Self-guided Sightseeing Tour #2 in Mechelen, Belgium

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Churches & Art
Nature
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Historical
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Tour Facts

Number of sights 9 sights
Distance 2.6 km
Ascend 28 m
Descend 33 m

Experience Mechelen in Belgium in a whole new way with our self-guided sightseeing tour. This site not only offers you practical information and insider tips, but also a rich variety of activities and sights you shouldn't miss. Whether you love art and culture, want to explore historical sites or simply want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a lively city - you'll find everything you need for your personal adventure here.

Individual Sights in Mechelen

Sight 1: Schepenhuis

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Schepenhuis Original uploader was BrianKgs at nl.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Schepenhuis of Mechelen, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, is a building where the city's aldermen held their meetings in the Middle Ages. It is located on the edge of the Grote Markt, between the latter and the IJzerenleen and is considered the first stone 'town hall' of Flanders.

Wikipedia: Schepenhuis, Mechelen (EN), Heritage Website

224 meters / 3 minutes

Sight 2: St. Rumbold's Cathedral

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St. Rumbold's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic metropolitan archiepiscopal cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Rumbold, Christian missionary and martyr who founded an abbey nearby. His remains are rumoured to be buried inside the cathedral. State-of-the-art examination of the relics honoured as Saint Rumbold's and kept in a shrine in the retro-choir, showed a life span of about 40 years and a death date between 580 and 655, while tradition had claimed 775 AD.

Wikipedia: St. Rumbold's Cathedral (EN), Website, Url, Heritage Website

157 meters / 2 minutes

Sight 3: De Maan

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Beeldsmederij De Maan is a Mechelen puppet and puppet theatre for young and old. The artistic and general director is Stef De Paepe since 2013, and the scenographer is Paul Contryn, puppeteer and maker, and son of Louis Contryn. It is a non-profit organisation that receives support from the Flemish government, the city of Mechelen and the province of Antwerp.

Wikipedia: Beeldsmederij De Maan (NL), Website

201 meters / 2 minutes

Sight 4: Aartsbisschoppelijk paleis

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Aartsbisschoppelijk paleis Vlaamse Gemeenschap / CC BY 4.0

The Archbishop's Palace of Mechelen is the residence of the Archbishops of Mechelen. It is located on the Wollemarkt in Mechelen, near the Grote Markt. The palace dates back to the 18th century and has seen numerous renovations. The style of the building is classicism, which is reflected in the following characteristics: sober façade construction, a lot of horizontalism and a U-shaped floor plan. The palace shows influences of Italian architecture. At the back there is a very large garden.

Wikipedia: Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis van Mechelen (NL), Heritage Website

354 meters / 4 minutes

Sight 5: Museum Hof van Busleyden

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Museum Hof van Busleyden is a museum in the Belgian city of Mechelen, housed in the city palace Hof van Busleyden. Since 1936, the Stedelijk Museum Mechelen has been located on this site, and since 2018 it has been called Museum Hof van Busleyden. After major restoration, the museum will reopen in the spring of 2024 with a renewed permanent display, redesigned gardens and new temporary exhibitions.

Wikipedia: Museum Hof van Busleyden (NL), Website, Opening Hours, Heritage Website

622 meters / 7 minutes

Sight 6: Joods Museum van Deportatie en Verzet

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Joods Museum van Deportatie en Verzet

The Kazerne Dossin Holocaust memorial is the only part of the Kazerne Dossin: Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights established within the former Mechelen transit camp of World War II, from which, in German-occupied Belgium, arrested Jews and Romani were sent to concentration camps. The aforementioned museum and documentation centre are housed in a new purpose-built complex across the public square.

Wikipedia: Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre (EN)

582 meters / 7 minutes

Sight 7: Begijnhofkerk Sint-Alexius en Catharina

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The Beguinage Church is a church that is part of the beguinage of the Belgian city of Mechelen.

Wikipedia: Begijnhofkerk (Mechelen) (NL), Heritage Website

94 meters / 1 minutes

Sight 8: Groot Begijnhof Mechelen

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The Great Beguinage of Mechelen was founded in the 13th century and has been located within the city walls since the end of the 16th century.

Wikipedia: Groot Begijnhof Mechelen (NL), Heritage Website

411 meters / 5 minutes

Sight 9: Van der Valk Hotel

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Van der Valk Hotel Michiel1972 / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Swimming Dock in Mechelen was a swimming pool from its opening in 1924 until its closure in 2001. Since then, the building, which was built in the Art Nouveau style, has been empty. The building, located on the Rode Kruisplein and on the retaining dock of the Binnendijle, is a protected monument.

Wikipedia: Zwemdok (Mechelen) (NL), Website, Heritage Website

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Disclaimer Please be aware of your surroundings and do not enter private property. We are not liable for any damages that occur during the tours.

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