Saturday 12 July 2008

Last post about The Hague

I could not say goodbye to The Hague without visiting "Het Vredes Paleis" (The "Peace Palace").
Although this building, completed in 1913 in neo-renaissance style, is architectually speaking not of my liking, it is home to important international judicial institutions, such as The International Court of Justice (which is the principal body of the United Nations), The Permanent Court of Arbitration, as well as the The Hague Academy of International Law which attracts law students from all over the world during the summer.
The building and the grounds on which it stands are property of the Carnegie Foundation.

Many countries have contributed to the treasures which can be visited inside the palace, among which the 3.200 kg vase donated by Russia, the doors by Belgium, the marble by Italy, a fountain by Denmark, wall carpets by Japan, Persian rugs by Iran, wood by Indonesia and the clock inside the clock tower by Switzerland. This clock is regulated directly from Switzerland by radio.

8 comments:

Louis la Vache said...

"Louis" thanks you for being our tour guide in The Hague!

On a different subject, "Louis" et Mme. la Vache celebrate their premier anniversaire today.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful building. The narrative is interesting. A good post.

Abraham Lincoln
Brookville, Ohio

Julie said...

Me neither. THis does not please me. It is architecture through pursed lips. It is mean of dimension and mean spirited. It is not at home with itself.

http://plumbingthedeeps.typepad.com/sydney_eye/

Diederick Wijmans said...

Thank you, Louis and congratulations with your first anniversaire!!

Thank you, Abraham!!

Although outside it is what it is, inside it is really impressive and worthwhile visiting. Thanks for your comments, Julie!!

Rosie said...

This is a perfect photo. It reminds me of those pictures in puzzles.

Diederick Wijmans said...

Thank you, Rose!!

Parisian Heart said...

What a fabulous building! I appreciate learning that its various parts were donated by different countries; that adds to its intrigue and appeal.

Diederick Wijmans said...

Thank you, Parisian Heart!!