“Take a closer look,” says Jan Korebrits, a city guide in Breda, pointing to a capital, “do you see that grin? That’s one of the ‘Hidden Misleaders.’” These devilish faces, carefully carved into the capitals of the church pillars, are just one of the many symbolic elements in Breda’s Grote Kerk. This church, with its imposing tower and intricate details, is an icon of Brabant Gothic architecture, interwoven with the history of the city and the Dutch royal family. “The Grote Kerk is not only a monument,” Jan explains, “but a place full of stories just waiting to be told.”
Gothic Roots of the Grote Kerk
The current Grote Kerk stands on the foundations of three previous churches: a wooden chapel, a tuff-stone church, and a Gothic brick church. “Although there’s no trace of the original wooden chapel,” Jan explains, “we assume it was there, as most churches in the Low Lands began that way.”
As early as 1269, the Grote Kerk was called the “Stennen Monster.” “Stennen,” Jan clarifies, “means ‘stone’, and Monster comes from ‘monasterium,’ or monastery. But large churches were often called by this name—think of Münster in Germany or Westminster in England.”
The current church was built beginning in 1410 in the flamboyant style of Brabantine Gothic. “Flowing lines, lush ornamentation, and the use of sandstone rather than just brick,” Jan explains, “that’s what makes the Grote Kerk so monumental.”
The church’s influence extended to other buildings as well, including the unfinished tower of the basilica in Oosterhout, which was intended to replicate the Breda tower. “The only difference,” he adds, “is that Oosterhout’s tower is built entirely of brick, while Breda’s tower is clad in sandstone.”
characteristics of Brabantine gothic
- Sandstone Cladding on Brick Structures – Brabant Gothic churches often use a distinctive sandstone cladding over brick, giving them a monumental and refined appearance.
- Flamboyant Tracery and Detailing – Elaborate and flowing stone tracery, especially in windows and archways, is a hallmark, adding a sense of movement and intricacy.
- High Towers – The Brabant Gothic style often includes tall, striking towers with detailed ornamentation, becoming prominent features of the skyline.
- Trefoils and Quatrefoils (Triforium and Quatrefoil) – Wall elements featuring trefoils and quatrefoils, where the trefoil often symbolizes the heavenly and the quatrefoil the earthly.
- Intricately Carved Choir Stalls and Capitals – Richly decorated choir stalls and capital carvings often depict religious scenes, allegories, and moral symbols, bringing storytelling into the architecture.
The Great Church as Part of the Gothic Heritage of the Former Duchy of Brabant
It’s not entirely clear which church served as the inspiration for the Grote Kerk’s architects, but Korebrits notes many parallels with the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen. “And the St. Gummarus Church in Lier,” he adds, “has a nave strikingly similar to that of the Grote Kerk. Jan II Keldermans was an architect there at the time, and it’s very possible the influential Keldermans family was also active in Breda.”
The Grote Kerk is full of hidden treasures, of which the “Hidden Misleaders” are just one example. “These devilish faces aren’t mere decoration,” Jan explains. “They symbolize evil, reflecting the medieval fascination with the struggle between good and evil.”
He also points out the ‘Heaven Hole,’ an opening 22 meters up in the ceiling, where in the late Middle Ages a statue of Christ was raised up on Ascension Day. “It’s these small details,” he says with a smile, “that are so important to a guide like me; they make the stories come alive.”
A Royal Connection: From the House of Nassau to the Prinsenkapel in the Grote Kerk Breda
The Grote Kerk is closely tied to the House of Nassau, the ancestors of the Dutch royal family. “It was nearly the case that William of Orange was buried here,” says Korebrits. “He had the crypt expanded beneath the monument of his ancestors, Engelbrecht II and Cimburga of Baden, driven by the dynastic belief that this was where he belonged.” But Breda was occupied by the Spanish when he died, so Delft became his final resting place.
Korebrits’ favorite spot in the church, the Prinsenkapel, houses this family monument, which was so impressive that British officer Sir Francis Vere commissioned a similar one for himself in Westminster Abbey.
