Bergen op Zoom

Het Markiezenhof

 

the first Marquies on his deathbed

Danny loved all the weaponry, armour and toy soldiers

 

 

paintings of the city gates, Bergen op Zoom was a fortified city with walls all around

we thought Danny's piano teacher would enjoy this photo

Molly liked the pottery section. They had examples from 1400-present!

the floor had a map painted on the floor!

on the third floor was a special exhibit of miniature old fashioned fair rides and games
when you pressed a button they went into action-fun!

a chalkboard wall, who could resist?

I love that it is not high season yet! We were the only people on this beautiful terrace enjoying our picnic.

the happy tourists

when we left the palalce we walked to the only remaining city gate

guys and guns...what can I say?!

 

 

 The Markiezenhof (Gallia Palace) is one of the top 100 Dutch monuments. It was built in 1485 for the greater glory of the Lords, later Marquises of Bergen op Zoom. It was built in 1485 for the Greater Glory of the Lords, later Marquises of Bergen op Zoom. By 1514 the Markiezenhof had assumed its current dimensions. By 1514 the Assumed Markiezenhof had its current dimensions.

Right up until the 18 ^th century the nobility of this area represented an important political and economic power-block, recognised far beyond the borders of The Netherlands. After Bergen op Zoom had passed its peak in terms of economic growth it then took on significance as a garrison town. After Bergen op Zoom had passed its peak in terms of economic growth then it fired up in significance as a garrison town. The museum itself had many original artifacts from the home and the family, including furniture and paintings. Though nothing was in English we were able to enjoy everything. The weapons, armour,swords and knives all spoke for themselves. The city was also known for its festivals and many show/circus people resided there. On the third floor of the house they have a fairground museum which the kids loved. Lots of miniature rides that would twirl and move when you pressed the button. We love the hands on! We had a lovely picnic on the terrace and then walked around the town a bit. We were able to see the only remaining gate from what was once a fortified city. In fact we learned that the only time in its 800 year history that Bergen op Zoom was conquered was by Napolean, and the name of the city is carved on the side of the Arc de Triumph in Paris, along with the other cities which fell to Napolean. The city records were lost in a fire in 1327, so the exact age is unknown, but they do have a document from 1212 in which it is refered to as a city, so the town is celebrating its 800th birthday this year...it ought to be quite a party!

We also did a bit of shopping! Gary has been shopping for gifts for his family, and though I couldn't talk him into getting a tatoo in a wild looking shop we passed, he did get a couple of things for himself! His last day is tomorrow and the gang has voted on a mellow day (what is that??!) but we shall see!