Mechelen |
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is a historically important city located on the Dijle River, in the centre of Flanders, halfway between Antwerp and Brussels. The seat of the Primate of Belgium is in Mechelen. The main landmark is the huge tower of St. Rumbold. Even though the city suffered greatly during both world wars, many interesting and beautiful buildings have been preserved. In addition to the previously mentioned cathedral of St. Rumbold's noteworthy attractions include: the Palace of Margaret of Austria, the town hall, the Palace of Margaret of York (now the municipal theatre), and many beautiful tenement houses and churches.
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Churches of Mechelen
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Cathedral of St. Rumbold |
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is the city's greatest treasure. This majestic Gothic building is situated on the western side of the market square, behind the post office building. Its beginnings date back to the 13th century. Then, around 1217, the eastern part of the transept was built, the western transept pillars were completed in 1230. The construction of the nave with six arches began in the mid-13th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries the presbytery was built. Church of St. Rumbold became a cathedral in 1559.
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Inside the cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Belgium, are the tombs of the cardinals. One of them was the famous Cardinal Mercier. The most important treasure of the cathedral is the painting The Crucifixion of Christ, who painted Anton Van Dijck, a painter from Antwerp. The painting is a fragment of a Baroque altar, moved here from another church that was razed to the ground by the French Republican army. On May 18, 1985, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Cathedral of St. Rumbold, on his 65th birthday.
The sheer size of this impressive Gothic, three-nave cathedral is easiest to describe with numbers:
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Interior of the cathedral
Although many of the cathedral's artworks were stolen during the 16th-century Wars of Religion and as a result of French looting in 1792 and 1794, it is still filled with masterpieces. The following deserve special attention:
- Baroque oak pulpit, depicting the conversion of St. Norbert, is proof of the skill of the woodcarvers of that time. The main scene shows Saint. Norbert after falling from a horse. This accident prompted the 12th-century prince to renounce his estate and devote himself to the church. The pulpit represents the earthly paradise. A careful observer will notice intricately carved figures of animals: pelicans, squirrels, snakes and snails. The author of the sculpture is Michiel Vervoort from Antwerp (1667-1737). Desktop Details sculpted by Theodoor Vehagen (1701-1759). The pulpit was built in the years (1721-1723). It was originally created for the church of the Norbertine Sisters.
- In the side aisle of the presbytery we can find 25 interesting paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, describing the life of Saint. Rumbold. These are works by several unknown artists, created between 1480 and 1510.
- Also noteworthy are the sculptures of the 12 apostles and the 4 evangelists that decorate the pillars of the nave. The creation of these sculptures dates back to the 17th century.
In the chancel there is a beautiful marble main altar dating from 1665. The altar is topped with a statue of the cathedral's patron saint. Rumbold (the statue is 3.75 m high). This majestic, baroque, dominating choir, the altar is made of white marble and hard black stone. Its creator is Lucas Faydeherbe (1617-1697). He made it according to a design by Willem Hees or Hesius (1601-1690).
Beautiful decorative doors of the main altar, behind which, in a gilded reliquary, are kept remains of Saint Rumbold, made by A. Quellin the Younger (1625-1700). It is opened only during the most important religious holidays, when the reliquary is carried in procession around the city center. The reliquary was made in 1825 by the goldsmith from Mechelen, J. Fr. van Deuren.
The next work in the cathedral, created by Lucas Faydherbe, is the sculpture on the tomb of Archbishop Andrew Cruesen, the fifth Archbishop of Mechelen, who died in Brussels on November 8, 1666. The tomb is located to the left of the main altar. It was created in the years when Lucas Faydherbe's talent was at its peak.
The next work in the cathedral, created by Lucas Faydherbe, is the sculpture on the tomb of Archbishop Andrew Cruesen, the fifth Archbishop of Mechelen, who died in Brussels on November 8, 1666. The tomb is located to the left of the main altar. It was created in the years when Lucas Faydherbe's talent was at its peak.
This funerary monument consists of several sculptures. On the right side is a sculpture of Christ, a beautiful statue whose style directly refers to the style of Rubens, the master and teacher of Lucas Faydherbe. On the left is a statue of Chronos, the God of time in Greek mythology. It is a kind of reference to death, something that has passed away.
