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Bergen op Zoom 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. Although over the centuries the town was frequently besieged it managed to maintain active trading relations with Britain. Major contributions to its economy are made by oyster and lobster culture, fishing for anchovies, the growing of asparagus and strawberries and a variety of industries (metalworking, woodworking, textiles, foodstuffs, etc).

History

An important trading town in the Middle Ages, Bergen op Zoom received its municipal charter in the 13th century and was granted exemption from customs duties in the 14th. During the Dutch fight for freedom the town was surrounded with massive fortifications by the Duke of Alba. In spite of this the Spanish forces were compelled to evacuate the town in 1577 and thereafter, until 1605, tried unsuccessfully to retake it. A further attempt by the Marquis of Spinola to take the town in 1622 was equally unsuccessful. It was finally recaptured by French troops under Count Loevendal in 1747.
The town of Bergen op Zoom has numerous places of interest such as the Grote Market, the Synagogue, City Centre, and Markiezenhof Palace. The palace houses a cultural centre and museum.
Gevangenpoort
At the west end of Lieve Vrouwenstraat is the Gevangenpoort (15th C.), a relic of the old fortifications.
Margrave's Palace
In Steenbergsestraat is the Markiezenhof (Margrave's Palace; 1475), with a beautiful facade, which now houses the Municipal Museum (Gemeentemuseum).
Address
Het Markiezenhof
Steenbergsestraat 8
Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant 4611 TE
Netherlands
Hours
April 1 to September 30
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosed11:0011:0011:0011:0011:0011:00
Close 17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
October 1 to March 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosed14:0014:0014:0014:0014:0014:00
Close 17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
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.
Read More Tholen, Netherlands
(Near Bergen op Zoom)
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.
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