Stadhouderlijk Hof

The palace was built in 1564 by Boudewijn van Loo, the intendant general of the King of Spain and head of the Hof van Friesland. In 1587 William Louis of Nassau-Dillenburg and his wife Countess Anne of Nassau purchased the property as a residence. The couple had no children and the residence passed in 1620 to Ernest Casimir and at his death in 1632 to his eldest son Henry Casimir I, and then in 1640 at his death to his younger brother William Frederick of Nassau-Dietz, who was becoming the guardian of young William III of England and was then for seven years. Today he is remembered in Leeuwarden for the creation of the Prinsentuin garden which still exists.

In 1672 his son Henry Casimir II of Nassau-Dietz and from 1696 his grandson John William Friso of Orange inherited the palace. This collection of royal personages can be found in several paintings of the royal family by prominent artists of the time.

Since 1996, the building has become a hotel, while maintaining the 18th century decorations, such as the former portrait gallery redesigned in 1710 by Daniel Marot.

The rooms at Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof each have their own special appearance and various amenities. The Royal Suite and the Imperial Suite are very suitable as a bridal suite or for a romantic getaway. Both suites have a beautiful jacuzzi.

In the evening you can enjoy a culinary dinner with royal grandeur in the beautiful dining room of the former 18th century palace. You can enjoy some Fryske specialties or be surprised by the chef's 5-course menu accompanied by an assortment of wines. You can also visit the charming Bar Bistro DuCo Leeuwarden, where you can choose from delicious fish and meat dishes that are prepared in the official Josper coal oven.