In the center is a sculpture of Archbishop Andrew Creusen. The author depicted him kneeling between an allegorical statue of the resurrection, in the form of Christ, which is supposed to herald new life after death, and Chronos, the God of time. The time of earthly life, which for the archbishop has already passed.
In the center is a sculpture of Archbishop Andrew Creusen. The author depicted him kneeling between an allegorical statue of the resurrection, in the form of Christ, which is supposed to herald new life after death, and Chronos, the God of time. The time of earthly life, which for the archbishop has already passed.
Since the cathedral is the main religious building in Belgium and Mechelen is the seat of the archbishopric, the church also contains the graves of other archbishops, in addition to the already mentioned Archbishop of Creusen. One of them is Cardinal Joseph Mercier (1851-1926), who was appointed Archbishop of Mechelen in 1906. During World War I, he strongly opposed the German occupation, which earned him the respect of the Belgians . He died in Brussels in 1926.
There is a painting in the southern arm of the transept Christ on the cross brush Antoon van Dyck (Anton van Dijck), also a student of Peter Paul Rubens. It is one of the most magnificent works in the cathedral. The painting is part of a heavy Baroque altar, moved here from a church razed to the ground by the French Republican army.
It is also worth paying attention to the painting of the Black Madonna. She has a black face with European features. The painting of the Black Madonna hanging in the cathedral is also depicted in a beautiful stained glass window.
It is also worth paying attention to the painting of the Black Madonna. She has a black face with European features. The painting of the Black Madonna hanging in the cathedral is also depicted in a beautiful stained glass window.
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Adres:
Onder Den Toren 12 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:30-17:30 |
Fare:
Free admission |
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Bell Tower |
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It is a square Gothic building with soaring, vaulted pinnacles and unusual, slender windows. The creators intended this magnificent structure to reach a height of 167 meters. Ultimately, lack of funds prevented the plans from being implemented and the tower, which is the pride of Mechelen, was built at a height of 97.28 meters. Getting to the top of the tower is quite a challenge. However, climbing the 513 steps allows you to reach the magnificent carillon and the terrace, from which you can admire a beautiful panorama. Mechelen.
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Climbing to the next levels of the tower, tourists have the opportunity to view the church from above, through a glass pane, learn about the mechanisms that set the magnificent carillon in motion, and hear the melody it plays. On the top level, thanks to a built-in glass platform, you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city.
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Adres:
Onder Den Toren 12 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-18:00 Saturday: 10:00-18:00 |
Fare:
8 Euros last entry: 5:00 p.m. |
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Our Lady across the Dyle Church |
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is the second largest church in Mechelen. Many wealthy residents founded their altars here. Unfortunately, some of the wonderful treasures inside the church were irretrievably destroyed during the bombings that took place during World War II.
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In the past, the church could compete with St. Rumbold not only in size, but also in the number of wonderful treasures filling its interior. Nowadays, the greatest treasure of the church is a three-meter triptych painted by Peter Paul Rubens, A wonderful catch of fish . The artist painted this work on commission fishermen's guild, in 1620.
The 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary with crooked hips is also the pride of the church. This sculpture is the only free-standing statue from this period in Mechelen, and its name comes from the characteristic posture of Mary on the statue. There are many more sculptures and paintings here. from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary with crooked hips is also the pride of the church. This sculpture is the only free-standing statue from this period in Mechelen, and its name comes from the characteristic posture of Mary on the statue. There are many more sculptures and paintings here. from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Several sculptures of the Virgin Mary also attract the attention of visitors, especially the statue of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, created by Antoon Faydherbe, in 1653. Equally interesting are the 16th-century frescoes depicting the biblical parable of the prodigal son, and the baroque pulpit, which made by Willem Ignatius Kerrikx (1682-1745). The Baroque main altar is the work of Antoon Pastorana (1640-1702). It is decorated with the painting The Last Supper , painted by Jan Erasmus Quellinus (1634-1715).
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Adres:
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 87 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-17:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare:
Free admission |
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Church of St. John
(sint Janskerk) |
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It was built in the richest part of Mechelen, where the members of the Great Council (the Supreme Court of the Netherlands in the 16th century) lived. This is reflected in numerous works inside the church.
