Mechelen |
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is a historically important city located on the river Dijle in the center of Flanders, halfway between Antwerp and Brussels. The seat of the Primate of Belgium is located in Mechelen. The main landmark is the huge tower of church St. Rumbold. Despite the fact that the city suffered a lot during both world wars, many interesting and beautiful buildings have been preserved. In addition to the previously mentioned cathedral of St. Rumbold attention should be paid to, among others: the Palace of Margaret of Austria, the city hall, the Palace of Margaret of York (now the city theater), and many beautiful tenement houses and churches.
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Mechelen Churches
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Cathedral of St. Rumbold |
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it is the city's greatest treasure. This majestic Gothic building is situated on the west side of the market square, behind the post office building. Its origins date back to the 13th century. Then, around 1217, the eastern part of the transept was completed, the western pillars of the transept were completed in 1230. The construction of the nave with six arches began in the mid-thirteenth century. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, a presbytery was built. Church of St. Rumbold became a cathedral in 1559.
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In the middle of 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 Crucifixion of Christ, painted by the painter Anton Van Dijck from Antwerp. The painting is a fragment of a baroque altar, brought here from another church, razed to the ground by the French republican army. 18 May 1985 Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Cathedral of St. Rumbold, on his 65 birthday.
The vastness of this impressive Gothic, three-nave cathedral is most easily represented by numbers:
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Interior of the cathedral
Although many of the cathedral's furnishings were stolen during the 16th-century religious wars and plundered by the French 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 craftsmanship of the then woodcarvers. The main scene shows St. Norbert after falling from a horse. The accident prompted this 12th-century prince to relinquish his fortune and devote himself to the church. The pulpit represents the earthly paradise. A careful observer will notice the intricately carved figures of animals: pelican, squirrels, snakes and snails. The sculpture is by Michiel Vervoort from Antwerp (1667-1737). Details of the pulpit were carved out by Theodoor Vehagen (1701-1759). The pulpit was built in (1721-1723). Originally it was created for the church of the Norbertine sisters.
- In the aisle of the presbytery we find 25 interesting paintings from the 15th-16th century, describing the life of Saint Rumbold. These are the works of several unknown artists that were created in 1480-1510.
- Also noteworthy are the sculptures of the 12 apostles and 4 evangelists, that decorate the pillars of the nave. The creation of these sculptures date back to the seventeenth century.
In the presbytery there is a beautiful marble main altar, dating back to the 1665 year. The altar is topped with a statue depicting the patron of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold (the statue is 3,75 m tall). This majestic, baroque, dominant over the 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 project created by Willem Hees or Hesius (1601-1690).
Beautiful, decorative doors to the main altar, behind which, in a gilded reliquary, are the remains of St. Rumbold, created A. Quellin the Younger (1625-1700). They are opened only during the most important religious holidays, when the reliquary is carried in a procession around the city center. The reliquary was made in 1825 by a 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 8 November, 1666. The tomb is on the left side of the main altar. It was created in the years when Lucas Faydherbe's talent peaked.
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 8 November, 1666. The tomb is on the left side of the main altar. It was created in the years when Lucas Faydherbe's talent peaked.
This tombstone consists of several sculptures. On the right side is the sculpture of Christ, a beautiful statue, which style directly refers to the style of Rubens, master and teacher Lucas Faydherbe. On the left a statue depicting Chronos, in Greek mythology God of time. It is a kind of reference to death, something that has passed away.
In the center, the sculpture of Archbishop Andrew Creusen. The author presented him in a kneeling position between an allegorical statue of the resurrection, in the form of Christ, which is to herald a new life after death, and Chronos, the God of time. Time of earthly life, which has already passed for the archbishop.
In the center, the sculpture of Archbishop Andrew Creusen. The author presented him in a kneeling position between an allegorical statue of the resurrection, in the form of Christ, which is to herald a new life after death, and Chronos, the God of time. Time of earthly life, which has already passed for the archbishop.
Due to the fact that the cathedral is the main religious building in Belgium, and Mechelen is the seat of the archbishopric, in the church, in addition to the archbishop of Creusen already mentioned, there are also the graves of other archbishops. One of them is Cardinal Joseph Mercier (1851-1926) who was appointed Archbishop of Mechelen in 1906 year. During the First World War, he strongly opposed the German occupation, which earned him the respect of the Belgians. He died in Brussels in 1926 year.
