Design of the Royal Palace
The palace was constructed of white stones and was formally inaugurated on the 29th of July 1655. But the original luster of the palace faded gradually with the passage of time. The palace at that point of time comprised a couple of floors which were intricately decorated. Some of the master painters of the time made their contribution towards the decoration of the palace. Artists like Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol who were the students of Rembrandt made the interiors of the palace. The artwork inside the palace was driven by the aim to project Amsterdam's strength as well as that of the entire Dutch Republic.
The Royal Palace was decorated with a number of figures which were placed throughout the castle. The central hall of the Royal Palace has a couple of maps painted on its floor.
The paintings depict Amsterdam occupying a central location on the face of the Earth. One of them has Amsterdam located right beneath the heaven.
From a Town Hall to a Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was originally used as a city hall for a long stretch of almost 150 years. It was transformed and used as a palace for the first time in 1768. Prince William V and Wilhelmina of Prussia, wife of the Prince resided at this royal palace. It also served as the residence of Napoleon's brother Louis Bonaparte when he became the King of Holland and stayed in the Dutch capital in 1808. The control of the palace was restored into Dutch hands in 1813 when it became the residence of Prince Willem VI. At present, it serves as the royal residence and is used to organize royal events.
The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is rendered open for public viewing when it is not used by the royal family. There are provisions for individual tours of the Royal Palace when it is open. The palace is easily accessible from all corners of the city.
