Located in Dam Square, this amazing palace was originally built as the city hall for the magistrates of Amsterdam. In the 17th century, it was the largest secular building in Europe. The entire building was originally constructed of white stone, though none of it can be seen today due to weathering down through the centuries.

The Royal Palace is famous for its rich decorations. Famous painters such as Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol contributed to the interior. The central hall is huge: 120 feet long, 60 feet wide and 90 feet high. You can view the two maps of the world on the marble floor. There is a large domed cupola on top of the palace, topped by a weather vane in the form of a Cog Ship. The ship is a symbol of Amsterdam. Underneath the dome there are some windows where you could view the ships as they arrived and left the harbour.

The Royal Palace is open to the public when it is not being used for official occasions, for example every year it provides the setting for the presentation of various official and royal prizes.