There is an painting in the southern part of transept Christ on the cross painted by Anthony van Dyck (Anton van Dijck), also a student of Peter Paul Rubens. This 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 image of the Black Madonna. She has a black face with European features. The image of the Black Madonna hanging in the cathedral is also depicted on a beautiful stained glass window.
It is also worth paying attention to the image of the Black Madonna. She has a black face with European features. The image of the Black Madonna hanging in the cathedral is also depicted on a beautiful stained glass window.
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Address:
Onder Den Toren 12 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8.30-17.30 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
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Belfry |
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is a square gothic building with climbing up and covered with vault pinnacles and extraordinary slender windows. In the intentions of the creators, this magnificent building was to reach the height of 167 meters. Eventually, the lack of money did not allow the plans to be implemented and the tower, which is the pride of Mechelen, stood at the height of 97,28 meters. Going to the top of the tower is a real challenge. However, climbing the 513 stairs allows you to reach the magnificent carillon and the entrance to the terrace, from which you can see a beautiful panorama of Mechelen.
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Climbing the next levels of the tower, tourists have the opportunity to see the church from above, through the glass pane, learn about the mechanisms that set the magnificent carillon in motion, and hear the melody played by it. On the last level, thanks to the built-in glass platform, you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city.
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Address:
Onder Den Toren 12 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13.00-18.00 Saturday: 10.00-18.00 |
Ticket price:
8 Euro last entry: 17.00 |
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Church of Our Lady across the Dyle |
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is the second largest church in Mechelen. Many wealthy inhabitants have funded their altars here. Unfortunately, some of the great treasures inside the church were irretrievably destroyed during the bombings that took place during the Second World War.
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In the past, the church could compete with the cathedral of St. Rumbold not only in size, but also in the amount of great treasures that fill his interior. Nowadays, the greatest treasure of the church is a three-meter triptych painted by Peter Paul Rubens, The Miraculous Draught of fishes. The artist painted this work, on the order of the guild of fishermen, in 1620 year.
The 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary with crooked hips is 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 attitude of Mary on the statue. Much more there are sculptures and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary with crooked hips is 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 attitude of Mary on the statue. Much more there are sculptures and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Also several sculptures of the Virgin Mary attracts the attention of visitors, especially the statue of the Our Lady of the seven sorrows that Antoon Faydherbe created in the 1653 year. Equally interesting are the sixteenth-century frescoes depicting the biblical parable of the prodigal son, or the baroque pulpit, which Willem Ignatius Kerrikx (1682-1745) made. However, the Baroque main altar is the work of Antoon Pastorana (1640-1702). It is decorated with a painting Last Supper painted by John Erasmus Quellinus (1634-1715).
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Address:
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 87 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13.00-17.00 Wednesday: closed |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
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Church of St. John
(sint Janskerk) |
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was created in the richest part of Mechelen, in the place where the members of the Grand Council (the Supreme Court in the Netherlands in the 16th century) lived. This is reflected in the numerous works inside the church.
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Undoubtedly, the greatest treasure in the temple is the magnificent baroque triptych by Paul Peter Rubens. The beautifully crafted middle panel presents Worship of the three wise men. Behind the side panels there is a mechanism to rotate the paintings at regular intervals so that all scenes can be viewed.
The woman's face on the center panel is that of Rubens' first wife, Isabella Brant. The side panels show the death of St. John the Baptist (by beheading) and St. John the Evangelist (pouring oil). The images on the outside of the triptych show the Baptism of Christ and St. John of Patmos.
The woman's face on the center panel is that of Rubens' first wife, Isabella Brant. The side panels show the death of St. John the Baptist (by beheading) and St. John the Evangelist (pouring oil). The images on the outside of the triptych show the Baptism of Christ and St. John of Patmos.
In the church are also sculptures of many significant 17th and 18th century artists from Mechelen:
Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697) created a grave monument on the grave of Rombout Huens. The sculpture of Madonna and Child, which is part of the confessional, was made by Nikolaas van der Veken (1637-1709). Theodoor Verhaegen (1701-1759) designed the altar in which Rubens' triptych was integrated. The sculptures for this altar were made by Pieter Valckx (1734-1785). The pulpit, organ housing, and several benches are also his work.
Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697) created a grave monument on the grave of Rombout Huens. The sculpture of Madonna and Child, which is part of the confessional, was made by Nikolaas van der Veken (1637-1709). Theodoor Verhaegen (1701-1759) designed the altar in which Rubens' triptych was integrated. The sculptures for this altar were made by Pieter Valckx (1734-1785). The pulpit, organ housing, and several benches are also his work.
