The Hague.

The medieval seat of Dutch government is under renovation. See its Gothic Ridderzaal and the wider complex from the Hofvijver bank, then seek out the renovation centre for context.

The counts of Holland established a residence here in the thirteenth century, and the site became the seat of Dutch government. The Ridderzaal remains its Gothic centrepiece. From the Hofvijver bank, you can read that long political history in the buildings beside the water and place the complex next to the Mauritshuis. Use the visitor centre at Plaats for an account of the renovation rather than expecting a courtyard visit.

• The Ridderzaal is the Gothic centrepiece of the complex.
• The Hofvijver side places medieval buildings beside the Mauritshuis.

View the buildings from the Hofvijver bank; do not plan on a courtyard or interior visit during the renovation.

For renovation context, check the visitor centre at Plaats 22 or the separate viewpoint at Buitenhof.