Housing the principal judicial organ of the esteemed United Nations (UN), the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found a home in the Peace Palace in The Hague. This was in the wake of the atrocities of war, inspiring an influential peace movement around the world. With that inspiration that many worked tirelessly towards, the Peace Palace was thus born in 1913, housing the predecessor of the ICJ – Permanent Court of International Justice.

Designed in a Neo-Renaissance style, the Peace Palace was initially envisioned to be far more elaborate, with 4 towers soaring towards the sky instead of the present-day’s two. The interior is equally, if not more gorgeous than its exterior! Several countries around the world flooded here to adorn the interior, offering precious items spanning across different time periods. From statues of Nelson Mandela and Jean Monnet, exquisite carpets from Brazil and even Italian marble! These were all a sign of respect of peace, ushering in a new wave of peace amongst countries worldwide. Look out for the Eternal Peace Flame monument, surrounded by 196 unique stones, each telling their own story from the country they came from and symbolising each countries commitment to peace. From a stone in the Berlin Wall that came crumbling down after the second world war, to even a stone from Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. A milestone of peaceful settlements in the world, the Peace Palace continues to exert its peaceful influence around the world with the ICJ.