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Address:
Sint-Janskerkhof 1 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13.00-17.00 Wednesday: closed |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
Church of St. Catherine (sint Katelijnekerk) was built in the fourteenth century in the poorer part of Mechelen, inhabited by the poor, which is reflected in the scale of the church and quite modest interior design. However, it should be noted that wood sculptures and furniture are noteworthy. The altar is the work of Joseph Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697). The pulpit was made by Verhaegen (1701-1759), the sculptures covered by it were created by Pieter Valcx (1734-1785). Characteristic of this region, made in a very decorative way, stalls were carved by Nicolaas Van der Veken (1637-1704). The stained-glass windows from the 19th century depict scenes from the life of Saint Catherine.
The church has many references to Saint Catherine, a mythical figure from the Roman period. Legend says that she refused to renounce her Christian faith, for which the emperor sentenced her to death on the wheel. However, it not Saint Catherine was broken, and the wheel itself. Eventually, the authorities said that St. Catherine should be beheaded. Again, something extraordinary happened. From the wound on Catherine's neck flowed a milk, which began spreading the plague in the city. Other references to Saint Catherine can be found in twelve rosette windows in the nave, resembling a tool which Saint Catherine was tortured, and in a beautiful rose window in the facade.
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Address:
Sint-Katelijnestraat 78 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13.00-17.00 Wednesday: closed |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
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Church in Beguinage (Begijnhofkerk) |
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The construction of the church was initiated by architect from Brussels, Jacques Franquart. After his death, the work, from 1640 year, continued Lucas Faydherbe. In 1674 the church was ready. Outside, Faydherbe created a marble sculpture depicting the figure of Saint Catherine, and above the figure of God Father. Sculpture of St. Catherine suffered greatly during the revolution. Her head was completely destroyed. It was replaced by the one sculpted by Brocksteyns.
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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. Contrary to church of St. Rumbold, dominated by male symbols. The great baroque altar made of black and white marble is the work of Jan Van der Steen. Two images alternate in the altar. The first is the picture The marriage of St. Catherine, being the work of Boyermans. The second painting is the work of Lucas Francois entitled Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first of them can be seen in the high altar from Easter to All Saints 'Day, the second from All Saints' Day to Easter.
Above the altar, three paintings by Jan Cossiers are noteworthy. Inside, a painting depicting Christ on the cross and on the sides of the paintings on which thieves hanging on the cross were painted. Inside the church is located about 50 paintings from the seventeenth century. The colors decorating the interior of the church come from 1910 year. The church along with the whole Beguinage has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Address:
Nonnenstraat 28 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13.00-16.00 Wednesday: closed |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
Church of St. Peter and Paul (sint Pieter en Paulkerk) - this beautiful, harmonious baroque church was consecrated by the Jesuits. Its patrons were St. Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier. After the liquidation of the Jesuit order, the parish of St. Peter and Paul asked for this church to be handed over to her because their own temple was in poor condition. Since then, the church is called St. Peter and Paul.
The interior of the church is richly decorated. The magnificent pulpit resembles the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier, conducted in four corners of the world. At that time (16th century) the existence of Oceania, the fifth continent, was not yet known. The fourteen confessionals built into the walls of the church are a good example of the skill of the sculptors of Mechelen. According to the legend, such a large number of confessionals is due to the proximity of the market square (the square where cattle were sold), which was full of fraudsters. However, the truth is quite different. Church of St. Peter and Paul was originally a pilgrimage church containing numerous relics. Only people who were free from sin could touch them. Hence the large number of confessionals.
The interior of the church is richly decorated. The magnificent pulpit resembles the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier, conducted in four corners of the world. At that time (16th century) the existence of Oceania, the fifth continent, was not yet known. The fourteen confessionals built into the walls of the church are a good example of the skill of the sculptors of Mechelen. According to the legend, such a large number of confessionals is due to the proximity of the market square (the square where cattle were sold), which was full of fraudsters. However, the truth is quite different. Church of St. Peter and Paul was originally a pilgrimage church containing numerous relics. Only people who were 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 |
Ticket price:
free |
Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk (Onze Lieve Vrouw van Hanswijkbasiliek)
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The 17th-century basilica connects 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 support the much taller dome he had intended. The rotunda has a diameter of 15,50 m, and the dome rises 34 meters.
