Introduction
Mechelen is located on the Dijle River between Brussels and Antwerp Known for its rich cultural heritage, it was once the capital of the Low Countries during the reign of Archduchess Margaret of Austria in the early 16th century. The city boasts numerous landmarks, including St. Rumbold’s Cathedral with its imposing belfry, the last remaining medieval city gate, Brusselpoort, and the Hof van Busleyden, a Renaissance palace now serving as a museum. Mechelen is also notable for its well-preserved Grote Markt, lined with historic buildings from various architectural periods. Despite suffering damage during both World Wars, the city retains much of its historical charm and offers a blend of art, history, and modern culture.
Mechelen's local beers are "Het Anker" (The Anchor) and "Gouden Carolus" (Golden Charles) named after Emperor Charles V.
Interesting Facts about Mechelen
- Mechelen is the only city in the world with two UNESCO World Heritage belfries: St. Rumbold's Tower and the belfry of the city hall.
- The city was once the capital of the Low Countries during the early 16th century under Archduchess Margaret of Austria.
- Inhabitants of Mechelen are called "Maneblussers" (Moon Extinguishers) due to a humorous incident in 1687 when they mistook moonlight for a fire in St. Rumbold's Tower.
- Mechelen is home to the Royal Carillon School "Jef Denyn", the first and largest carillon school in the world.
- The city hosts a grand parade called the Ommegang every 25 years, featuring giant puppets and historical reenactments.
- Mechelen was at the heart of the carillon revival in the early 20th century and remains a centre for this musical tradition.
- The first steam-powered train on the European continent operated between Brussels and Mechelen.
- Mechelen is famous for its local specialities, including Mechelse koekoek (a breed of chicken) and Mechelsen Bruynen beer, allegedly Emperor Charles V's favourite.
- The city is renowned for its historical art and was a significant centre for artistic production during the Northern Renaissance.
- Mechelen boasts over 300 listed monuments, showcasing its rich architectural heritage.
History
Mechelen was a fief of the Prince-bishopric of Liège until 1356, when it passed to the Dukes of Burgundy. Charles the Bold of Burgundy made it its administrative centre and the town became the archiepiscopal centre of the Southern Netherlands in 1559 (which it still is today for Catholics in Belgium).
Mechelen's golden days came in the early 16th century when Margaret of Austria, Regent of the Netherlands, established her government there.
In the 17th century, Mechelen was renowed as a centre for lace, drapery, tapestry and Baroque woodwork.
The famous composer Ludwing van Beethoven, though born and raised in Bonn, has his family roots in Mechelen, where his grand-father worked as a baker and his great-grand-father ran a painting business.
Main Attractions
Cathedral of St. Rombold
The Cathedral of St. Rombold ("St. Rumbout" in Flemish) is Mechelen most noteworthy sight. It was completed in 1536 in the late Gothic style. The nave and transepts were the first part completed in the early and mid 13th century. The choir dates from the 14th and 15th century. Don't miss Sir Anthony Van Dyck's painting, the Crucifixion.
The cathedral's 97m high bell tower was originally intended to be 167m, which would have made it the tallest building in the world, but it was never completed. You could call it a church with an erectile dysfunction. It contains a 49-bell carillion from the 15t century - one of Belgium's finest. The bells dates from 1640 to 1947, and the largest of them (Salvator) weighs 8884 kg.
The cathedral is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (until 4:30 pm from November to March) and admission is free.
Other attractions
Note the Stadhuis (townhall) and the grotesque town's mascot known as Op Signoorke ("the fool") on the Grote Markt (main square).
On Veemarkt , the Baroque St Peter and St Paul's Church (Open 1pm-5pm; Nov-March noon-4pm; entry free) was built by the Jesuits in 1669 is worth a look for its oak paneling made by the sculptor Verbruggen in 1701, as well as a collection of 17th c. paintings.
The Museum Hof van Busleyden (Open Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 2pm-6pm; entry 2 €) has all kinds of historical artifacts, from Gallo-Roman objects to more recent bells and paintings.
The former Palace of Margaret of Austria (see History above) was constructed in 1507 in late-Gothic with Renaissance style gatehouse.
Hof van Busleyden was built between 1503 and 1508 as the residence of jurist Hiëronymus van Busleyden. The building now houses the City Museum of Mechelen.
Another major attraction is the Planckendael Animal Park, located 4 km southeast of Mechelen.
Local Cuisine
The local cuisine features a variety of mouthwatering specialties, including the renowned Mechelse koekoek, a tender and flavourful breed of chicken that's often served in hearty stews or roasted to perfection. Visitors can also savour stoofvlees, a savoury beef stew, and moules-frites, succulent mussels paired with crispy chips. The city's gastronomic landscape is further enhanced by its thriving beer culture, with the locally brewed Gouden Carolus being a popular choice to accompany meals. For those with a sweet tooth, Belgian waffles and artisanal chocolates are readily available throughout the city. Whether dining at a cosy brasserie in the Grote Markt or a trendy restaurant in the Vismarkt area, Mechelen offers a delectable journey through Flemish culinary traditions.
Getting There & Around
Mechelen is easily accessible and well-connected by various modes of transport. Travellers from Brussels can take a direct train to Mechelen, with frequent services running every 15 minutes and a journey time of just 25 minutes. The city also offers an efficient bus network operated by De Lijn, with urban buses running approximately every 15 minutes and regional lines departing hourly. For short trips within the city, the affordable "centrumpendel" shuttle connects key locations like the Central Station and Grote Markt. Taxis are widely available, offering both app-based booking options and traditional street hailing, catering to different preferences. For those driving, park-and-ride facilities allow you to switch to public transport or bicycles for convenient city exploration. With these diverse options, getting to and around Mechelen is straightforward and hassle-free.
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