Oude+Stadhuis

Oude Stadhuis in English means the old city hall. It’s located in a city called The Hague. It is a popular place for couples to have their wedding ceremonies and for nobles to register their family records. Only the rich and royal people get to keep their family records in Oude Stadhuis because they are special. I suppose they are too good to keep their records in the normal city hall with all the middle class and poor people. Anyways to get the point across it’s a symbol of high social status to keep one’s records in Oude Stadhuis. It is also used for government cases like the birth of the daughters of king Willem Alexander and queen Maxima.

The old city hall is very true to it’s name, It sure is old! In fact it was built in 1565. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s decrepit though! Oude Stadhuis is actually quite grand. The walls are decorated with beautiful painting adorned with gold trimmings on almost every picture frame. The building and furniture are Renaissance style. Now, the truly interesting thing about Oude Stadhuis is that It was such an amazing building to be in such an average village. The Village itself had very low defenses and no wall for protection. The money that was supposed to be put towards the wall for defense was actually put towards Oude Stadhuis! Safety of the citizens traded in for a pretty town hall may not have been the smartest choice for the village officials. To blame for the lack of protection would be these two fellows: Joost Jacobszoon and Dirck van Alckemade. Well, hey now we have a pretty building to “ooo” and “ahhh” over.

Eventually in the 17th century Oude Stadhuis was renovated and got two new towers and was made even bigger, still no wall for protection if I may add. Not sure if this city really has it’s priorities straight but hey I’m not really judging. Not sure if it’s humorous or sad. Either way, It still survived being plundered by thieves during the protestant revolution which took place in 16th century. Since 23, November 2011 they use the clocks in the tower 4 times a day. 9 am and 6pm to signify the beginning and ending of the work day and 12pm and 1pm to signify the beginning and the ending of the break. They also ring the bell for New Years, King’s day, and Liberation day. Oude Stadhuis still plays a role in The Hague to this day.