Sightseeing in Breda - what to see. Complete travel guide

Breda is a small town and a motherland of the great artist Diego Velasquez. Even years this town was known as a large center of food industry though for many, this place was traditionally popular as a tourist resort. The key for this lays in the fact there are simply no large and modern megalopolises in the Netherlands, so Breda is considered one of the coziest and most picturesque old towns in the country. This destination will suit those travellers, who seek peaceful and calm rest.

One of the most famous sights in Breda is Breda Castle built in 1536. Today in this castle is organized the Royal Military Academy that prepares best officers in the country. Interesting fact – approximately 25% of all cadets who study in the academy are females. The palace is created in best traditions of the medieval architecture and all visitors can see this if they decide to attend a special excursion. If you decide to participate in one, don’t limit yourself on visiting the palace only as its surroundings are no less interesting. You can take a walk on ancient watching towers that were later rebuilt into chapels. One of the chapels is Catholic and another one is Protestant. This has been made to maintain a tolerant approach towards different religions.

Valkenberg Park is located nearby the castle. It is decorated with numerous fountains and sculptures. While taking a walk in this park you will see many coffee houses where you can make a stop, have a cup of delicious tea and share your impressions about the excursion. The central part of the town is traditionally a place for multiple shops, trading pavilions, restaurants and bars. Here you can also attend the Museum of Beer – this wonderful amber-colored drink is very popular in the Netherlands. The local theatre is located nearby, as well as the Museum of General Maček. Rietdijk village is approximately one hour away from the town. This village is famous for annual international festival of balloons that takes place here each August and lasts for three days. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the heart of the city there is located its most important religious landmark - the beautiful Grote Kerk church. In 1637, this medieval church became Protestant. It is also remarkable for the fact that in the walls of the church there is a family crypt of the city rulers. The only missing grave is the one of Prince Wilhelm, who was forcibly buried in Delft. When he died, Breda was under siege by the Spanish conquerors.

In the heart of Breda historic district, the Market Square is located. There are several interesting old buildings nearby, including old meat rows. For many years, this picturesque square remains a permanent venue for interesting festivals and fairs. You will especially enjoy strolling along the square on the days of the national holidays.

An attractive place for hiking is the harbour; here tourists are offered fascinating boat excursions along the Breda canals. In the immediate vicinity of the harbour there are many attractive restaurants and cafes, and some tourists come here especially to admire the picturesque bridges.

One of the most mysterious city attractions is Bouvigne Castle, located on the outskirts of the historic district. Since 1973 it belongs to the city administration. In the historic building there are several important state organizations. The history of this castle’s origin, as well as its exact age, are unknown; the first mention of the castle dates back to 1554. This historic landmark is open for sightseeing only a few days a year, but many tourists like walking in the surrounding parks.

Among the religious sites, the chapel of St. Just deserves special attention. This oldest chapel in the city and one of the oldest in the region was built in 1436. The locals named this miniature chapel in honour of St. Just, who is considered a defender from diseases. The history of the religious monument is full of interesting events. In 1637 the chapel was turned into a warehouse, and later it housed military stables and a prison. In the 19th century, the chapel was rebuilt into an apartment building, and it was consecrated again only in 1947. Today this chapel attracts people with its exquisite decoration, treated in the style of the past centuries.