Inside the church, there are two huge bas-reliefs under the dome. This is the work of Lucas Faydherbe. It was believed that they were to be made of sandstone. When the bas-reliefs were damaged by bombing during World War II, it turned out that Faydherbe did not use sandstone, in his opinion, too heavy, but light plaster. In front of the church is the miraculous statue 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 elevated to the rank of a minor basilica. Inside the church, the baroque pulpit created by Theodoor Verhaegen and the baroque confessionals made by Jan Francis Boeckstuyns are also worthy of attention. |
https://visit.mechelen.be/
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Address:
Hanswijkstraat 67 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 9.00-17.00 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
https://visit.mechelen.be/
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Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal
(Onze Lieve Vrouw van Leliëndaalkerk) The 17th-century baroque church, which was part of the Norbertine monastery. It was the first serious individual architectural design of Lucas Faydherbe. During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, the church was deprived of most of its ornaments. The beautiful original pulpit was moved to the cathedral of St. Rumbold, where you can admire it to this day. From the 1900 year, the church serves the Order of the Jesuits. Thus, the iconography of the Jesuits dominates in the former church of Norbertine sisters. The figure of Saint Ignats Loyola on the facade, the painting in the main altar, and the omnipresent Mary are examples of the influence of the Jesuits. Particularly noteworthy in the church is the altar of Lucas Faydherbe and some bas-reliefs. |
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Address:
Bruul 53 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9.00-17.00 Sunday: 12.30-17.00 |
Ticket price:
free |
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Beguinages |
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In the 1245 year, the first mention of beguines in Mechelen appeared. They lived in Beguinage, they had a lot in common with the sisters. Just as they lived in a closed community, they vowed obedience, purity, but not poverty.
In the Middle Ages, beguines were unmarried women who devoted their lives to God without religious vows. In the thirteenth century, they founded closed communities (Beguinage), corresponding to their spiritual and material needs. |
Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Beguinage
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The houses of beguines in Flanders form architectural complexes consisting of residential houses, churches, farm buildings and green areas, in accordance with the spatial concept of the city or village in which they are located. They are built in the style typical of the Flemish cultural region and are a valuable testimony to the tradition of beguines, which developed in the Middle Ages in North-Western Europe.
Beguinages were created during the Crusades, when many men did not return from the expeditions. They were a kind of city in the city. They had their own bakery, brewery, nursery house or church. Beguinage was managed by the so-called Grand Mistress, who organized the beguines's daily life.
Beguinages were created during the Crusades, when many men did not return from the expeditions. They were a kind of city in the city. They had their own bakery, brewery, nursery house or church. Beguinage was managed by the so-called Grand Mistress, who organized the beguines's daily life.
Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Beguinage
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Rich and derived from aristocratic families, beguines could build their own house in Beguinage or buy it. Poor beguines rented rooms in such houses and often became their servants. They could also live in the so-called conventions, built for the money of rich sponsors. Beguines living here were to pray for the donor or his family. Poor beguines had to work, that's why lace making has developed here. Beguines made a great contribution to the development of lace making in Mechelen.
Since 1286 in Mechelen there have been two Beguinages. Big Beguinage was built outside the city walls (outside the Gatherine Gate-Katelijnepoort), but at the end of the sixteenth century beguines moved inside the city walls. However, small Beguinage was always inside the walls, in the vicinity of the church of St. Catherine.
Since 1286 in Mechelen there have been two Beguinages. Big Beguinage was built outside the city walls (outside the Gatherine Gate-Katelijnepoort), but at the end of the sixteenth century beguines moved inside the city walls. However, small Beguinage was always inside the walls, in the vicinity of the church of St. Catherine.
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Church in Beguinage
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Later, construction of a church began near Mechelen and was soon completed. Houses began to appear around the temple. Their number grew very quickly, so that in a short time a small town was created here, inhabited by several thousand Beguines and all surrounded by a wall. In 1572 heretics set fire to Beguinage. However, it caused only minor damage. Unfortunately, a few years later they plundered Beguinage destroying it almost completely. Civil wars have turned Beguinage into ruin, so the Beguines in 1595 bought some of the land inside the city walls and started the construction of the church. It was led by Jacques Franquart, an architect from Brussels who, however, died before the construction was completed. In 1640, Lucas Faydherbe committed to continue building the church and completed it in 1674.
