Discover Benelux | Tourism | The Cities of Brabant
The historic city of Breda (Read more on pages 77-79) History buffs will adore the countless museums and important monuments to be discovered in this charming city. Named after the confluence of the two rivers which flow through it, Breda has been a fortified city throughout history and is home to a wealth of
medieval buildings which are still intact. There is an important cultural scene, while the large student population keeps things lively - the city’s bars, restaurants and outdoor terraces are always bustling. Many visitors choose to explore Breda on the water, with tours setting off from the harbour.
If you are feeling adventurous, it is also possible to hire your own small motor boat or canoe in the summer months. And if you find yourself suffering from museum fatigue, an excellent day trip is the Mastbos forest, which dates back to the 16th century. Situated just outside the city centre, this is a beautiful spot for a lakeside walk or bike ride. Find out more about Breda: www.vvvbreda.nl/en/3
HISTORICAL SITES Grote Kerk (Great Church) - this is an impressive example of the Brabant style of Gothic Architecture. Photo: NBTC
Photo: NBTC
Breda Castle - Dating back to the 16th century, admire one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture in the Netherlands. Begijnhof - At the heart of the historical city centre, this complex offers an insight into the world of Breda’s Beguine population. Discover a permanent collection of relics and a peaceful herb garden.
Photo: NBTC
Photo: NBTC
Here are some of Tilburg’s museums not to be missed: Natuurmuseum Brabant - a natural history museum ideal for all the family Nederlands Textielmuseum - housed in a restored factory, this provides a fascinating exploration of the Dutch textile industry De Pont Museum of Modern Art Located in a former wool mill, art lovers will devour this museum’s vast collection of works by national and international names such as Bill Viola and Anish Kapoor. www.netherlands-tourism.com/ tilburg/ Photo: NBTC
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Cultural Tilburg (Read more on page 80) Towering above this delightful city is the Westpoint Tower, which stands at 141.6 metres. Designed by Margriet Eugelink, this impressive modernist construction was the highest residential building in the Netherlands at the time of its completion in 2004; although this accolade has since been surpassed. There are an array of modern architectural delights to be explored in Tilburg, contrasting with this historical city’s traditional villas and factory houses - the city became for its wool and textiles during the early 20th century. This relatively undiscovered gem of a city is also home to a large cultural scene, hosting a range of festivals and boasting a diverse selection of museums and galleries.