Palais Het Loo, Netherlands

Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)

Though Holland is known for its acres of tulip fields in many different bright colors, there are many other attractive sites to see, including the Palais Het Loo. This expansive garden is a historical site as well as a wonder in geometry and design.

Created by William of Orange and Mary, before they took the throne in England. The hedges are designed in strict geomtetrical patterns of swirls, with taller shrubbery on the corners and shorter foliage in between. It is said to have been designed by a mathematical specialist, which is why the slightly floral patterns appear identical on either side of the walkway.

The gardens include several fountains placed equally in a mathematical format, to provide symmetry in the design. In addition, the center of the walkway houses a large fountain where ducks and other aquatic life can live and play and where tourists can watch them. Unlike other tourist attractions that must be seen in person to appreciate their true beauty, an aerial view will provide a better picture of how the grounds are laid out and the amount of calculations that went into designing the expansive space.

Though the gardens are impressive, the palace itself is also an interesting place to see. built in the 17th century, this structure is a fine example of Dutch baroque style architecture. While visiting the garden and palace, a visitor must not forget to view the stable and castle as well. The castle, though somewhat smaller than many, is stately and solid. It represents the typical design of the century with less focus on the outer appearance and more attention to inside details, like fine hardwood beams. The stable itself is also a wonder in architecture, with the same theme of solid hard wood beams, high arched ceilings and plenty of stone throughout the long corridor.

Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)
Palais Het Loo, The Netherlands (Photo credit: Rictor Norton & David Allen)

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