Breda Castle, Medieval fortress in Valkenberg, Netherlands
Breda Castle is a fortress with four defensive towers surrounded by a water channel, transformed into a Renaissance palace over time. Its most striking feature is a 16th-century gatehouse positioned in the center, which defines the character of the entire complex.
The castle's origins trace back to the 12th century, when it was built as a defensive stronghold. In 1536, Henry III of Nassau-Breda initiated a major redesign that transformed it into a Renaissance palace.
The castle served as the ancestral seat of the Nassau family, whose descendants later became the Dutch royal house. This connection shaped the nation's path for generations to come.
The castle grounds now house the Royal Military Academy and are accessible to visitors only through organized guided tours. These tours are arranged by Gilde de Baronie and require advance booking to participate.
The castle walls feature special eye tiles crafted in Antwerp during the Renaissance, commissioned by Henry III and his wife Mencia de Mendoza. These ornamental pieces reflect the artistic ambitions the family brought to their palace redesign.
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