Cultural Breda

Recently we visited Breda: the princely city of Brabant! Although the weather didn’t quite cooperate, we still got a good impression of the city. Breda used to be a very important city in the Netherlands and was even the capital of the Barony of Breda, which included the cities of Roosendaal, Etten-Leur and Oosterhout. The city is also inextricably linked to the Orange family. Let’s sniff culture in this beautiful city!

The Great Church

When visiting Breda, it is impossible to miss the Great Church. In fact, this church forms the heart of the city’s historic center and proudly towers above the city. It is really worth the effort to brave the 278 steps to enjoy a fantastic view of Breda. A tower climb can be booked at the church and costs €7.50 per person. For those who prefer to stay at street level, there is also plenty to see inside the church.

With a free audio tour, you will learn all about the beautiful tombs of many members of the Nassau family, among others, the works of art and the various religious treasures. For children, there is a scavenger hunt. William of Orange’s great wish to be buried in the Great Church after his assassination was unfortunately opposed by the Spanish occupiers. After all, Breda was still occupied during his death. Therefore, nowadays the Oranges are buried in Delft’s Nieuwe Kerk.

The Nassau Barony Monument

You will find this special monument in Valkenburg City Park. The monument is dedicated to Count Engelbrecht I of Nassau-Siegen, the German count who came to the Netherlands in 1403. He married the then 11-year-old Dutch Johanna van Polanen. Those who have seen The Story of the Netherlands – Orange Nassau know the story. Their marriage was the beginning of the House of Orange Nassau, meaning our royal family. Architect Pierre Cuypers designed the monument that was unveiled by Queen Wilhelmina in 1905. By the way, the park is a very nice place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, it is located right in the center. The park used to be the property of the owners of Breda Castle.

Breda Castle

Breda Castle was built in 1353 by Jan II van Polanen. Unfortunately, visiting the castle itself is very limited because it has been owned by the Royal Military Academy since 1826. But from City Park Valkenburg you do have a nice view of it. The castle was once the ancestral home of the Nassaus, i.e. the ancestors of our royal family. There are occasional tours of the castle grounds by the city guides of Gilde de Baronie.

The Municipal Museum

Breda’s Stedelijk Museum sits in a building with 800 years of history. Formerly a hospice for travelers and the sick, it is now a place of (contemporary) art, exhibitions and fascinating activities. You’ll also learn all about the ironclad bond between the city and the royal family at this museum. If you want to get to know Breda better during your visit, a visit to the Stedelijk Museum is really a must-visit!

To the Chassé Theater

Theater lovers have also come to the right place in Breda. Breda was the first Brabant city with an active theater life. The first performances were given as early as 1727. The Chassé Theater is one of the places in Breda that makes many a theater heart beat faster. There is something for everyone: from large Broadway productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar (until September 22, 2024) to small experimental theater performances, from film to classical ballet and from modern dance to music. So there is something for everyone!

The Beguinage

Finally, a particularly serene place with a centuries-old history: the Beguinage of Breda. Anyone walking down Catharinastraat should really pay a visit to this special place. In the 16th century, this hofje was already specially built for women who chose to go through life alone. A kind of convent community but without eternal vows. Before that, the women lived together in another place. Everyone is welcome to come take a look but keep in mind that the hofje is still inhabited. Also take a look inside the little church and stop for a moment at the statue of Johanna van Polanen. Yes, the Nassaus can be seen here as well.

Want to discover more Breda?

Would you also like to get to know other sides of Breda? Then read our previously published blog about this fun and versatile city!

Photos: OpstapmetLisa, Chassé Theater