The chapel also features a remarkable ceiling painting by Tommaso Vincidor, a student of the renowned Raphael. “It’s rare to find an Italian painter like Vincidor working in the Netherlands. His Renaissance ceiling painting (1533) is in the Netherlands unique for its time and still reflects his Italian influence,” Jan says with pride.
More Than a Church: The Grote Kerk as Breda’s Cultural Center
Over the centuries, the role of the Grote Kerk has shifted. Once the religious heart of Breda, it has now become a cultural center. “The church has almost become a living room for the city,” Korebrits shares. “People gather here for concerts, exhibitions, and other events.” Jan himself is a member of the Bach Choir Brabant, which performs at least one major oratorio in the church every year. “The acoustics here are perfect for choral music.”
The Grote Kerk’s Future: Monument and Meeting Place
Maintaining the Grote Kerk is a continuous challenge, especially as church attendance declines. “I don’t have precise figures for the maintenance costs,” Jan admits, “but I know that the ongoing renovations are well supported by grants from the city, the government, and private donations. And there’s the ‘Friends of the Grote Kerk’ who dedicate themselves to preserving this monument. But still, maintaining a Gothic chuch is a never-ending story.”
Despite the challenges, Korebrits looks to the future with confidence. “The current management is arts- and culture-oriented and increasingly opens the space for exhibitions and concerts,” he says. “It keeps the church relevant to Breda and the Netherlands, even for those who aren’t religious.”
Smiling as he talks about the church’s future, he adds, “Will we see another royal wedding or burial in the Grote Kerk? Probably not. But that doesn’t make the stories from the past any less powerful.
Grote Kerk Breda: Why the Most Prominent Nassau Wasn’t Buried Here
William of Orange was originally meant to be buried in Breda alongside his Nassau family, his wife, and his daughter. But why wasn’t the most prominent Nassau laid to rest in Breda?
For guides like Jan Korebrits, the Grote Kerk is more than a historic monument—it’s a living treasure trove of stories waiting to be uncovered. His passion and dedication ensure that its rich history continues to inspire new generations. “The best part of this job is helping visitors see the church in ways they never expected,” Korebrits shares.
“Even I still find surprises here. A few years ago, I discovered a ‘Green Man’ carved into one of the choir stalls—an image that had never been noticed or documented before.” In a place so steeped in history, it seems there’s always more to discover, reminding us that the stories of the Grote Kerk are far from finished.
Jan Korebrits is an official city guide of Gilde the Baronie in Breda.
About the GROTE KERK BREDA
- Building period: 1410-1547
- Lenght: 77,3 m
- Width (transept): 37,7 m
- Height (vault): 22,5 m
- Height (tower): 97 m
The Grote Kerk of Breda stands as the epitome of Brabantine Gothic architecture in the Netherlands.
In 1410, the construction of the Grote Kerk of Breda began, a common starting point for churches of that era. First came the choir, followed by the three-aisle nave, transept, and the north and south chapels. After the tower’s completion in 1509, work began on the chapels flanking the tower, which were finished in 1547.
In 1566, nearly 20 years after its completion, the Reformation took place and the church was no longer Catholic. Afterwards, the church alternated several times between Protestant and Catholic, until it finally became Protestant in 1637 and has remained so to this day.
LUX Travel Tips
- You can visit the church for free.
- You can also climb the 268 steps of the tower staircase to the former tower keeper’s room and the observation deck. (online ticket). Here you can enjoy the view over Breda and surroundings.
- The guides of Gilde De Baronie are happy to tell you about the secrets of the Grote Kerk. You can buy your tickets online.
- The Grote Kerk also offers interactive tours that guide you through the church with different perspectives.
- Have a look at this website for a 3D online visit of the church, the tower and the orgen.
- Breda is full of history! Book your private history tour here and discover its rich past with a local guide!
- In a former monastery in the historic city center of Breda, you’ll find the trendy Hotel Nassau. This luxurious gem features a variety of characterful rooms and suites, each equipped with wonderfully soft beds and a stylish bathroom. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the spa package is the perfect choice. Book your room here!
- Within cycling distance of Breda’s city center, you’ll find the charming villa Het Scheepshuys, now serving as a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect place to unwind in nature, offering wonderfully cozy rooms for an exceptionally comfortable stay. Book here!
