Brielle Favorites

Favorite thing: His name is Copplestock . he was the man who alerted de '' Watergeuzen '' ,they were Sea Beggars, like Pirates , they freed
Brielle'' from the Spanish occupation on April 1 1572.
Still today this day is celebrated in Brielle by an re enactment of this event.

Favorite thing: '' Watergeuzen '' were Sea Beggars but they
came and layed Anchor at the Maas in Brielle and were told that the town was ready to take ,they stormed the gate and drove out the Spaniard from Brielle ,this ship is a replica and it is used in the celebrations of the event on the first of April each year where a re enactment takes place in the town of Brielle.The ship is not that big
It is called '' Prince Admirael ''.

Favorite thing: The fifty-metre high tower of SINT CATHERIJNE CHURCH can be seen for miles around and provides a spectacular view of the Brielle star-shaped fortifications. The ancient Church was founded in 1417.

Fondest memory: Hans and I were overwhelmed by the beauty and size of this church. Remember, that Brielle is just a small town and the church is really a dominating presence.

Favorite thing: The HOOFDWACHT was the central post for the defence of the town. Today, it is a cafe' and restaurant with an outdoor cafe'. The terrace is usually filled with locals most times of the day -- morning coffee & newspaper -- afternoon tea/coffee -- evening -- perhaps a cool drink. It sure was a happening place.

Favorite thing: The SEA BEGGARS captured Den Briel on 1 April 1572. It was the first Dutch town to free itself from the Spanish. You can still see the remnants of the town gates, which were rammed by the ships' masts of the Sea Beggars as they entered Den Briel. Fortress works are still in tact centuries later. Bastions, or Ravelijnen, two gates, the armoury, all are still visible.

Favorite thing: Hans' sister and her husband own this awesome boat. It has a kitchenette, bathroom and can sleep up to four people. The floors are teak wood and absolutely beautiful. The captain and first-mate are so proud to own such a beauty.

Favorite thing: Since i didn't want to miss a thing i took the town walk. Got the info at the desk of the tourist information agency (1,50 euro) and equiped with that brochure i spend a better part of the afternoon taking pictures of these old buildings, reading up on background information and had a very good time in general..

Since it was november already, i didn't meet any other people doing the same route.. And some people even looked at me when i was trying to get the best possible picture.. But i thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Fondest memory: I know it sound as a cliche but i have to admit i enjoyed everything.

Favorite thing: I went to this museum because i already knew a little bit about Brielle and that it had something to do with the Geuzen. But that was the extend of my knowledge... Now, after having visited this museum, my knowledge is much better. It is fun to know that Brielle was the first place liberated of the Spanish in 1572.

But the museum shows much more than that. It gives you an impression of Brielle through the centuries. With all kinds of things. Paintings, diaries, objects and multimedia...

Fondest memory: The museum is opened from april the 1st till the 31st of october:
tuesday -friday 10.00 till 17.00
saturdays 10.00 till 16.00
sundays 12.00 till 16.00

From the 1st of november till 31st of march:
tuesday-friday 10.00 till 16.00
saturdays 10.00 till 16.00
closed on sundays

And then it is closed on the following days: 31st of december, January the 1st, 30th of april, the first and second easter days, 25th and 26th of december,.

Admission fee: 2 euro per adult. 1 euro for children (info 2003)