The Royal Palace was built 350 years ago as the City Hall of Amsterdam. In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte came to Amsterdam. He sought a new residence in Amsterdam and saw the beautiful City Hall. The mayors had to leave and the offices were converted into bedrooms, dining rooms and ballrooms. After Napoleon's departure the building remained as a Palace. However, you can still see the building's original function in the Palace. There are magnificent paintings and delicate sculptures, which point towards the governmental and administrative functions the building previously had.
