When it pertains to Amsterdam, perhaps one of Europe's top tourist destinations, the active Amsterdam cafe culture, free atmosphere, cuisine, and the magnificent canals are unquestionably the first things that come to mind.
However, the region is also host to many of the world's most stunning architectural treasures, including the Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace, Emperor Willem-official Alexander's receiving Palace, is located in the heart of Amsterdam. The Palace is among the Netherlands' most important landmarks, as it is the biggest and most influential monument from the Golden Era. It is a historic building with majestic chambers and galleries where tourists can walk in the steps of imperial guests.
The Imperial History Of The Royal Palace
The Palace was designed as a municipal hall for the burgomaster and justices of Amsterdam, who commissioned famed architect Jacob Campen to complete the building in 1648. Prominent sculptors and artists were called to Amsterdam to work on the interiors. The decoration's purpose was to represent Amsterdam's and the Dutch Territory's grandeur.
For over 150 years, the structure operated as the city hall. When Prince William V and his wife were accorded a formal greeting in Amsterdam in 1768, it was first utilized as a residence for some days. King Napoleon's brother, Louis Bonaparte, was crowned King of Holland in 1806. He chose the city hall as his Royal Palace after arriving in Amsterdam in 1807.
King Willem The First handed back the Palace to Amsterdam after Napoleon's defeat in 1813. However, following his appointment, the new King recognized the necessity of having a residence in the city and requested that the municipal authorities reopen the Palace for imperial administration. The structure did not become government property before 1936.
The Royal Palace Today
The Royal Palace is now mostly used for entertainment and official gatherings, including official visits, New Year's Eve celebrations, and other official events. It presents displays and is accessible to the public all year. It is where the Erasmus Award, the Silver Carnation, the Royal Honors for Art, and the Prince Claus Medal are presented each year.
During summers, a display showcases a unique historical or cultural component of the structure. The prize-winning artworks are set on public exhibition after the yearly ceremony of the Royal Awards for Art in October.
The Palace Highlights
The Citizen's Hall
Citizen's hall is among the most iconic Halls within the Royal Palace and is likely to steal visitors' breath away. When visitors walk into this majestic marbled hall, they will be transported to the Dutch Golden Period.
The Royal Palace was initially planned to be the core of Amsterdam's City Hall, which the Citizen's Hall was meant to be. The area was open to all Amsterdam residents and was designed to make the city appear to be in the heart of the cosmos.
This 25-meter-high chamber boasts glass windows that allow sunlight to flood in, wonderfully emphasizing the lovely décor. Three gigantic circular maps of the hemispheres and the evening sky are carved onto the marble floors.
Burgomaster's Chamber
The Burgomasters' Chamber has a significant amount of artwork created by Rembrandt's apprentices. The room's genuine masterpiece, the chamber's ceiling scenery, was painted by Bronckhorst in 1656.
The ceiling's right and left sections combined depict Amsterdam as a great metropolis where justice and harmony reign supreme. A seated lady clutching pair of keys, a scepter, and a tiara in both hands is encircled by putti bearing various objects on the right side. It features the flag with the city of Amsterdam's seal on it. The woman exemplifies God's might, and the putties surrounding her likewise hold two books. Many people feel that this indicated knowledge from the Old and New Testaments.
The Sculpture Of Atlas
The universe is symbolized by the Atlas monument on the Royal Palace's roof. It also highlights Amsterdam's significance during the Dutch Golden Era.
Atlas can be seen from the lofty perch of the Palace, bearing the cosmos on his shoulders as a facet of Zeus' chastisement. This well-known Titan, whose influence could also be perceived at the heart of Citizens' Hall, has a backstory.
Amsterdam's fierce navy used the constellations to meander over the waves, owing to Atlas bearing the skies. The figure of Atlas on the Palace roof was erected for this purpose.
The Amsterdam's Maiden Sculpture
The Amsterdam Maiden would be the first statue visitors would see on their way to Citizens' Hall. The three Saint Andrew's crossings and the capital's logo are depicted on the maiden's attire which is topped by a tiara borne by an eagle.
The maiden is seated next to her trusty companions. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, is on her right, while Hercules, the god of strength, is on her left. The two archetypes depict Amsterdam's victorious expeditions on the seas, which resulted in the acquisition of precious goods.
The metropolis became the world's financial capital due to the maiden, who also possesses a lion and two sets of putti on every side of the statue.
Getting To The Royal Palace In Amsterdam
- Nearest Tram Station - Amsterdam, Dam Tram Stop
- It is a 3-minute walk to the Palace.
The Admission Ticket Charges Are As follows:
- Adults - $14
- Students - $10
- Children (under 18 years) - Free
The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is among the city's most imposing and historically significant structures. The marble floors, exquisite artworks, delicate statues, colossal chandeliers, and a yearly show are all open to the public.