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Undoubtedly, the greatest treasure in the temple is the magnificent Baroque triptych by Peter Paul Rubens. The beautifully crafted center panel shows The adore of the three wise men. Behind the side panels there is a mechanism for rotating the images at regular intervals so that all scenes can be viewed.
The face of the woman in the center panel is that of Rubens's first wife, Isabella Brant. The side panels show the death of Saint in a very graphic way. John the Baptist (through beheading) and St. John the Evangelist (pouring oil). The paintings on the outside of the triptych show the Baptism of Christ and St. John of Patmos.
The face of the woman in the center panel is that of Rubens's first wife, Isabella Brant. The side panels show the death of Saint in a very graphic way. John the Baptist (through beheading) and St. John the Evangelist (pouring oil). The paintings on the outside of the triptych show the Baptism of Christ and St. John of Patmos.
The church also features sculptures by many significant 17th and 18th century artists from Mechelen:
Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697) created a funerary monument on the grave of Rombout Huens. Sculpture Madonna and Child, part of the confessional, made by Nikolaas van der Veken (1637-1709). Theodoor Verhaegen (1701-1759) designed the altar in which Rubens' triptych was incorporated. The sculptures for this altar were made by Pieter Valckx (1734-1785). The pulpit, organ case, and several pews are also his work.
Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697) created a funerary monument on the grave of Rombout Huens. Sculpture Madonna and Child, part of the confessional, made by Nikolaas van der Veken (1637-1709). Theodoor Verhaegen (1701-1759) designed the altar in which Rubens' triptych was incorporated. The sculptures for this altar were made by Pieter Valckx (1734-1785). The pulpit, organ case, and several pews are also his work.
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Address:
Sint-Janskerkhof 1 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-17:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare:
Free admission |
Church of St. Catherine (sint Katelijnekerk) It was built in the 14th century in a poorer part of Mechelen, inhabited by the poor, which is reflected in the scale of the church and the rather modest interior design. It should be noted, however, that sculptures and furniture made of wood are worthy of attention. The altar is the work of Joseph Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697). The pulpit was made by Verhaegen (1701-1759), the sculptures covering it were created by Pieter Valcx (1734-1785). The stalls, characteristic of this region and made in a highly decorative manner, were carved by Nicolaas Van der Veken (1637-1704). The 19th-century stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Saint. Catherine.
There are many references to Saint in the church. Catherine, a mythical figure from the Roman period. Legend has it that she refused to renounce her Christian faith, for which the emperor sentenced her to death on the wheel. However, it is not Saint. Catherine was broken, and the wheel itself. Ultimately, the authorities concluded that St. Catherine should be beheaded. But again something unusual happened. Milk flowed from the wound on Catherine's neck, which began to spread the plague throughout the city. . Other references to Saint Catherine can be found in the twelve rose windows in the nave, reminiscent of the shape of the instrument used to torture St. Catherine, and in the beautiful rose window in the façade.
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Address:
Sint-Katelijnestraat 78 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-17:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare:
Free admission |
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The Church in the Beguinage (Begijnhofkerk) |
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The construction of the church was initiated by the Brussels architect Jacques Franquart. After his death, his works, from 1640, Lucas Faydherbe continued. In 1674 the church was ready. Outside, Faydherbe created a marble sculpture depicting the figure of Saint. Catherine, and above the figure God the Father. Sculpture of Saint Catherine suffered greatly during the revolution. Her head was completely destroyed. It was replaced by one carved by Brocksteyns, Faydherbe's pet.
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It can be said that this church, whose official name is Sint-Alexius-en-Catharinakerk, is the most feminized church in Mechelen. Unlike the Cathedral of St. Rumbold, in which male symbols dominate. The large Baroque altar made of black and white marble is the work of Jan Van der Steen. There are two alternating paintings on the altar. The first one is the image Marriage of Saint Catherine, being the work of Boyermans. The second painting is a work by Lucas Francois titled The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary . The first of them can be seen in the great altar from Easter until All Saints' Day, the second from All Saints' Day until Easter.
