SPANJAARDSGAT - BREDA CASTLE

The Spanjaardsgat is a remnant of the fortifications that were breached by the Spanish (the translation of the name is "hole") located to the north of the city. It consists of two small seven-sided towers that frame a gate. At the beginning of the 16th century, the walls of Breda were fortified and it became a prosperous city, the object of much envy. William III ordered the construction of the Spanjaardsgat to improve the drainage of the castle moat.

It is said that it was at this very spot that Breda was liberated from its occupiers in 1590. While the Spanish soldiers were celebrating Mardi Gras, a boat quietly entered the fortress waters. Intoxicated by alcohol and stupefied by the party, the Spaniards did not discover the subterfuge: on the boat, hidden under some peat, were soldiers ready to fight and take control of the fortress. A story that recalls the famous adventure of the Trojan horse.

Behind it lies Breda Castle, which has been home to the country's Royal Military Academy since 1828. The location of the castle dates from the 16th century, its current appearance dates from the late 17th century. The building is characterised by a large number of windows and the military academy had a new floor added (the colour of the brick is darker on the top floor). In the past, the castle built by William III of Nassau was surrounded by ramparts and flanked by four large towers to defend itself against the enemy.