The most fun ways to discover the history of Breda

History

Where the rivers Mark and Aa or Weerijs converged and formed a wide Aa, a small settlement emerged in the twelfth century: Breda. This settlement grew over 900 years into the beautiful city where we celebrate life today. Much happened in those 900 years. Breda enjoyed royal wealth but also endured wars and city fires, and it produced the best DJs in the world. Would you like to discover more about the rich history of Breda? We have tips for you.

Historical walking route: Explore Royal Breda

The Dutch Royal House originated in Breda. This happened in the 15th century through the marriage of the Bredan Johanna van Polanen and the German Count Engelbrecht van Nassau. The Nassaus brought much wealth to Breda in the centuries that followed, and the most important monuments in Breda date from the period when they held power there.

The Explore Royal Breda city walk takes you along the legacy of the Bredan Nassaus. Furthermore, the route connects surprising contemporary locations to historical stories from the city. Besides being available in the Explore Breda app and on the website, the walk can also be purchased on paper at the Explore Breda Store at the Stadserf.

This historical walk was created in collaboration with Royal Roots, the organisation that connects Breda's rich past to the present through stories and podcasts, among other means.

View the route or download the free app.

Stedelijk Museum Breda

With two permanent exhibitions, Stedelijk Museum Breda highlights two important periods in the history of Breda.

The Nassaus of Breda introduces you to the influential Nassau family through objects, art, and captivating stories.
Ambition & Desire tells the story of 19th-century Breda through photographs, advertisements, paintings, and characteristic objects. A period in which technological and social developments rapidly changed the city.

For families, Stedelijk Museum Breda has developed a Family Trail with exciting assignments for both exhibitions.

Boschstraat 22

To the site of Stedelijk Museum Breda

Koningin Wilhelmina Paviljoen

Where the Castle of Breda now stands, there was already a medieval fortress in the twelfth century. In the centuries that followed, the castle was continuously renovated and expanded. It became the ancestral castle of the Nassaus, a beautiful Renaissance palace, and since 1828, the Royal Military Academy.
In the Koningin Wilhelmina Paviljoen (the former State HBS), the Stichting Historische Verzameling KMA exhibits prints, documents, uniforms, weapons, and other objects. These tell the history of the castle and its inhabitants through the ages, from the royal Nassaus of the Renaissance to the cadets of today.

The Wilhelmina Pavilion is open on Tuesdays from 11.00 to 16.00 hours.

Castle Square 15

Maczek Memorial

After four and a half years of war, Breda was liberated in October 1944 by the First Polish Armoured Division led by General Maczek. He immediately gained the status of a hero in Breda, also because he managed to take the city with few casualties and destruction.
To permanently honour Maczek and his men, and to keep alive the memory of the Second World War and the liberation of Breda, the Maczek Memorial was opened in 2019.

Ettensebaan 17a

Tip: Also take a walk along the Liberation Route through Breda. A walking route along several locations in the city centre that commemorate the Second World War and the Polish liberators.

To the website of the Maczek Memorial

City walk Gilde de Baronie

Guides from Gilde de Baronie are the experts in Breda's history. Several times a week, you can join a city walk through the city centre. A guide will share the historical stories at the locations where they took place. How wonderful is that?

The walks start at the entrance of the Grote Kerk at Kerkplein.

View the agenda here

Erfgoedweb Breda

Erfgoedweb is the website for anyone wanting to know about the history of Breda.
You wander through the (cultural) history of our city, exploring archaeological finds, Breda neighbourhoods, iconic buildings, historic landscapes, and living heritage.
A veritable treasure trove for those looking for interesting facts about Breda's history.

Visit Erfgoedweb

Exploring at the City Archive and Archaeology Breda

Centuries of Breda's history can be found in the Breda City Archive. And the great thing is, everything is public. Through the website of the City Archive, you can find a lot of information. Whether it concerns documents, photos and videos, background stories, websites or building decisions. Even if you want to explore your family tree, the City Archive can help you.
Need a bit of help? Then make an appointment to visit via info@stadsarchiefbreda.nl

Guided Tours
During the Open Monuments Days (September) and in October (Month of History), there are guided tours in the City Archive.

Tip: Every few months, the City Archive sends out a Heritage Letter with the latest archaeological findings, featured historical events, and other news from the City Archive.

Local history museums

In Ulvenhout, Prinsenbeek, and Teteringen you will find small museums that focus on life in the past in these villages. Everyday items, photos, and information take you back in time.
The Princenhaags Museum showcases not only the history of Princenhage but also art from artists with a connection to Princenhage.