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Mechelen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈmɛxələ (n)] ⓘ; French: Malines [malin]; historically known as Mechlin in English [n 1]) is a city and municipality in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish Region of Belgium.
This historic, child-friendly city is a real concentration of heritage buildings. The town is home to the iconic St Rumbold’s Cathedral, Burgundian Hof van Busleyden city palace, cosy streets, quaint churches and beautiful baroque façades which grace the banks of the Dyle.
Mechelen, municipality, Flanders Region, north-central Belgium. It lies along the Dijle River, a few miles north-northeast of Brussels. St. Rumoldus (Rombold) was said to have come there in 756. In the Middle Ages it was called Machlina (Mechlinia) and belonged to the prince-bishops of Liège.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Mechelen. An iconic tower, the stories of the lush Burgundian times, valuable history lessons, fun for the little ones and delicious examples of our famous beer culture. Mechelen is a brilliant outsider that deserves your visit. You'll see.
- Why You Should Visit Mechelen, Belgium
- Other Things to Do in Mechelen, Belgium
- Getting There
- Why I Loved Mechelen
1. Mechelen has a rich history
Many of the city’s key attractions tell of Mechelen’s history. The city’s Christian heritage is thanks to St Rumbold, a hugely popular Irish evangelist who converted the local heathens in the seventh century. He came a cropper when he crossed a local stonemason who proceeded to chop him up. When Rumbold’s remains were dug up they showed no signs of decay. This was enough to build a shrine in his honour, to which pilgrims flocked. Mechelen was one of the most powerful cities of Flanders from t...
2. It has beautiful medieval architecture
Although political power shifted to Brussels in the 16th Century, many of Mechelen’s medieval buildings survived the industrial boom of the 19thCentury. There is a superb cluster of these buildings lining the Grote Markt, the city’s beating heart. The tower of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral (Sint-Rumboldskathedraal) dominates this cityscape with the Stadhuis (town hall) occupying prime real estate on the eastern side of the square. Thrown into the mix are Renaissance buildings and elaborate 18th-cen...
3. To visit St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and tower
St. Rumbold’s Cathedral has been the seat of the Arcbishopship since 1559 and houses relics of the saint. St Rumbold’s majestic bell tower is one of the UNESCO-listed Belfries of Belgium and France. With its soaring, canopied pinnacles, it is the highest Gothic tower in Belgium. Work began on this 97-metre-tall tower in 1472 but was abandoned when the coffers ran dry. Mechelen is famous for its carillons, bell-shaped musical instruments that originated in Flanders in the 15thCentury. These ar...
Visit Museum Hof van Busleyden
Occupying an attractive 17th-century Renaissance pile built for the wealthy Busleyden family, Museum Hof van Busleydenis Mechelen’s main museum. Its permanent collection focuses on Flanders’ Golden Age under the rule of the Court of Burgundy. Address:Frederik de Merodestraat 65, Mechelen
Take a tour of the Winter Garden
This Art Nouveau gem was the Winter Garden of the Ursuline nuns. By all accounts, it is a magnificent building and well worth visiting. However, it is only open on Saturdays and you need to book ahead to reserve your place on one of the guided tours. Address:Bosstraat 9, 2861 OLV Waver
Visit the Toy Museum Mechelen
This is one for you if you are visiting Mechelen with kids (or wish to nurture your inner child). The collection at the Toy Museum Mechelenis one of the biggest in Europe. The museum is closed on Wednesdays. Address:Nekkerspoelstraat 2, Mechelen
Mechelen is in the Flanders region of Belgium, halfway between Antwerp and Brussels. Frequent trains travel between Mechelen and Brussels or Antwerp. The journey time is around 20 minutes. Mechelen’s train station is an easy 15-minute walk to the Grote Markt in its historical centre.
Mechelen is one of Belgium’s underrated treasures. This attractive city with a population of around 90,000 punches above its weight when it comes to attractions. It is home to two UNESCO-listed sites, including a charming beguinage, it has an excellent brewery and first-rate bars and restaurants. Furthermore, the locals could not have been more fri...
Nov 1, 2022 · The home of Belgium’s ‘Maneblussers’. The captivating city of Mechelen in the heart of Flanders is perfect for a Belgian getaway. This charming European city has so much to offer the curious visitor and glides effortlessly under many travellers’ radars.
Jun 18, 2024 · Mechelen Is Like a Mini Bruges Without the Crowds — Here’s How to Visit Belgium's Best-kept Secret. It's home to a buzzy town square, one of the country's best breweries, and a stunning medieval...
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