The name Breda descends from a contraction of the Brede (wide) Aa. This is the point where two rivers, the Mark and the Aa, flow together. In the year 1252 Breda obtained its municipal rights, and at the beginning of the 14th century Breda was walled in. Also, in the fourteenth century the city was surrounded with mouts, so called ‘singels’. Around the city you can still find them. All the streets surrounding the city were laid in an oval shape, which is a noticeable sign for old fortified cities. 

In the city centre there are a lot of monuments, but there is one particular that makes Breda recognisable from a great distance and that is ‘De Grote’ or ‘Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kerk’. This beautiful church from the 15th century can be admired from almost every point in Breda. Between 1995 and 1997 the beauty of the church was hidden from the public, it took almost 3 years to restore the inside and the outside of the church.

The so-called "Spanjaardsgat" flanked by two heptagonal towers reminds visitors of the time Breda was in hands of the Spaniards. The Castle of Breda shows the historical relation between Breda and the home of Oranje Nassau. In 1198 the castle was a fortress. During the centuries many changes have been made to the castle. Since 1828 the Royal Military Academy (KMA) has the castle in use.

Next to the Castle of Breda you will find the city park ‘Valkenberg’. Untill 1812 this park was part of the castle and only accesible for the ‘Heeren van Breda’. From origin, the park was a forrest, with high trees. In the 17th century this changed, when the forrest was transformed into a park with a more french style.
In 1995 the park was renovated. All park pathways were laid, bushes and shrubberies were moved and new lighting was installed.

In the historical city centre lies the peaceful Begijnhof. Untill 1990 the court was inhabited by beguines, the statue in the garden still reminds of them (a replica of this statue is for sale at the VVV). In the herb garden you will find hundreds of different herbs.
The Catharinastraat, where the Begijnhof is situated, has undergone many changes in its long history, yet it has been able to keep its grandeur. For example, the stately ‘Huis van Wijngaerde’ at number 9 is worth a visit.

We have mentioned the characteristic combination of rich history and high-principled modern architecture in Breda. For instance, you will find the Baroness, no, not a noble lady, but an indoor shopping mall in the heart of Breda, and the recently opend shopping centre ‘’t Sas’ right next to the medieval ‘Grote Markt’.
Breda also possesses buildings of the modern architect Hertzberger: The everywhere praised Chassé Theatre and the library/school of music the ‘Nieuwe Veste’. The tasteful combination of old and modern art can also be admired in Breda’s museum for art, situated in former military barracks. Another fine piece of architectorial work is the new pop stage the Mezz, and not to be forgotten, the Holland Casino. Since the summer of 2003 this casino is situated in a magnificently rebuilt monastery in the centre of Breda, and it is the biggest casino in Europe.

Apart from its history and its culture Breda is, above all, known for its kindhearted burgundian atmosphere which is characteristic for all of the older, southern cities, where one knows how to enjoy life.
When admiring a beautiful monument it is nice to relax on a cosy terrace or in a good restaurant. We welcome you in the finest city of the south and wish you great pleasure in exploring Breda.

See you in Breda!