The Spuipoort was originally built around 1352 and featured two slender, round towers connected by a central archway. According to a report by the NL Times, the gate was part of a complex system of double moats and fortified entrances surrounding the Binnenhof estate. In the 15th century, the original round towers were replaced with octagonal structures built upon the same robust foundations. Although the gate was ultimately demolished in 1861 to make way for urban expansion, its subterranean footprint remained remarkably intact, waiting to be rediscovered.
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A historical reconstruction of the Spuipoort in The Hague, circa 1885, showing the gate connected by bridges. (Jan Mesker / Public Domain)
A Glimpse into the Center of Medieval Power
The Binnenhof was not merely a local administrative center; it was a grand complex that radiated authority and wealth across the region. Peter Stokkel, the lead archaeologist involved in the excavation, emphasized the exclusivity of the site. "The Binnenhof was where the power was, so only the elite came under the gate. Not everyone was allowed inside," Stokkel explained to Archaeology Magazine.
The architectural ambition of the Binnenhof's early rulers, particularly Count William II and his son Count Floris V, was evident in the scale of their constructions. Count William II initiated the building of the Rolgebouw shortly after his election as King of the Romans in 1247. His son, Floris V, further expanded the complex around 1280 by adding the Hofkapel (Court Chapel) and later the magnificent Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights). Architectural historian Hein Hundertmark noted that these medieval excavations are rewriting the history of the Binnenhof, revealing that it was designed with royal architecture and imperial ambitions that rivaled the grandest palaces of France and England.
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Archaeological excavation of the foundations and burial vaults beneath the medieval Court Chapel at the Binnenhof, The Hague, 2023. (OSeveno / CC BY-SA 4.0)
Unearthing Artifacts of Nobility and Daily Life
Beyond the monumental brickwork, the archaeological teams have unearthed a fascinating array of artifacts that provide a window into daily life at the medieval court. Among the debris found in a rubbish cellar connected to ancient latrines, researchers discovered a nearly complete heron's skull. During the Middle Ages, herons were considered a delicacy and were exclusively eaten by the nobility, further confirming the high status of the Binnenhof's residents.
Other significant finds include a rare silver coin bearing the image of Count Floris V, dating from the late 13th century, and a completely intact proto-stoneware flagon that archaeologists suspect may have been left as a "construction sacrifice" during the building process. The excavation also yielded shards of stained glass, indicating the luxurious allure of the buildings, as well as an iron awl featuring an antler grip. These discoveries, much like the recent unearthing of a medieval hoard in the Netherlands, highlight the rich material culture of the era.
Preserving Heritage for the Future
The ongoing renovation of the Binnenhof, which began in 2021, has provided a unique opportunity to thoroughly document the site's 800 years of cultural heritage. Modern technology is playing a crucial role in this endeavor. Andjelko Pavlovic, an archaeologist with the city of The Hague, highlighted the use of 3D scanning to record the exact placement of the medieval brickwork, known locally as kloostermoppen.
"Thanks to new technologies like 3D scanning, we can study these remains in ways that were previously impossible," Pavlovic stated. The meticulous scanning ensures that every brick can be carefully removed and later reconstructed within the new public entrance of the Tweede Kamer. This integration of ancient history with modern democratic infrastructure will allow future generations to appreciate the foundational roots of Dutch governance, much like the preserved City Gate From the Time of King David offers a tangible connection to the ancient past.
Top image: View of the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver pond in The Hague, Netherlands. Source: Ismcuacor / CC BY-SA 4.0
By Gary Manners
References
Archaeology Magazine. 2026. Medieval Gate Excavated in The Hague. Available at: https://archaeology.org/news/2026/03/17/medieval-gate-excavated-in-the-hague/
Binnenhof Renovatie. 2024. Unique archaeological excavations shed new light on the origins of the Binnenhof. Available at: https://www.binnenhofrenovatie.nl/onderwerpen/a/archeological-excavations-13th-cent
NL Times. 2026. Archaeologists uncover more of 13th century city gate in The Hague below Parliament. Available at: https://nltimes.nl/2026/03/12/archaeologists-uncover-13th-century-city-gate-hague-parliament
The Jerusalem Post. 2025. Secrets of Count Willem II's palace revealed under Binnenhof. Available at: https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/archaeology-around-the-world/article-849293