Above the altar, three paintings by Jan Cossiers attract attention. In the center there is a painting of Christ on the cross and on the sides there are paintings depicting thieves hanging on crosses. Inside the church there is about 50 paintings from the 17th century. The colors decorating the church interior date from 1910. The church and the entire Beguinage were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Address:
Nonnenstraat 28 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-16:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare:
Free admission |
Church of St. Peter and Paul (sint Pieter en Paulkerk) - This beautiful, harmonious Baroque church was consecrated by the Jesuits. Its patrons were Saints. Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier. After the liquidation of the Jesuit Order in this area, the parish of St. Peter and Paul asked for this church to be given to her because their own church was in poor condition. Since then, the church has been named after St. Peter and Paul.
The interior of the church is richly decorated. The magnificent pulpit recalls the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier, conducted in four corners of the world. At that time (16th century) there was no knowledge of the existence of Oceania, the fifth continent. The fourteen confessionals built into the walls of the church are a good example of the skill of the Mechelen sculptors. According to legend, such a large number of confessionals is due to the proximity of the market square (a place where cattle were sold), which was swarming with fraudsters. The truth, however, is completely different. Church of St. Peter and Paul was originally a pilgrimage church containing numerous relics. Only people free from sin could touch them. Hence the large number of confessionals.
The interior of the church is richly decorated. The magnificent pulpit recalls the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier, conducted in four corners of the world. At that time (16th century) there was no knowledge of the existence of Oceania, the fifth continent. The fourteen confessionals built into the walls of the church are a good example of the skill of the Mechelen sculptors. According to legend, such a large number of confessionals is due to the proximity of the market square (a place where cattle were sold), which was swarming with fraudsters. The truth, however, is completely different. Church of St. Peter and Paul was originally a pilgrimage church containing numerous relics. Only people free from sin could touch them. Hence the large number of confessionals.
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Address:
Keizerstraat 1 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-17:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare:
for free |
Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk (Onze Lieve Vrouw van Hanswijkbasiliek)
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The 17th-century basilica combines a triple nave with one of the first domes in the Netherlands. The church was designed by Lucas Faydherbe, but unfortunately the foundations were too weak to lift the much higher dome that he intended. The rotunda has a diameter of 15.50 m, and the dome rises up to 34 meters.
Inside the church, under the dome there are two huge bas-reliefs. This is the work of Lucas Faydherbe. They were believed to be made of sandstone. When the bas-reliefs were damaged as a result bombing during World War II, it came to light that Faydherbe did not use sandstone, which he considered too heavy, to create them, but light plaster. In front of the church there is a miraculous sculpture of Our Lady of Hanswijk, which is carried through the streets of the city in an annual procession. In 1985, Pope John Paul II prayed in this church. Two years later it was raised to the rank of minor basilica. Inside the church, also noteworthy are the Baroque pulpit by Theodoor Verhaegen and the Baroque confessionals by Jan Franciszek Boeckstuyns. |
https://visit.mechelen.be/
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Address:
Hanswijkstraat 67 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 9:00-17:00 |
Fare:
Free admission |
https://visit.mechelen.be/
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Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal
(Onze Lieve Vrouw van Leliëndaalkerk) 17th-century Baroque church that was part of the Norbertine monastery. It was Lucas Faydherbe's first major individual architectural project. During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, the church was stripped of most of its decorations. The beautiful original pulpit was moved to St. Rumbold, where it can be admired to this day. Since 1900, the church has served the Jesuit Order. Hence, Jesuit iconography dominates in this former church of the Norbertine Sisters. The figure of Saint Ignatius of Loyola on the facade, the painting in the main altar, and the omnipresent Mary are examples of the Jesuit influence. Of particular note in the church is the altar by Lucas Faydherbe and some of the bas-reliefs. |
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Address:
Bruul 53 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-17:00 Sunday: 12.30-17.00 |
Fare:
for free |
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Beguinage |
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In 1245 the first mention of beguines in Mechelen appeared. They lived in the beguinage and had much in common with the sisters. Like them, they lived in a closed community, vowed obedience and chastity, but not poverty.
In the Middle Ages, Beguines were unmarried women who dedicated their lives to God without taking monastic vows. In the 13th century they established closed communities (beguinages) that met their spiritual and material needs. |
Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Beguines' houses in Flanders form architectural complexes composed of residential houses, churches, farm buildings and green areas, in accordance with the spatial concept of the town or village in which they are located. They are built in a style typical of the Flemish cultural region and constitute a valuable testimony to the tradition of beguines that developed in the Middle Ages in Northwestern Europe.
