Sint Antonius Cathedral

Sint Antonius Cathedral in the center of Breda was built in 1837 to the design of Piet Huysers. In the 1930s, the Ministry of Waterways and Public Works supervised the construction of churches.

Neoclassical (waterworks) church
Sint Antonius Cathedral is a fine example of a so-called waterworks church. Art historians prefer not to use this term. They prefer to speak of a neoclassical church. This is clearly visible on the facade with plastered half columns and pediments. Huysers was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. This building was given a classical order per floor. On the first floor one finds simple Doric columns, on the second floor Ionic and on the second Corinthian.

Floor plan
We find this structure in Sint Antonius Cathedral. The plan of the church is derived from the Roman basilica. The church has a nave, two side aisles and a concluding apse. Initially, the church was not decorated. Only later did the church receive its art treasures such as the Antonius window at the Antonius altar. This window depicts some episodes from the life of the cathedral's patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua.

First cathedral of the diocese
The church plays an important role in the history of the diocese. In 1853, the church became the first cathedral of the diocese of Breda. The decoration of the pulpit still reminds of this period. In the hood are the coats of arms of the first two bishops of Breda, Van Hooijdonk and Van Genk, and the old coat of arms of the diocese.