Statue of Johan de Witt
Statue of Johan de Witt
Statue of Johan de Witt
3.5
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Neighbourhood: Kortenbos
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3.5
34 reviews
Excellent
3
Very good
20
Average
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1
Terrible
0
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,521 contributions
July 2019 • Solo
This statue stands in tribute to Jan de Witt, a 17th century, a Dutch politician and staunch republican in opposition to the Orangists who wanted a return to the return of the House of Orange. De Witt was a major figure in Dutch politics during the Dutch Golden Age and the leading political figure during that period for nearly 20 years, until defeat in the French-Dutch war compelled de Witt to resign. Sadly this was not enough for his enemies and he, along with his brother were killed by a lynch mob, with many rumours pointing the blame at the Orangists and the House of Orange,
This statue is larger than life and depicts De Witt in full length dressed of a 17th-century gentleman, wearing a with a Zucchetto on his head with a cloak over his shoulders. With his left hand he holds a paper roll, held against his chest over hiss heart.
The statue is quite good. It's only a short walk from Binnenhof, so it's worth a short detour.
This statue is larger than life and depicts De Witt in full length dressed of a 17th-century gentleman, wearing a with a Zucchetto on his head with a cloak over his shoulders. With his left hand he holds a paper roll, held against his chest over hiss heart.
The statue is quite good. It's only a short walk from Binnenhof, so it's worth a short detour.
Written 28 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,893 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
In the centre of Den Haag, opposite Hofvijver in De Plaats is the statue of Johan de Witt which was unveiled in 1916. Johan de Witt was a significant figure in Dutch politics in 17th Century and he controlled the political system in the country from around 1650 until his demise in 1672. There was peace with England during his leadership and he was also involved in peace treaties with Breda and also Alkmaar in 1667. In June 1672 there was an assassination attempt on him, he opposed the House of Orange-Nassau and also due to the Dutch Republic suffering several defeats both he and his brother were held to account and were both murdered by Orangists on 20 August 1672. Worth a visit whilst in the centre of Den Haag.
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbert C
1,791 contributions
June 2024 • Solo
Since 1918, the bronze statue of Johan de Witt has stood watch over the triangular De Plaats plaza in The Hague city centre, across from the Hofvijver Lake. Most foreign visitors to The Hague would probably never have heard of Johan de Witt. "He was a perfect Dutchman" inscribed in Dutch on its pedestal sums up his importance to the Netherlands, as a prominent Dutch statesman and leader during the 17th century who is also known to be a strong supporter of republicanism as opposed to monarchy. A distinctive aspect of the statue is his 2 fingers pointing towards the exact location where he was assassinated in 1672, thereby paying tribute to his political accomplishments during a turbulent era that ended with his violent death. A monument that immortalizes a crucial period in Dutch history!
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,836 contributions
June 2019 • Solo
This statue is erected at the place where Johan de Witt along with his brother Cornelius was killed by a mob instigated by William III of Orange. After the killing their bodies were literally slaughtered. Noses, ears, tongues, toes were sold as trophies, while their hearts were cut out and exhibited.
For 19 years Johan de Witt was the leader of the emerging 17th century Dutch republic. He opposed the ambitions of the Orange family towards establishing hereditary rule which eventually led to his murder. William of Orange along with his wife Mary would later become king of England, Scotland and Ireland where he is still known as king Billy. Ironically William was only able to invade England, because Johan de Witt had given (financial) priority to building a huge fleet.
It took the Dutch elite 246 years to finally erect this statue of Johan de Witt in The Hague. Wilhelmina of Orange, queen at the time was present during the inauguration in 1918. No mention is made of what actually happened here. The writing on the pedestal refers only to how outstanding the man was. William Temple, English ambassador to the Republic, who knew Johan de Witt very well is quoted "Hij was een volmaakte Hollander." (He was a perfect Dutchman) perhaps implying that William of Orange was not.
For 19 years Johan de Witt was the leader of the emerging 17th century Dutch republic. He opposed the ambitions of the Orange family towards establishing hereditary rule which eventually led to his murder. William of Orange along with his wife Mary would later become king of England, Scotland and Ireland where he is still known as king Billy. Ironically William was only able to invade England, because Johan de Witt had given (financial) priority to building a huge fleet.
It took the Dutch elite 246 years to finally erect this statue of Johan de Witt in The Hague. Wilhelmina of Orange, queen at the time was present during the inauguration in 1918. No mention is made of what actually happened here. The writing on the pedestal refers only to how outstanding the man was. William Temple, English ambassador to the Republic, who knew Johan de Witt very well is quoted "Hij was een volmaakte Hollander." (He was a perfect Dutchman) perhaps implying that William of Orange was not.
Written 25 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatielouAustralia
Hobart, Australia1,910 contributions
July 2024 • Friends
Johan de Witt was a significant figure in Dutch politics in 17th Century and is immoralised in this bronze statue situated prominently at De Plaats.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostInTime
Pittsburgh, PA23,010 contributions
June 2019 • Business
Is a decent statue in a nice square in the old part of town. It’s nice enough. And it only takes a few minutes to look at.
Written 9 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Grace
London, UK7,378 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Yet another impressive statue, a work of art and of history.
Near a pretty river and smack in the middle of town where it’s image is accessible to all.
Near a pretty river and smack in the middle of town where it’s image is accessible to all.
Written 17 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,757 contributions
June 2018 • Friends
Attractive statue by the lake of one of the leaders from the Hague, a business guy, of course. Good outdoor art.
Written 9 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,632 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
This statue is located in a small park, located across from the above lake. Again, I wondered what he did to deserve having such a statue in his honor. Near it are the bridge with colorful flags and flowers, shops and cafes.
Written 1 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelOne
Amsterdam, The Netherlands9,211 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
He and his brother were killed after a life of luxury. Politics, intrigue and public outrage made an end to his life. The last part of it was gruesome.
Written 9 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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