Brielle (or Den Briel; traditionally called Brill in English), is the chief place on the island of Voorne, which lies to the south of the Europoort. In the 16th century it was an important stronghold on the estuary of the Maas. On April 1, 1572 the Sea Beggars, having been expelled from England, captured the town and thus sparked off the northern provinces' fight for independence.
Today some of the city's fortifications and the moat still remain.
The Historical Museum of Brill, housed in a building (1623) which was formerly a state prison and weigh-house in Brill, is devoted to the history of the town and the celebrated Admiral Tromp, a native of the town.
Address: Historical Museum Den Briel, Markt 1, Brielle, Zuid-Holland 3231 AH, Netherlands
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Sat:10am-4pm; Closed: Mon
November 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Sun, Mon
The Grote Kerk or St Catharijnekerk (unfinished) was built in the 15th century in Brabantine Late Gothic style, with a massive stone tower containing a carillon of 48 bells by Francois Hemony (1660).
The Town Hall (Stadhuis; 14th C.), in the market square, has a facade of 1793 in Louis XIV style. On the gable are the words "Libertatis Primitiae" ("The First Fruits of Liberty").
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Boats along the waterfront at Brielle.