Beguinages were built during the Crusades, when many men did not return from their expeditions. They were a kind of city within a city. They had their own bakery, brewery, nurses' home and church. The beguinage was managed by the so-called Grand Mistress, who organized the daily life of the beguines.
Beguinages were built during the Crusades, when many men did not return from their expeditions. They were a kind of city within a city. They had their own bakery, brewery, nurses' home and church. The beguinage was managed by the so-called Grand Mistress, who organized the daily life of the beguines.
Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Wealthy beguines and those from aristocratic families could build their own house in the beguinage or buy one. Poorer beguines rented rooms in such houses and often became servants there. They could also live in so-called convents, built with the money of wealthy sponsors. The beguines living here were supposed to pray for the donor or his family in return. Poorer beguines had to work to support themselves. That is why lace-making developed here. Beguines made a great contribution to the development of lace-making in Mechelen.
Since 1286 there have been two beguinages in Mechelen. A large beguinage was built outside the city walls (outside the Gatherine Gate-Katelijnepoort), but at the end of the 16th century the beguines moved inside the city walls. However, the small beguinage was always located inside the walls, near the church of St. Catherine.
Since 1286 there have been two beguinages in Mechelen. A large beguinage was built outside the city walls (outside the Gatherine Gate-Katelijnepoort), but at the end of the 16th century the beguines moved inside the city walls. However, the small beguinage was always located inside the walls, near the church of St. Catherine.
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The Church in the Beguinage
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Later, construction of a church began near Mechelen and was soon completed. Houses began to be built around the temple. Their number increased at a very rapid pace, so that in a short time a small city was formed here, inhabited by several thousand Beguines and surrounded by a wall. In 1572, heretics set fire to the Beguinage. However, it caused only minor damage. Unfortunately, a few years later, they plundered Beguinage , destroying it almost completely. Civil wars reduced Beguinage to ruins, so in 1595 the Beguines purchased part of the land inside the city walls and initiated the construction of the church. It was led by Jacques Franquart, an architect from Brussels, who died before the construction was completed. In 1640, Lucas Faydherbe committed himself to continuing the construction of the church and completed it in 1674.
In the glory days of the Beguinage Mechelen even lived 2000 beguines. The last beguine living in the Beguinage died at the end of the 20th century. From the first large beguinage outside the city walls, which was destroyed, nothing left. However, the one from the 16th century is well preserved. Various it has changed significantly from beguinages from Antwerp, Bruges and Leuven. Existing brick and sandstone buildings they date from the 16th to the 18th century. The closed character of the Beguinage, as in other cities, can only be felt here thanks to the narrow streets. The gates and walls separating the Beguinage from the outside world were destroyed in 18th century. It was then that the secular inhabitants of Mechelen began to live in the Beguinage.
Walking through the narrow streets of the large beguinage is truly a pleasure. Silence and seclusion allow you to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. For beer lovers, the highlight of this walk will likely be a visit to the Het Anker brewery located on the grounds of the Beguinage.
Walking through the narrow streets of the large beguinage is truly a pleasure. Silence and seclusion allow you to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. For beer lovers, the highlight of this walk will likely be a visit to the Het Anker brewery located on the grounds of the Beguinage.
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Address: Nonnenstraat 28 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 13:00-16:00 Wednesday: closed |
Fare: Free admission |
Beguinage , photo PM
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Beguinage , photo PM
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Beguinage , photo PM
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Het Anker Brewery
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While strolling through the charming streets of the large Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is worth visiting the Het Anker brewery. Here you can taste all the drinks brewed in the brewery. There is also a company store on the brewery premises.
Over the years, Het Anker Brewery has won numerous international awards, including winning the World Beer Award three times, most recently in 2012. Currently, beers from this brewery are exported to 30 countries around the world. |
History of the brewery:
Founded in 1369, Het Anker brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Belgium. Some of the buildings on the brewery premises date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1471, the then ruler Charles the Bold decided that beguines would not have to pay taxes on beer brewed for a nearby hospital.
In 1872, the brewery was purchased by the Van Breedam family and modernized. The old worn-out boilers (vats) were replaced with new steam ones. In 1990, the Van Breedam family took over the brewery again and modernized it.
