Best of Mechelen

Mechelen Unmissables

Mechelen serves as the ecclesiastical capital of Belgium, home to a dense collection of historic monuments. This list highlights the city's architectural heritage, from the 13th-century Gothic St. Rumbold's Cathedral to the Renaissance-era Hof van Busleyden. Key sites include the UNESCO-listed Large Beguinage, the world-renowned Het Anker Brewery, and the Kazerne Dossin memorial. The city's history is further reflected in its preserved city gates, medieval town hall, and the Hoogbrug, the oldest stone bridge in the country.

Mechelen Unmissables — 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-high UNESCO World Heritage tower featuring two carillons with 49 bells each. Visitors can climb 538 steps to reach a skywalk offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding region.

C

Stadhuis Mechelen

Located on the Grote Markt, this complex consists of the 14th-century Cloth Hall with an unfinished belfry and the 16th-century Palace of the Great Council, designed in Brabantine Late Gothic style.

Cor 0191 / CC BY 3.0

D

Large Beguinage, Mechelen

One of the UNESCO-listed béguinages. Quite atypical, because it is not enclosed by any walls.

Viktorhauk / Public domain

E

Het Anker Brewery

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

Paul Hermans / CC-BY-SA-3.0

F

Hof van Busleyden

A Renaissance palace and museum showcasing Mechelen's history as the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands. It houses significant 15th and 16th-century artifacts, including the rare 'Enclosed Gardens' (Besloten Hofjes).

WMontald / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Brusselpoort

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

Joerg Kurt Wegner / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

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

Vlaamse Gemeenschap / CC BY 4.0

I

Aartsbisschoppelijk paleis

The 18th-century official residence of the Archbishop of Belgium. This Neoclassical palace on the Wollemarkt serves as the administrative heart of the archdiocese and features a classic U-shaped courtyard.

BrianKgs / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Schepenhuis, Mechelen

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

Stadsarchief Mechelen / Public domain

K

Mechelen transit camp

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

Gustave Walckiers / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Hoogbrug

Also known as the Grootbrug, this 13th-century sandstone structure is the oldest stone bridge in Belgium. It spans the Dijle river, connecting the IJzerenleen with the Guldenstraat.

Paul Hermans / CC BY 4.0

M

Sint-Janskerk

A 15th-century Gothic church famous for its ornate Baroque interior and the 'Adoration of the Magi' triptych painted by Peter Paul Rubens, which is located above the high altar.

Polla ta deina / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk

A 14th to 17th-century Gothic church containing Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece, 'The Miraculous Draught of Fishes,' which was originally commissioned by the local fishmongers' guild.

O

Vrijbroekpark

A 50-hectare provincial park known for its internationally recognized rose gardens, which feature over 1,000 varieties. The grounds include diverse botanical collections, ponds, and walking paths.

Other Lists

Historic Heritage of Mechelen Parks and Gardens Architectural Highlights of Mechelen