Koningsberg Palace

Koningsberg Palace is the building where the Congress of Brunant meets. It is one of the oldest buildings in Koningstad Centrum.

History
Koningsberg Palace was built in 1731 as a stately home for King Marten I in Koningstad Centrum. Work had begun in 1726 and it took 5 years to finish. The Royal Family of Brunant used this as a retreat but by the 1760s had outgrown it. Work began on the Realpaleis and this would not be used again. During James Carrington's Invasion of Brunant in 1784, the palace was seized by his men and partly destroyed. The government hired Franco-Brunanter architect Alexandre Le Maitre to redesign and renovate the building (in 1788). But there were many issues, as Carrington's government wanted a simple renovation and Le Maitre wanted a full redesign. By 1796 the palace was still under construction and the government had spent an unnecessary Th. 44, 650,000 in construction cost and Le Maitre's wages. He was fired in 1797 and construction sped up. After extensive renovations, it was finally finished in 1803. The total costs were about Th. 49,000,000 and the government had taken up a huge debt in the process. That year the building became the meeting place of congress, which they would occupy to this date.

Beginning in 1927, people were allowed to visit the palace and see its rooms. After September 11 this was briefly suspended but since 2003 they have returned, albeit with increased security.

Senate Chambers
The Senate Chambers is where the 50 Senators of congress meet. This room was designed by Le Maitre and features dark and heavy colors and lots of drapes.

House Chambers
The House Chambers was one of the few rooms from the palace to have survived the destruction in 1784. It features unique handpainted and decorated tiles on the floor, and is considered the most valuable room in the building.

Green room
The Green room is one of the original chambers of the palace. It was used as a room of repose for the King and his family. From 1802-1813 it served as the Supreme Court of Brunant before it moved to its own building.

Visiting Koningsberg Palace
People are allowed to visit the palace from Monday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00. Tours take place every half hour and include the Senate chambers (when not in use), House chambers (when not in use), Prime Minister's office, the Congressional library and various other rooms. These tours are free of charge, but people must register at the palace visitors center.