Interactive tours

Interactieve tours in de Grote Kerk Breda. Foto: Bram Vreugdenhil

The Grote Kerk Breda is a house of stories, where traces of the past make history tangible. Our interactive tours let you discover the many stories. What lies behind the tombs, the grandeur and the symbols? And what does that say about our lives in the here-and-now?

Immerse yourself in the stories of the Grote Kerk Breda and discover that the things that concern you now are not so different from the themes of the past.

please note

This digital tour is available in all languages. You follow the tour on your phone at your own pace; alone or in company. Don't feel like reading? Then you can listen. You can also receive the tour via e-mail to view again at home. There are four tours, so be sure to come back! The tours are free of charge.

Huis van Verhalen Grote Kerk Breda Foto Bram Vreugdenhil 5

Fashion Tour

What is the connection between fashion and the Grote Kerk Breda? You'll find out during the Fashion Tour. See how fashion is always changing, and which influences we still recognise today. Discover that headscarves have existed in all times and cultures, and can also be real fashion statements. Learn about the blackest black, a colour that continues to fascinate artists and researchers. Do you know what Billie Eilish has in common with Johanna van Polanen? And how fashionable were the men immortalised in this church?

Huis van Verhalen Grote Kerk Breda Foto Bram Vreugdenhil 2

Women in focus

Did you know that women in particular were very influential in the development of this church and the city of Breda? This national monument was even named after a woman: Holy Mary. She was 'cancelled' and reinstated centuries later. To this day, she remains a source of inspiration for many artists and performers. For instance, S10 sings about her in the song Maria. And who exactly were these worldly, influential Nassau women? They fought against poverty, and were committed to art and culture. Their stories have long been under-appreciated. How do we see them now? We'll tell you all about it in the digital tour Women in Focus.

Huis van Verhalen Grote Kerk Breda Foto Bram Vreugdenhil 16

Quick highlights

Do you have limited time, but still want to see as much as possible? Then choose the Quick Highlights Tour and discover the centrepieces of the Grote Kerk Breda. Step inside the Prince's Chapel, the burial chamber of the Nassaus - ancestors of the Dutch royal family. Admire colourful murals, the splendour of yesteryear and be surprised by fascinating facts. What does LinkedIn have to do with the tomb monuments? What is a sacred comic strip? And who is the ancient big friendly giant? Dive into the stories of the Grote Kerk Breda with a contemporary perspective.

Family tour

Little sleuths are also welcome in the Grote Kerk Breda! Lie on the floor and look for the sun, run your fingers over the old tombstones and search for the hidden mouse. Together with your family you can discover mysterious signs on the walls, faces high up in the pillars and unusual traditions. What do we actually celebrate with carnival? And do similar traditions exist in different cultures? The Family Tour is full of discoveries and will show you: this monument is packed with adventures.

Practical info

The interactive tours are free of charge. You follow them on your smartphone
You start a tour by scanning a QR code, which you will find in the church
Each tour leads you through the monument with a different emphasis on the church - always from a contemporary viewpoint
The tours do not all follow the same route, you will visit different locations on each tour
You can do the tours by yourself or in the company of others
You can set the pace of the tour yourself by browsing through it faster, skipping information or going back to see something again
You can read the tours or listen to AI-generated voices. This gives you plenty of time to look around at your leisure
There is (free) Wi-Fi in the church

Route and parking

Coming by train? The Grote Kerk Breda is a 10-minute walk from Breda railway station. The church is also easily accessible by bus. You can walk to us in a few minutes from the Karnemelkstraat or Oude Vest bus stops.

Coming by bike or moped? Then park in one of the free bicycle parking facilities. Improperly parked bicycles are regularly removed by the municipality.

Coming by car? The car parks De Prins and De Barones are closest to the Grote Kerk Breda. Click here for general information on parking in Breda.