Travel Guide to Mechelen, Belgium

This Belgian town has recently become very popular among Russian tourists. Since ancient times Mechelen has been famous for bell art. Many bells manufactured by local artists are installed in largest churches of Moscow and St. Petersburg. There is also an old school of bell ringers named Het Shipka in Mechelen.

When it comes to historical and architectural monuments of the town, we can definitely mention St. Rumbolt Cathedral. Some of the towers of the cathedral have a height of 97 meters. In order to climb to the top of the tower, one needs to go through 514 steps. The observation area on the top of the tower features perfectly visible neighborhoods of Mechelen. When the weather is clear you can see the shape of Antwerp on the horizon. The altar of the cathedral is made of marble. The master worked over its creation in 1665. If you walk behind the altar, you will see beautiful frescoes, triptychs and sculptures that were created in the 14th - 16th centuries. The most precious decoration of this holy place is the painting of Van Dyck titled “The Crucifixion of Christ”.

The most important historical value of the town is the monument of Marguerite of Austria, who was the aunt of Charles the Fifth. During her reign the city experienced a period of rapid growth. The Town Hall and the Palace of Margaret of Austria continue the architectural complex. These buildings amazingly combine best traditions of gothic style and renaissance. Today the City Court is located in the walls of the palace. Church of St. John is one of the best examples of the Baroque style, and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral features a rich collection of paintings which belong to the 17th century. Walking around town is, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience, and new discoveries lay at simply every step because in Mechelen you will find many theaters, museums and exhibition centers.