Royal Palace, Amsterdam

In the mid-17th Century the painter Jacob van Campen was given the assignment to design a new town hall. The city council wanted a grand symbol for their leading role in Europe at that time - Holland's Golden Age, as well as economic and civic power. The building had to make this clear for everyone to see. The Koninklijk Paleis became the biggest in Europe. In 1808 the building was 'transformed' into a Royal Palace by the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis, king of the region during the French occupation. Nowadays, it is still a royal residence. The Dutch royal family, the Oranje-Nassau's, receive royalty and dignitaries at the palace. The new king or queen also present themselves to the citizens of the Netherlands from the balcony of the palace.