BELGIUM

Once the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands, still preserves its title as the ecclesiastical capital of Belgium. Monuments such as the aartsbisschoppelijke paleis (Archbishops' Palace) and the grand Sint-Romboutskathedraal bear witness to the city's rich religious past. Undoubtedly the most imposing of its civil buildings, the Stadhuis, or town hall, established in the former Lakenhalle (Drapers' Hall), constitutes the showpiece of Mechelen's Grote Markt, set amongst a number of pristine aristocratic houses.

Religious heritage
Mechelen's religious past is also reflected in several other equally remarkable church buildings, bearers of an impressive heritage. You may wish to admire paintings by Rubens exhibited in two churches : Sint-Janskerk (« De aanbidding van de koningen » ) and O.L.Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk (« De wonderbare visvangst » ). Another important place of worship is the former Jesuit church Pieter en Paulus.

The Hanswijk procession
Every year, on the Sunday preceding Ascension Thursday, you can join the people of Mechelen as they gather in the city's main streets in what is known as the Hanswijk Procession, a true pearl of local folklore and popular devotion.

Carillon and Gobelin tapestry
Mechelen is world-renowned for its Carillon School, established in Hof van Busleyden, and all the more so for its much acclaimed tapestries. The tradition has been kept alive in the workshops of the De Wit Manufacture, where new tapestries are made by hand and old Gobelins restored according to traditional methods. A visit to the workshop is a unique experience.

Toys and animals
Why not spoil the little ones with a visit to the Toy Museum with its permanent exhibition on the history of toys throughout the centuries, or take them on a visit to the Plankendael Wildlife Park, where no less than 1.000 animals can be seen roaming around in a natural environment. From Easter to September the Wildlife Park can also be reached by boat. Boarding takes place close to the Mechelen train station, on the canal towards Leuven.

Gastronomy
And how about refuelling with some of Mechelen's mouth-watering specialities : asparagus in a variety of different combinations and the notorious Mechelse Koekoek, a succulent local breed of chicken. A meal in Mechelen would not be complete without a refreshing regional brew. Try a Gouden Carolus, a Mechelschen Bruynen (full-bodied and dark) or a Toison d'Or (trippel).