A royal monument

Empty space on the Dom Square

Before this statue was put in position, there was an empty space on the southern end of the Dom Square. The University Hall, as we know it today, did not yet exist. You can hardly imagine an empty Dom Square nowadays, can you?

A royal revelation

On October 15^th, 1883, the statue was unveiled in the presence of King William III and Queen Emma.

But an interested crowd, as well

Many people flocked to the spectacle and a huge stage was erected for the royal couple.

Royal route of honour

On the route the royal couple took, this honorary gate was constructed on the Pausdam.

Respects

Later generations of the royal family also paid their respects to John of Nassau. In this film excerpt you can see Wilhelmina (daughter of the then heir to the throne, William III) laying a wreath at the statue to commemorate the Union of Utrecht, on 23 January 1929.