Photo: Nick Franken i.o.v. Royal Roots

Prinselijk bezoek

    Discover how Breda connects the past and present this autumn through exhibitions about René van Chalon, William of Orange, and the remembrance of freedom and loss. Be surprised by art that evokes emotions such as love, sadness, hope, and fear, explore how stories of resistance and the fight for freedom continue to inspire, and see how historical events resonate in the present.

    Two princes from Breda back in the city

    Grote Kerk Breda, Stedelijk Museum Breda and Royal Roots all organise a royal exhibition. These exhibitions are easily combined if you visit Breda in October and November. Check all the information about the exhibitions!

    But what about those Nassaus?

    Did you know that the Nassau history of the Netherlands originated in Breda? It all began 600 years ago with the marriage of a girl from Breda, Johanna van Polanen, and the German count Engelbrecht van Nassau. Johanna probably never expected that this marriage would develop into one of the most important historical stories of our country!

    It's an interesting story that we'd love to tell you more about. So do you want to know exactly how it all fits together? Then check out our blog about the Nassaus and Breda.

    Additional events at The Grote Kerk

    During the René I'm Still Standing exhibition, there are still cool additional events taking place in the Grote Kerk Breda. Check out what’s happening here.

    Additional events at Stedelijk Museum Breda

    Also during the Willem! The Price of Freedom exhibition, there are some fun extra events at Stedelijk Museum Breda. Check here what’s on.

    But who was René van Chalon then?

    René van Chalon (1519–1544) was born as the son of Hendrik III van Nassau-Breda (who was the nephew of the grandson of Johanna and Engelbrecht I... Are you still following us? ;)) and Claudia van Chalon. Through his mother, he inherited the French principality of Orange, which in 1533 made him the first Nassau to bear the title Prince of Orange. Since then, Orange has been added to the family name Nassau.

    René died at the age of just 25. His nephew, Willem of Nassau, was his heir and later became known as Willem of Orange, the Father of the Fatherland. 

    Portrait of Rene van Chalon

    And Willem van Oranje...

    And Willem van Oranje… yes, you probably know that name! Willem van Nassau inherited the title and possessions from René of Chalon as a young nephew (he was only 11!) and thus became Willem van Oranje-Nassau. He grew to be one of the most important leaders in the Dutch Revolt against Spain (Eighty Years' War 1568-1648) and earned the nickname Father of the Fatherland. 

    Orange became our national colour. Therefore, we can quite reasonably claim that its origins also lie in Breda. 

    William of Orange

    Got a pull?

    All that wandering around the city can sometimes make you get a rumbly stomach. Check this page for everything about food and drink in Breda, or visit one of the options we've selected for you.

    This is where you park your car