Ridderzaal: Main facade of the Ridderzaal, with rose window

The Binnenhof (Dutch, 'inner court'), is a complex of buildings in The Hague. It has been the location of meetings of the Staten-Generaal, the Dutch parliament, since 1446, and has been the centre of Dutch politics for many centuries. The grounds on which the Binnenhof now stands were purchased by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1229, where he built his mansion. The Ridderzaal ('Knights Hall'), the manorial hall of Floris V (reigned 1256-1296), grandson of Floris IV, was built on this estate in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the government buildings developed around this lake and incorporated the Ridderzaal, which is used for the state opening of Parliament. It is freestanding, except for the east side where it adjoins the other parts of the Binnenhof.