Bergen op Zoom Tourist Attractions
|
|
The former fortress town of Bergen op Zoom ("Bergen on the Edge"), in the west of the province of Noord-Brabant, is now, since the construction of the Schelde-Rhine Canal, linked with the Oosterschelde by a train of locks, bringing it within easy reach of Antwerp and Rotterdam by sea.
Town Hall
In the Grote Markt of Bergen op Zoom is the 15th century Town Hall (Stadhuis); the facade dates from 1611. The entrance lobby is decorated with the coats of arms of prosperous burghers. A particularly notable feature is the magnificent Late Gothic chimney (1521) from the Markiezenhof.
St Geertruidskerk
The Gothic Grote Kerk or St Geertruidskerk (13th C.) contains numerous monuments of the 16th-18th centuries. From the tower (carillon) there are fine views, extending in clear weather as far as Antwerp.
Margrave's Palace
In Steenbergsestraat is the Markiezenhof (Margrave's Palace; 1475), with a beautiful facade, which now houses the Municipal Museum (Gemeentemuseum).
Gevangenpoort
At the west end of Lieve Vrouwenstraat is the Gevangenpoort (15th C.), a relic of the old fortifications.
Surroundings
Tholen
Northwest of Bergen op Zoom is the Tholen peninsula, with the town of Tholen. It owes its name to the tolls once levied on shipping here. After a great fire in 1452 which left only the lower part of the church tower still standing, Tholen's Grote Kerk (or Onze Lieve Vrouwenkerk) was rebuilt in Late Gothic style but remained unfinished. Beautiful stained glass (lily patterns) in the transept.
Town Hall
The Tholen Town Hall (Stadhuis), with its stone front and hexagonal turret, was rebuilt after the great fire of 1452. The Roccoco staircase leading up to the large council chamber dates from 1758.
