Sunday, 25 March 2018

Europe, The Peace and The Sea

The North SeaWorld Peace Flame Pathway in the Hague

This day might be very loaded, because there are so many exciting places to visit in the Hague! Binnenhof, Vredespaleis, Scheveningen and even more. We live relatively not far from the city centre, thus we decided to walk on foot the whole day. At the start!

On the way to the city centre we stopped near the tall skyscrapers, which are used not only for apartments and offices. Initially, they were built specially for the state ministries.


One of the most popular attractions in the Hague is the Binnenhof. Actually, "Binnenhof" translates into English as the "Inner Court", and it is represented by the complex of buildings, which were originally built as part of the count’s castle, as private residences and guild houses. Currently it houses the meeting chambers of Parliament and the offices of the Prime Minister. It is an interesting fact, that the Hague is the administrative capital of the country and the home of the court and government, but Amsterdam is the official capital.


Also known as the City of Peace and Justice, the Hague is the home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. These international institutes seat in the imposing building of Peace Palace, which is located to the North-West of the Binnehof (about 2.5 kilometres).


Other 5 kilometres, and we are on the seashore. I wonder, if people can swim here. I think, that it is not a coincidence that the sea is called The North, and it might be very cold here.
In Summer this place may offer the numerous seaside attractions such as sunbathing, festivals, watching fishing boats and seeing the sun. However, currently we can afford only strolling along the pier and making the imposing photos.


The way back we did not want to make on foot, so we decided to take the tram. A day ticket costs 6,5 euro, and it can be obtained on board.


Due to the fact that we have a day ticket we decided to visit the small town Delft, which is easily accessible by tram (only 20 minutes from the central station).

Delft is well known for the famous ceramic Delftware, as well as for its large university and for being the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer. 
Gothic churches, narrow canal-lined streets and picturesque squares are presented in Delft in a great number. Walking around the city is very enjoyable, because the centre is compact, and it is mainly closed to the cars.



Museum Prinsenhof allows to experience the rich history of Delft, and the Netherlands in general. The museum is located right at the town centre, in the unique historical building and the former court of William of Orange. So, we could not but visit this remarkable place.
The museum has a large and varied collection of paintings, earthenware, implements, and it is supported with the multimedia stuff. The highlights include unique masterpieces of Delft Blue, which eventually has become a global icon.




Extremely busy day! But I am willing to absorb even more impressions.




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