"Breda" Breda Travelogue by Dutchnatasja

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.

"Begijnhof"

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.

Church in Breda

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 "Havermarkt" in Breda

We spend a lot of time in Breda. Most often we go shopping on saturday. Our favourite place for a drink is the "Corenmaet", this cafe is located at the "Havermarkt".

The "Havermarkt"

They have several squares, with a lot of restaurants and bars around it. My favourite restaurant is The Corenmaet. The Corenmaet is located on the Havermarkt, on the corner, behind the church. They have a delicious tapas menu. A few times a month I come to this place, and drink some wine and eat something delicious.

Breda

We spend a lot of time in Breda. Most often we go shopping on saturday. 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.