In 1872, the brewery was purchased by the Van Breedam family and modernized. The old worn-out boilers (vats) were replaced with new steam ones. In 1990, the Van Breedam family took over the brewery again and modernized it.
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Address:
Brouwerij Het Anker, Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 |
Hours openings:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11.00-12.30 Friday: 11.00-14.30 Saturday-Sunday: 11:00-16:30 |
Fare:
9 euros |
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Margaret of Austria (1480-1530) |
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The palace from which she governed the Netherlands for years is located on Keizerstraat. It was built in the Gothic style with early Renaissance features. In the years 1616-1795 the Supreme Court was based here. The city court has been located here since the 17th century.
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After the death of Margaret of York in Mechelen came the time of Margaret of Austria. When, on July 7, 1506, after being appointed Regent of the Netherlands, Margaret of Austria took over the reign in Mechelen, she brought with her a beautiful and rich collection of tapestries. Many of them were gifts she received during her many years in France. Perhaps possessing them developed Małgorzata's love for art and collecting.
The palace she created in Mechelen (the Hof van Savoge) not only played a key political role in the Habsburg Empire, but It was also a meeting center for outstanding artists of the era, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam. During the reign of Margaret of Austria, rich and famous families settled in Mechelen and built their residences here. One of the best preserved is the Hof van Busleyden, which now houses the city museum.
The palace she created in Mechelen (the Hof van Savoge) not only played a key political role in the Habsburg Empire, but It was also a meeting center for outstanding artists of the era, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam. During the reign of Margaret of Austria, rich and famous families settled in Mechelen and built their residences here. One of the best preserved is the Hof van Busleyden, which now houses the city museum.
Margaret was an active patron of artists. She had beautiful collections of jewelry, paintings by such masters as Jan Van Eyck, sculptures, beautiful and expensive tapestries, furniture and medals. Over the years, she employed many artists, sculptors and architects at the court, such as Conrad Meit and Loys Van Boghem. Małgorzata equally actively supported the development of literature and music. This interest was reflected in her extensive collection of books, missals and illuminated manuscripts, which include considered one of the most beautiful French Gothic manuscripts Tres Riches Heures . These collections kept in a richly decorated library.
The magnificent garden inside the residence of Margaret of Austria can be admired from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 8pm.
The magnificent garden inside the residence of Margaret of Austria can be admired from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 8pm.
A WALK THROUGH THE STREETS OF MECHELEN
It is worth taking a walk along the beautiful canals that surround Mechelen, especially since the city has prepared the paths in a truly professional manner. You can walk for hours, admiring the historic architecture and beautiful views, and those tired from the long hike will probably visit one of the many restaurants or pubs that dot this trail.
One of the must-see tourist spots is the last existing city gate, called the Brussels Gate. It is preserved in excellent condition, but unfortunately it is not open to visitors. However, it is worth going a little further from the very center of Mechelen to see it.
Heading towards the Brussels Gate, we cross the Grand Bridge, sometimes called the Large Bridge or the High Bridge. It connects Ijzerenleen from Korenmarkt. This charming bridge was built of sandstone in the 13th century. It is the oldest stone bridge in Flanders. There was a toll booth here in the past. Near the bridge there are many charming 16th-century tenement houses.
While walking along the canal promenade, it is worth stopping at the fish market (Vismarkt). P Fish trading first began on this square in 1531, when fish merchants were moved from Ijzerenleen Street due to complaints from residents about the smell of fish being sold. To this day, you can still find several fish shops in the square. Both the fish market and the adjacent Nauwstraat are very active in the early hours. You will find many cafes, stylish bars and nice restaurants here. This can be a very nice stop while walking through the streets of Mechelen.
When visiting Mechelen, it is sometimes worth straying off the beaten track and heading to unknown places. You can then reach beautiful corners with wonderful gardens, such as those in the 16th-century refugee homes, or find places like the one near the church of St. Jana, where you can watch the work of monument restorers.
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Dossin Barracks |
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The Dossin Barracks is a very special place in Belgian history. During World War II, 25,000 Jews and Gypsies awaited their final journey to the gas chambers of Auschwitz in this camp. A museum was built on the site of the camp to remind us of the horrors of war. The museum was designed by a leading architect Belgian, Bob van Reeth.
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Address:
Goswin de Stassartstraat 153
2800 Mechelen https://www.kazernedossin.eu |
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