Zuiderwaterlinie (Breda, Heusden, Grave and Willemstad)
The Zuiderwaterlinie is a unique chain of 11 fortified towns and their surroundings in the province of Brabant. It is the oldest, longest, and most used water line in the Netherlands. Walls, ramparts, cannons, and water protected the towns against invaders. All city life took place within the city walls. The towns and cities of Bergen op Zoom, Steenbergen, Willemstad, Klundert, Geertruidenberg, Breda, Heusden, Den Bosch, Megen, Ravenstein, and Grave are all part of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Dutch Luxury Travel will show you the most interesting towns, sparkling cities, fortresses, and defenses.
Heusden
Heusden arose around one of the oldest moated castles in northwestern Europe and was one of the first Dutch cities to have a city wall. Thanks to beautiful restorations, much of the old Heusden has been preserved.
Grave
Grave is known as the most besieged fortified city in the Netherlands. The historic town has many monuments, such as the Saint Elisabeth Church, the old chapel of the Tertiary Monastery, the 15th-century town hall and the Hampoort. Furthermore, old buildings and even entire streets in Grave have remained preserved.
Willemstad
Willemstad is often described as ‘one big monument’. The city got its name after Willem van Oranje was murdered in 1584, to honor the leader of the revolt of the Netherlands against Spain. During a walk through the center, you can spot ancient city walls, historic buildings, old cannons and the monumental Mauritshuis.
Breda
The fortified city of Breda was a fierce battleground between the northern part of the Netherlands and the Spaniards for a long period of time. That rich past intersects with the sparkling present in the current city center. Breda is famous for its beautiful buildings, such as the Grote Kerk, the Beguinage, the market square and the Castle of Breda. The city is also a haven for shoppers and foodies enjoying the Burgundian way of life.
Other interesting sites not far from Breda are the cities of Den Bosch and Tilburg, theme park the Efteling and Safaripark Beekse Bergen.
Excursions
Soon we’ll add them…