The Citadel is a magnificent 17th-century structure. In 1637 this pentagonal fortification with ramparts was built at a strategic point where the rivers Aa and Dommel flow into the Dieze. The Citadel's nickname, De Papenbril (The Papist Glasses), is due to the fact that the building was created to keep an eye on the Catholics of Den Bosch, who were still loyal to the former ruler of the area, the King of Spain. So the canons were not only aimed at the enemy, but also at the town's own inhabitants! In later centuries the building also functioned as a military prison, a barracks and an artists' workshop, before it was transformed into the Brabant Historical Information Centre (BHIC). The view of the city from the walls is brilliant and you can almost feel its rich history come to life.