Het Spanjaardsgat, Campine Kempen Travel Guide

Discover Het Spanjaardsgat in Breda: a historic water gate, a symbol of Dutch resilience, and a picturesque landmark in the heart of the city.

Het Spanjaardsgat, or the Spanish Hole, is a historic water gate in Breda, Netherlands, that forms part of the city's fortifications. Built in the late 16th century, it connects the Granaattoren and Duiventoren towers of Breda Castle. Today, it stands as a monument symbolizing Dutch history and culture, attracting visitors with its architectural grandeur and rich past.

A brief summary to Het Spanjaardsgat

Kasteelplein, Breda, Breda Centrum, NL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Het Spanjaardsgat.

Take a boat tour from the nearby harbor for a unique perspective of Het Spanjaardsgat and the surrounding canals.
Check for tour availability to see the Spanjaardsgat from inside the Breda Castle grounds.
Visit during the Spanjaardsgat Festival in spring for music and dance performances.

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Getting There

Walking

Het Spanjaardsgat is located on Kasteelplein in the Breda Centrum area, easily reachable on foot from the Grote Markt (main square). From the Grote Markt, walk east towards the Breda Castle. The Spanjaardsgat is situated between the castle and the harbor. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Breda Central Station, take bus lines 1, 2, 7, 115, 132, or 327 to the 'Kasteelplein' bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to Het Spanjaardsgat. A single bus fare within Breda costs around €2-3. Alternatively, bus lines 861, 862, 863, or 864 will take you to 'Valkenberg' bus stop, which is about 5 minutes walking distance from Kasteelplein. A single bus fare costs around €2-3.
Parking

If arriving by car, parking is available in the city center, but can be limited. Paid parking is available at the Q-Park Kasteelplein, located a short walk from Het Spanjaardsgat. Hourly rates are approximately €2.70, with a daily maximum around €15-20. Be aware of potential time restrictions and costs. Private parking spots are also available for rent.

Discover more about Het Spanjaardsgat

Het Spanjaardsgat is a picturesque water gate located in the heart of Breda, nestled between the Granaattoren and Duiventoren towers of Breda Castle. Constructed around 1610, the gate's name, meaning "the Spanish Hole," is linked to the story of the Turfschip van Breda (Turf Boat of Breda) in 1590. This event saw Dutch troops, hidden in a peat barge, retake Breda from the Spanish. However, the Spanjaardsgat was built 20 years after the actual event.Originally a crucial part of Breda's defenses, controlling water flow around the castle, today the Spanjaardsgat serves as a striking reminder of the city's strategic importance and rich history. The towers themselves date back to around 1530, built in an Italian style as part of expansions to the fortifications. They once served as gun emplacements. The towers have lost their military function a long time ago. The onion-shaped domes were added during restoration works between 1903 and 1910.Visitors can admire the Spanjaardsgat from the outside, or during tours of the castle grounds, view it from the inside. The adjacent harbor adds to the area's charm, with opportunities for boat tours along the canals. The site also hosts events such as the Spanjaardsgat Festival and the arrival of Sinterklaas. The southern tower, the Duiventoren, contains a Protestant chapel on the lower level and a visitor center above, featuring a model of the castle complex. The northern Granaattoren has a Roman Catholic chapel on the lower level and catering facilities for the Royal Military Academy (KMA).