In their heyday in Beguinages of Mechelen even 2000 beguines lived. The last beguine inhabiting of Beguinage died at the end of the 20th century. From the first big one Beguinage outside the city walls that had been destroyed, nothing was left. However, the one from the 16th century is well preserved. It differs significantly from Beguinages from Antwerp, Bruges or Leuven. The existing brick and sandstone buildings date from the 16th to 18th centuries. Closed character Beguinage, as it is in other cities, can be felt here only thanks to the narrow streets. Gates and walls partition of Beguinage from the outside world were destroyed in the 18th century. Then also in Beguinage the secular inhabitants of Mechelen started to live there.
Walk through the narrow streets of the big Beguinage is really a pleasure. Silence and isolation allow you to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. For beer lovers, the culmination of this walk will probably be a visit to the Het Anker brewery, existing in the Beguinage area.
Walk through the narrow streets of the big Beguinage is really a pleasure. Silence and isolation allow you to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. For beer lovers, the culmination of this walk will probably be a visit to the Het Anker brewery, existing in the Beguinage area.
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Address: Nonnenstraat 28 2800 Mechelen |
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 13.00-16.00 Wednesday: closed |
Ticket price: Free entrance |
Beguinage, fot. PM
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Beguinage, fot. PM
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Beguinage, fot. PM
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Brewery Het Anker
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Strolling through the charming streets, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a large one Beguinage it's worth visiting the Het Anker brewery. You can taste all brewed beverages in the brewery. The brewery also has a company store.
Over the years, the Het Anker brewery has won many international awards, including winning the World Beer Award three times, most recently in the 2012 year. Currently, beers from this brewery are exported to 30 countries around the world. |
The history of the brewery:
Founded in the year 1369, the brewery Het Anker is one of the oldest breweries in Belgium. Some of the buildings in the brewery come from the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1471 a year, the then ruler, Charles the Bold, decided that beguines would not have to pay taxes for beer brewed for a nearby hospital.
In 1872 the brewery was bought by the Van Breedam family and modernized. Old, worn-out boilers (vats) were replaced with new steam boilers. In the 1990 year, the Van Breedam family again took over the brewery and modernized it.
In 1872 the brewery was bought by the Van Breedam family and modernized. Old, worn-out boilers (vats) were replaced with new steam boilers. In the 1990 year, the Van Breedam family again took over the brewery and modernized it.
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Address:
Brouwerij Het Anker, Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 |
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11.00-12.30 Friday: 11.00-14.30 Saturday-Sunday: 11.00-16.30 |
Ticket price:
9 Euro |
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Margaret of Austria (1480-1530) |
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The palace from which she managed the Netherlands for years was located on Keizerstraat. It was built in a gothic style with early renaissance features. In the years 1616-1795 the Supreme Court had its seat here. A municipal court has been in office here since the 17th century.
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After the death of Margaret from York in Mechelen, the time of Margaret of Austria came. When 7 July 1506 year, after appointment of the regent of the Netherlands, Margaret of Austria took over the government 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 their possession developed in Margaret love for art and collecting.
The palace that she created in Mechelen (the Hof van Savoge) not only had a key political role in the Habsburg Empire, but also was the center of meetings of prominent artists of the era, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam. During the reign of Margaret of Austria, rich and famous families settled in Mechelen, building their residences here. One of the best-preserved is the Hof van Busleyden, where the city museum is now located.
The palace that she created in Mechelen (the Hof van Savoge) not only had a key political role in the Habsburg Empire, but also was the center of meetings of prominent artists of the era, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam. During the reign of Margaret of Austria, rich and famous families settled in Mechelen, building their residences here. One of the best-preserved is the Hof van Busleyden, where the city museum is now located.
Margaret was an active patron of artists. It had a beautiful collection of jewelry, paintings by such masters of painting 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. Margaret also actively supported the development of literature and music. This interest was reflected in her lavish collections of books, missals, and illuminated manuscripts, including considered one of the most beautiful French, Gothic manuscripts Tres Riches Heures. These collections she 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 to 18. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 20.
The magnificent garden inside the residence of Margaret of Austria can be admired from Monday to Friday from 7.30 to 18. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 20.
WALK AROUND MECHELEN
It is worth taking a walk along the beautiful canals surrounding Mechelen, especially since the city has prepared the paths in a really professional way. You can walk for hours, admiring the historic architecture and beautiful views, and tired of the long hike, they will probably visit one of the many restaurants or pubs that are not missing on this trail.
One of the obligatory tourist points is the last existing city gate, called the Brussels gate. It is preserved in excellent condition, unfortunately it is not open to visitors, but it is worth moving a little away from the very center of Mechelen to see it.