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.