The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and the country’s political centre. Like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, the city is located within a densely urbanised area called de Randstad and is therefore easily accessible from most parts of North or South Holland.The Hague as The International Court of Justice and The International Criminal Court are located in the city, both are often referred to in news programs around the world.The first recorded historical reference to The Hague is circa 1230 when a lodge, for hunting, was built there by Count Floris the fourth. This was rebuilt as a castle in 1248 by his son William the 2nd. The name, The Hague, is based on the word for hedge as an enclosure where the building was set. More buildings, such as the Knights Hall, were built close to the castle and it eventually came to be the home of the Counts of Holland. These buildings can now be found in the old quarter, Binnenhof. A lake was built close by this area in 1350 and is still there today.The Hague is a great city to visit. It has a wealth of history for the tourist to get to know, and it also, with it’s modern skyline looks firmly toward the future. it also has a wonderful coast on the North Sea and some great beaches, but it also has a more serious side as the government and legislature for the Netherlands is based here. There are also many royal palaces and monuments in The Hague and it is still home to many members of the Dutch royal family. The Hague is also known as the “City of Peace” as there are many national, and international organizations working to that goal.
