Located in heart of Breda, the Nassau Monument is a physical reminder of a legacy that can be seen in obvious and subtle ways across the entire country of the Netherlands. While the landmark is the most notable feature of Park Valkenberg, it has a much deeper and more meaningful connection to the entire history of the region in ways that continue to shape the culture of the city and country.
Defining the Modern House of Orange-Nassau
Park Valkenberg defines the heart of the modern city of Breda in the southern part of the Netherlands. However, this area has gone through major changes over the decades as the city has a history that stretches back for centuries. In 1403, Breda was acquired by the House of Nassau through the marriage of Johanna of Polanen and Engelbert I of Nassau. This line would eventually become the House of Orange-Nassau which is the current reigning house of the Netherlands.
In 1904, a monument to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the bond between Breda and the House of Orange-Nassau was commissioned. The famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers was chosen to create a piece that would effectively showcase the bond between Breda and the Nassau family. It was first unveiled in 1905 by Queen Wilhelmina.
The monument itself was created in the shape of a castle and is crowned with a lion that symbolizes the Nassau line but also became the symbol of the Netherlands. Three panels depict the marriage of Johanna of Polanen and Engelbert I while the other panel with the coat of arms of Queen Wilhelmina displays the names of the Sovereigns of Breda along with the dates when they ruled. The municipal coat of arms of Breda is held by two golden lions that are standing on a castle below an image of an angel along with various other coats of arms all around the monument.
Fully restored in 2016 and lit in spectacular fashion at night, the Nassau Monument is a unique celebration of a piece of history that defines Breda and is also connected to the modern history of the Netherlands. In doing so, it showcases what it can mean for what might otherwise be an impenetrable element of history to connect with audiences in a profound manner.
Personifying the Legacy of Breda
Recognized as a national monument in 2002, the Nassau Monument defines Park Valkenberg and all of Breda in a way that gives audiences something to physically admire while also providing them with insights into the history of the area. The effort to physically celebrate such a historic event has enabled audiences across the eras to see, understand and experience this history in ways that continue to resonate on multiple levels.
