The Royal Palace in Amsterdam looks over the popular and very often bustling Dam square. With many visitors and locals hitting this part of the city as either part of their daily routine, or to enjoy some time away from home, it’s no surprise that Dam Square is a busy hub of activity and entertainment in Amsterdam.
Although it’s named the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, there is very little Royal activity as they tend to live in Den Haag. The original purpose of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam was as a city hall in the 17th century. At that point in time it was the largest secular building in the whole of Europe.
Nowadays the Royal palace in Amsterdam is used primarily for functions of the state as well as many other Royal occasions.
Finding the Royal Palace in Amsterdam is no problem at all. If your arriving from Central Station then a quick 5 minute walk down the Damrak will lead you straight into Dam Square. Once you arrive at Dam Square, spotting the Royal palace in Amsterdam is easy as it’s right in front of you in all it’s architectural glory.
Tours of the Royal palace in Amsterdam used to be available, but as there are major renovations going on inside the building. All tours are currently closed. Once the renovation work is completed, there’s no doubt that the usual tours will again proceed (Amsterdam is a city of tours). For additional info or to find out if the tours will be running when you get there, You can contact the Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is one of 3 palaces at the Queens disposal. Although not owned by the Queen, the state make these properties available for the Royal family along with the Golden Coach.
A few quirky facts about the Royal Palace:
- The Royal Palace is now an elaborate function room.
- Queen Beatrix is a tenant here, although she lives in the Hague and pays less than €1 for a years rent on the Royal Palace in Dam Square.
- Originally designed as a Town hall.
- Designed and built by Jacob Van Campen in 1662
- The Palace is built on 13,659 wooden stilts to prevent it suffering subsidence.
- On the back of the palace, Atlas has been holding a 1 tonne copper globe on his shoulders since it’s creation all those years ago.
- In the bankruptcy room, there are carvings of rats all around.
- In 1935, the Dutch Government bought the Palace from the Royals and restored it to it’s magnificent state.
More info:
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/
Phone: +31 (0) 20 620 40 60
