The best city hikes and walks in Prinsenbosch

An oasis of tranquility in the center of Breda. A historic place that still breathes the atmosphere of centuries ago. On the Begijnhof, you will also find an extensive herb garden. The Beguines had extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs and used them extensively in healthcare.

It is also certain that around 1500 a new stone church was built in Gilze, a cruciform church with a tower. But it didn't stand there for long. In 1584, plundering soldiers set it on fire. Only a ruin remained. The parishioners provisionally sealed off a small part to still be able to use the church. Because it would take a long time before they had enough money to start the reconstruction. Only in 1609 were the tower and the nave restored; the two transepts were still open at that time. And it was 1617 before the church was completely finished again. This year still stands at the top of the middle gable of the church. The entrance was also in that same gable at the time, but the parishioners later bricked it up with a tombstone. In the current church, this is the oldest part. Despite all efforts, the Catholics lost their church again more than thirty years later. And from 1648 onwards, they had to make do with a hidden or barn church. This was because after the Peace of Münster, the Protestants also took over the churches. When the Catholics were allowed to use their church again in 1818, after one hundred and seventy years, it soon became apparent that the building had become too small. The number of parishioners had increased considerably over the years. Therefore, between 1880 and 1881, it was enlarged and embellished. Two side aisles were added along the nave.

Fin DAC, along with Nol Art and Edo Rath, created this Geisha mural, titled "Kokesh," on the wall of what was then a Japanese sushi restaurant. Fin DAC created the mural as an addition to his "Hidden Beauty" series. The color palette, with its abundance of red and white, aligns with the Breda city flag.

The town hall was designed by Herman Huijsers and built in 1792. The stately building features symmetrical staircases and a monumental door. The facade is designed in the Corinthian order. It served not only as a town hall, but also as a district court and a place of detention. At the rear, there is a real prison cell with a toilet. Before these cells were built, prisoners were locked up in a cell under the front steps. After the village of Ginneken was incorporated into the municipality of Breda in 1942, it served as the town hall of the municipality of Nieuw-Ginneken until 1963. The town hall now houses an office.

On the outside of the church of Petrus’ Banden in Gilze is the year 1617. That was when the reconstruction of the church that had been destroyed in 1584 was completed. That happened as a result of the war actions around Gilze. https://www.bhic.nl/ontdekken/verhalen/de-sint-petrus-bandenkerk-in-gilze

In 1994, a wooden well was found during excavation work. This well is archaeological proof that Gilze is at least 1000 years old. Experts call the well unique in its kind for the Netherlands and even for Europe.

Too bad, the wall is plastered white

MEZZ is a popular music venue in Breda known for its live pop music and dance parties. The building, designed by Erick van Egeraat, is often called 'the copper peanut' because of its unique design.