Wait a minute! Do you think you're at the center of the universe? 🌌🚀

The Royal Palace Amsterdam, also known as Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam, is a majestic hall where the walls are adorned with the Greek mythological figure Atlas holding up the cosmos, and the floor is inlaid with star maps and world maps, signifying the golden era of Amsterdam/Netherlands as the center of the universe! The throne is passed from one Dutch monarch to the next, and this place also hosts royal weddings, where history is written. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, at Dam Square, the palace serves as King Willem-Alexander's official reception palace. It plays a crucial role during state visits and other royal occasions such as New Year's receptions, dinners, and award ceremonies. 🏰 The palace is the largest and most prestigious building from the 17th century, making it one of the most important monuments in the Netherlands. It was not originally built as a palace but as the city hall of Amsterdam. The building, designed by architect Jan van Campen, reflects the power of the Netherlands in the 17th century. 🏰 At the heart of the palace lies the grand Citizen’s Hall and the marble corridors from the 17th century. Sculptures and paintings by renowned artists such as Govert Flinck, a student of Rembrandt, and Ferdinand Bol tell the story of Amsterdam as the center of the universe. The Citizen's Hall stands 25 meters tall, with a statue of Amsterdam's patron deity above the entrance, flanked by two reliefs symbolizing good governance. In the distance stands the statue of Atlas, bearing the entire universe on his shoulders. Beneath him, justice crushes greed and envy. The marble floor is inlaid with maps of the eastern and western hemispheres and the North Star, signifying Amsterdam as the center of the universe. These maps are the largest existing maps based on the works of famous 17th-century cartographers, including the renowned Blaeu family. In 1808, King Louis Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon I and then King of the Netherlands, first transformed the building into a palace. Today, the style he brought is still present throughout the building, and the gorgeous imperial furniture (one of the most beautiful collections in the world) is still used at royal receptions. For about 200 years, the building has been used as the official reception palace of the royal family, receiving world leaders and heads of state. 🏰 The palace is only open to the public for a limited time and is often closed on specific dates. The current cycle of public access is until April 7, 2024, with an adult ticket priced at 12.5 euros each. #Netherlands #Amsterdam #Palace #CityHall #DamSquare