H appy to be free of Spanish rule, the people of Amsterdam erected this immense sandstone building as their city hall after the 80 Years War. There aren't many large buildings in Amsterdam because of the weak soil. The reason this one is still standing after 350 years is because it is sitting on 13,659 pilings driven into the ground. They act as a stabilizing force and a substantial portion of the building's foundation. Inside, the most striking feature is the Burgerzaal, a vast assembly room that extends the entire length of the building. It has a marble floor with maps of the eastern and western hemispheres and all the known lands of the time. The room was based on the assembly halls of ancient Rome. The city hall is so grand that Napoleon chose it to be his palace after the French invaded The Netherlands. Since then, no royal person has chosen to occupy the building. It retains the name "Koninklijk Paleis" because the Dutch royal family will, on occasion, use the building for formal functions, especially state receptions. In that manner it continues to fulfill its original purpose -- to showcase Amsterdam's might, power, and wealth to the world and its leaders.
