style. Inside there is a magnificent hall of fame of the dynasty of the Princes of Orange, decorated with paintings by famous Dutch masters.

    Hayes Ten Bos Palace
    Old Town Hall

    Old Town Hall

    The Town Hall was built in the XVI century in the Renaissance style. Previously, there was a count's castle in its place. The city government meets in another building, marriages are registered here and birth certificates are issued. The Town Hall managed to avoid the destruction of the troubled period of the Dutch Revolution and preserve its unique architectural appearance. Restoration and expansion of the building were carried out in 1882.

    St. James ' Church

    One of the main Protestant churches of The Hague, the first mention of which dates back to the XIII century (at that time there was a wooden church on this site). The shape of the hexagonal church tower, in general, is not typical of the traditional architecture of the Netherlands, so the building stands out from the general background. The interior has preserved ancient stained glass windows and the bishop's pulpit, made in the XVI century.

    St. James ' Church
    Mauritshuis

    Mauritshuis

    An art gallery located on the territory of a small palace of the XVII century. The art collection was placed here in 1820 after the state bought the building from a private owner. The Mauritshuis collection presents works by Dutch artists whose work belongs to the "golden age" of Dutch painting – P. Potter, R. van Rijn, I. Vermeer, F. Hals.

    Miniature Park "Madyurodam"

    The park is located within the resort area of Scheveningen. It is a typical Dutch city, reduced to the size of 1:25. Trains run here, people walk along the alleys of real parks, passenger and cargo ships go in improvised bays. Everything is real, only miniature sizes. "Madurodam" was created in 1952, since then it has been under the patronage of ex-Queen Beatrix.

    Miniature Park
    Lowman Museum on

    Lowman Museum on

    The collection is based on a private collection of retro cars owned by the Louvmann family. More than 240 copies are presented to the audience, including rare copies made in Holland in the last century. All cars are in working condition, some of them have not even been restored, as they have been preserved quite well.

    Panorama of Mesdakh

    A large panoramic canvas painted by the Dutch marine painter H. V. Meskhad with the help of his students at the end of the XIX century. It depicts the fishermen's village of Scheveningen at a time when it was not yet a popular resort area. The painting is located in a specially built building for it. The grandiose canvas reaches 120 meters in length and 14 meters in height.

    Panorama of Mesdakh
    Escher Museum

    Escher Museum

    The museum's exposition is dedicated to the work of M. K. Escher, a famous Dutch graphic artist of the XX century. A permanent exhibition of his works was organized in 2002 on the territory of the historical mansion of the XVIII century, where Queen Emma Wilhelmina Theresa lived until her death. The collection includes drawings, sketches and engravings created by the master in different periods of his work.

    Municipal Museum

    A whole museum complex, under the roof of which there are collections of paintings of the XIX-XX centuries, decorative and applied and modern art, as well as expositions dedicated to musical instruments and fashion. The City Museum was opened in 1935 in a building designed by H. P. Berlage. Today, his collection is considered one of the most significant in the Netherlands in terms of cultural value.

    Municipal Museum
    Museon

    Museon

    A scientific, educational and educational center for children, where young visitors learn about the biological and cultural diversity of the world. Among the exhibits are stuffed animals, tools of ancient peoples, national costumes. The museum is intended for the whole family, but its collection will be, first of all, interesting to children 4-7 years old, who during the tour try to play folk musical instruments, cook simple dishes, and also take part in fun games.

    Prison Gates

    In the XIV century, in the premises that were attached to the city gate, there was a prison for lawbreakers awaiting trial. The dungeon existed until the beginning of the XIX century. In 1882, a museum was organized here. His collection consists of ancient torture instruments, as well as items of furniture in which prisoners were kept. Visitors can walk through the gloomy cells and feel the eerie prison atmosphere.

    Prison Gates
    Museum

    Museum "Sculptures on the sea"

    An open-air exhibition consisting of original iron sculptures (some of the exhibits are kept indoors). Also in the museum there are specially designated places for the organization of temporary exhibitions. The collection was created in 1994. In 2004, a research institute dedicated to the study of sculpture as one of the art forms was established at the museum.

    Circus

    The theater is located in the resort area of Scheveningen. It was erected at the beginning of the XX century. Until the 1960s, circus performances were mainly held here. As a full-fledged theater, the Circus started working only in the 1990s. The famous musical Les Miserables was shown as the premiere production. Since then, the theater has specialized in musical plays in this genre.

    Circus
    Passage

    Passage

    A trading house built in the neo-Renaissance style in 1882. There are boutiques and shops selling antiques, clothes of famous brands, souvenirs, interior items, as well as small restaurants where you can relax in between purchases. The building is covered with a glass dome and a roof, the interior space is decorated with arched spans and columns.

    Grand Hotel "Amrath Kurhaus"

    The hotel is located in the Scheveningen district right on the shore of the North Sea. The architecture of the early XX century and aristocratic interiors decorated with frescoes and paintings are combined with modern renovation and excellent equipment of the rooms. In good weather, guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace, which offers the harsh beauty of the landscapes of the North Sea.

    Grand Hotel
    Westbrook Park

    Westbrook Park

    The park was laid out in Scheveningen in the 1920s, designed by the designer P. Westbrook. In summer, a huge number of roses bloom here, and the space is filled with their rich aroma. During this period, there are quite a lot of visitors to the park, although in other seasons it is considered a quiet and peaceful place. There is a lake, playgrounds and well-groomed walking alleys. Restaurants and coffee shops are available for guests.

    The Hague Forest

    A park in the central part of the city, spread over an area of 100 hectares. It is a popular place for encouraging morning runs and quiet afternoon walks. The Hague Forest is often called "a thicket a step away from civilization", as here you can safely hide from the boring city bustle. Turning off the beaten city routes into the park, the tourist finds himself surrounded by greenery, flowers and birdsong.

    The Hague Forest
    Klingendale Park

    Klingendale Park

    Klingendale is a 17th–century estate surrounded by a park in the classic French style. The territory belongs to the city, so free passage is open for tourists. The green zone is divided into several parts, which includes Dutch and Japanese gardens, a rose garden, lawns of rhododendrons, forest lands and pasture. Walking paths are laid along the park alleys, along which it is pleasant to walk on a fine day.

    Japanese Garden

    The garden is part of Klingendale Park. It was arranged by a Dutch duchess, who at the beginning of the XX century brought plants and decorative elements for the arrangement of the park from Japan. The garden works only one and a half months a year from the end of April to the middle of June, as its delicate flora requires special care and protection, especially in unusual climatic conditions.

    Japanese Garden