Castle of Breda

The Great Church (Grote Kerk) or the Church of Our Lady
Beguinage

Hole of the Spaniards (het Spanjaardsgat)
Breda Museum

Castle of Breda

First built in the 12th century and constantly remodelled and redecorated through the centuries, the castle is one of Breda's landmarks. It has veriously been used as a fortress, a barracks, a military hospital and now, the Royal Military Academy. Group tours can be arranged through the Tourist Office.

The Great Church (Grote Kerk) or the Church of Our Lady

The main landmark of central Breda, this church was begin in the 12th century, though it only took its present form in the 15th century. With its spire touching almost 100 metres in height, it is visible from almost every point in Breda. It is also noted for containing the tombs of the city's notables and the beautifully restored wall paintings and interior.

Beguinage

This charming place was built in the 1800s, and served as the residence of unmarried woman who wanted isolate themselves from the outside world and dedicate themselves to a simple life and God. The retreat is, true to its intentions, very soothing and quiet, with a lovely herb garden and its own little church. There are still beguines living here, so don't treat it as a museum.

Hole of the Spaniards (het Spanjaardsgat)

This watergate leads into the Breda Castle, and is famous for a legend that goes as follows: during the Spanish occupation of Breda, the hole was where troops from Holland entered the city to liberate it. Though the legend is false in practically every detail (it was just a gateway for the supplies for the Spanish troops) but its a charming yarn and still draws visitors!

Breda Museum

Founded in the 19th century, the museum chronicles some of the more exciting episodes in the city's history (and there are plenty of those). There's also a section devoted to science, another on art and a relatively new one dedicated to children.