Ginnekenmarkt

The clatter of hooves, the sound of cartwheels on cobblestones, the scent of straw, grain and wine, and the loud voices of merchants hawking their wares. Since the Middle Ages, the Ginneken Market had played an important role as a key junction on the old trade route between Breda and Maastricht. Merchants, farmers, and craftsmen transported their goods along this route.

The Ginneken Market was both a resting place and a marketplace: travelers and traders would spend the night here, exchange their horses, and conduct their business. It must have been a lively scene. Just look around at the historic buildings on the square. Do you see the old inns and warehouses? They date straight back to that time. Today, the Ginneken Market is mainly a cozy spot for food and drinks. But if you close your eyes for a moment and imagine the clatter of hooves, the sounds and smells still echo something of the 17th-century atmosphere.

Within walking distance of the Ginneken Market lies the fairytale-like Castle Bouvigne. From the square, you can easily stroll into the natural areas of Markdal and Mastbos.

The Siege of Breda
The Ginnekenmarkt is now a busy, lively square. But during the Siege of Breda, it was a strategic point. Here was one of Spinola's army camps. There was one problem: food was scarce around Breda. What to do? The Spaniards had food delivered through warehouses in Lier and Herentals and used the church in Ginneken for storage. The people of Breda got wind of this and sent a saboteur. He managed to gain the Spaniards' trust and pretended to be there to repair storm damage to the church’s thatched roof. Instead, he set the church on fire. It burned down, and a large food supply was lost.

This text has been translated using AI.