Travel Guide to Breda, Netherlands

Breda is a small town and a motherland of the great artist Diego Velasquez. Even years this town was known as a large center of food industry though for many, this place was traditionally popular as a tourist resort. The key for this lays in the fact there are simply no large and modern megalopolises in the Netherlands, so Breda is considered one of the coziest and most picturesque old towns in the country. This destination will suit those travellers, who seek peaceful and calm rest.

One of the most famous sights in Breda is Breda Castle built in 1536. Today in this castle is organized the Royal Military Academy that prepares best officers in the country. Interesting fact – approximately 25% of all cadets who study in the academy are females. The palace is created in best traditions of the medieval architecture and all visitors can see this if they decide to attend a special excursion. If you decide to participate in one, don’t limit yourself on visiting the palace only as its surroundings are no less interesting. You can take a walk on ancient watching towers that were later rebuilt into chapels. One of the chapels is Catholic and another one is Protestant. This has been made to maintain a tolerant approach towards different religions.

Valkenberg Park is located nearby the castle. It is decorated with numerous fountains and sculptures. While taking a walk in this park you will see many coffee houses where you can make a stop, have a cup of delicious tea and share your impressions about the excursion. The central part of the town is traditionally a place for multiple shops, trading pavilions, restaurants and bars. Here you can also attend the Museum of Beer – this wonderful amber-colored drink is very popular in the Netherlands. The local theatre is located nearby, as well as the Museum of General Maček. Rietdijk village is approximately one hour away from the town. This village is famous for annual international festival of balloons that takes place here each August and lasts for three days.