St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Breda 🇳🇱

When you visit Breda in the Netherlands, make sure to take in the historic St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral (also known locally as the Sint-Antoniuskathedraal). Serving as the Roman Catholic cathedral for the Diocese of Breda, this magnificent building offers a fascinating story of architecture and changing history. Constructed in 1837 by architect Peter Huijsers, it is a classic example of a waterstaatskerk—a church built with significant financial backing from the government and erected under the direct supervision of civil engineers.

Architectural enthusiasts will find plenty to admire on its stunning neoclassical front façade. As you look at the exterior from the bottom up, you can carefully distinguish distinct Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian design elements, topped by a striking pediment beneath the bell tower that clearly resembles a traditional Greek temple. First elevated to cathedral status back in 1853, the building experienced a unique administrative journey, losing its status in 1876 to St. Barbara's Church and remaining a parish church while other cathedrals closed or faced demolition.

Finally, on January 1, 2001, at the request of Bishop Muskens, St. Anthony’s officially reclaimed its position as the city's cathedral once again. It stands today as an impressive stop on your exploration of Breda.

What to see at St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Breda

• Neoclassical exterior designed in 1837 by architect Peter Huijsers
• Front façade featuring Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian elements from bottom to top
• Bell tower pediment styled in the shape of a classic Greek temple
• Unique historical classification as a government-funded waterstaatskerk
• Reclaimed its title as the Diocese of Breda's cathedral in 2001

Visiting tips

Examine the front façade closely from bottom to top to see how the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles are stacked.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Breda is easy to reach on Breda’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Grote kerk. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Breda travel guide.