The Binnenhof is the most important political institution in the Netherlands. This complex of medieval halls and courtyards was once a hunting lodge, but it’s been at the centre of Dutch government for over 800 years. Think Westminster in London or the Capitol in Washington, but with more bikes. The main square is dominated by the Ridderzaal, or Knights’ Hall. Built in the thirteenth century, it looks like something out of a fairy tale, with twin towers and beautiful stained glass windows. It’s one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use anywhere in the world. It’s also the stage for Prinsjesdag, when the King rides here in a golden carriage, opens parliament, and reads the annual speech from the throne. Unlike some countries, the Dutch monarch never wears a crown. Kings and queens here are inaugurated, not crowned.This is a quirk rooted in the Dutch constitutional idea that sovereignty lies with the people and parliament, not the king or queen. Surrounding the courtyard are the chambers of the States General: the Dutch parliament. The Prime Minister himself works in the Torentje, a little octagonal tower on the edge of the Hofvijver Lake. It might be the humblest office of any European leader. No palace, and no guards. It certainly explains why Donald Trump brought such a large security force with him when he came to Den Hague! The Binnenhof has seen not just centuries of politics, but also high drama. One such tale is of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. Oldenbarnevelt was a great statesman who helped found the Dutch Republic and bought about the Twelve Years’ Truce. But then he fell foul of Prince Maurits. After a show trial, the 71-year-old Oldenbarnevelt was beheaded on the Binnenhof courtyard and he needed a walking stick to climb the scaffold. There were always people who felt that Van Oldenbarnevelt had been wronged. Eventually, a few streets in The Netherlands were named after him and you can now find a statue of him on the Lange Vijverberg too. Coming back to the present, the Outer Courtyard of the Binnenhof is open to the public, so why not head in to explore. We’ll then move on to our next stop, The Passage, for a spot of retail therapy. Follow the map on the app to get there.