Breda - Grote Kerk
The Breda Grote Kerk (Reformed) was begun in 1290 in Gothic style; but the choir, in addition to rich Late Gothic features, also shows Renaissance influences. The magnificent tower, 97m/318ft high, was built between 1468 and 1509; the top section was added after a fire in 1694. The tower was completely restored between 1944 and 1969.
Other notable features are the Late Gothic choir-stalls (carved with scenes satirizing the clergy) and the pulpit (ca.
Other notable features are the Late Gothic choir-stalls (carved with scenes satirizing the clergy) and the pulpit (ca.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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1600); in the baptistery a copper font made in Mechelen in 1540 by Joos de Backer of Antwerp; on the left, by the organ, a large painting (ca. 1500) of St Christopher; and, in the north transept, a wall painting of the Annunciation (ca. 1450).
Related Attractions
Grote Kerk Renaissance Tomb
In the Prince's Chapel to the left of the choir in Breda's Grote Kerk, behind a richly carved grille, is the imposing Renaissance tomb (16th C.) of Count Engelbrecht II of Nassau (Stadholder-General of the Netherlands in the reign of the Emperor Maximilian I; d. 1504) and his wife Cimburga of Baden (d. 1510) - an alabaster masterpiece which was the work of either Tommaso Vincitore of Bologna (architect of Breda Castle) or Pietro Torrigiani, a Florentine. There are a number of tombs in the ambulatory, including (on the same side as Engelbrecht II), the monument, behind a fine iron grille, of Count Engelbrecht I (d. 1443) and his son John of Nassau (d. 1475), together with their wives.
