Historic sites in Mechelen

Historic Heritage of Mechelen

Mechelen’s heritage is defined by a concentrated collection of UNESCO-listed structures and ecclesiastical landmarks. This list features the 97-meter St. Rumbold's Tower, the medieval Hoogbrug—Belgium's oldest stone bridge—and the complex architecture of the City Hall. Highlights include Renaissance palaces like the Hof van Busleyden and Baroque churches housing masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens. From the sole remaining city gate, Brusselpoort, to the historic breweries and tranquil beguinages, these sites represent the city’s significance as a former capital of the Burgundian Netherlands.

Historic Heritage of Mechelen — Map

Ad Meskens / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

St. Rumbold's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic metropolitan archiepiscopal cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Rumbold,…

B

Sint-Romboutstoren

A 97-meter UNESCO-listed belfry featuring 514 steps, two carillons, and a skywalk offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

C

Stadhuis Mechelen

Located on the Grote Markt, this complex consists of the 14th-century Cloth Hall, an unfinished UNESCO-listed belfry, and the 16th-century Palace of the Great Council.

Vlaamse Gemeenschap / CC BY 4.0

D

Aartsbisschoppelijk paleis

The official residence of the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, this 18th-century neoclassical palace on the Wollemarkt incorporates earlier Renaissance and Gothic architectural elements.

Paul Hermans / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Hof van Busleyden

An early 16th-century Renaissance city palace built for humanist Hieronymus van Busleyden. It now serves as a museum exploring Mechelen’s history during the Burgundian period.

Paul Hermans / CC BY 4.0

F

Sint-Janskerk

A 15th-century Gothic church notable for housing Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece, 'The Adoration of the Magi,' and intricate 17th-century woodcarvings.

Joerg Kurt Wegner / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk is a Roman Catholic basilica in Mechelen, Belgium.

BrianKgs / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Schepenhuis, Mechelen

The Schepenhuis of Mechelen, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, is a building where the city's aldermen held their meetings in the Middle Ages.

Viktorhauk / Public domain

I

Het Anker Brewery

Het Anker Brewery is a Flemish brewery in Mechelen, founded in 1471 by a community of Beguines.

WMontald / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Brusselpoort

The Brusselpoort is the sole remaining city gate of the original twelve gates of the city of Mechelen, Belgium.

Ad Meskens / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Begijnhofkerk Sint-Alexius en Catharina

A 17th-century Baroque church located in the Large Beguinage, featuring a façade designed by Jesuit architect Pieter Huyssens and an interior rich in religious art.

Stadsarchief Mechelen / Public domain

L

Mechelen transit camp

The Mechelen transit camp, officially SS-Sammellager Mecheln in German, also known as the Dossin barracks, was a detention and deportation…

Paul Hermans / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Hof van Hoogstraten en Hof van Coloma

Historic city palaces; the Hof van Hoogstraten served as the 16th-century residence for Antoon I van Lalaing, a prominent advisor to Emperor Charles V.

Polla ta deina / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk

A 14th-century Gothic church famous for Peter Paul Rubens' triptych 'The Miraculous Draught of Fishes' located above the high altar.

Gustave Walckiers / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Hoogbrug

Also known as the Grootbrug, this 13th-century sandstone structure is the oldest stone bridge in Belgium, spanning the river Dijle.

Funkyxian / CC BY-SA 4.0

P

Kasteel Relegem

An ancient castle and estate located in Zemst, featuring historical architecture that served as a noble residence for centuries.

Q

Kasteel Tivoli

A late 18th-century neoclassical manor house set within a public park, featuring classicist architectural elements and landscaped gardens.

Milliped / CC BY-SA 4.0

R

Fonteinbrug

A historic stone arch bridge crossing the Dijle river, marking the transition from the Bruul shopping district to the old city center.

Other Lists

Mechelen Unmissables Parks and Gardens Architectural Highlights of Mechelen