A sunny Sunday in Mechelen
Mechelen is a Dutch-speaking city and municipality in the province of Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. The municipality comprises the city of Mechelen proper, some quarters at its outskirts, the hamlets of Nekkerspoel (adjacent) and Battel (a few kilometers away), as well as the villages of Walem, Heffen, Leest, Hombeek, and Muizen. The Dijle flows through the city, hence the term 'Dijlestad' (Dijle City).
Mechelen lies on the major urban & industrial axis Brussels-Antwerp, about 25 km from each city. Besides at Mechelen's southern industrial and northern office estates, many inhabitants find employment at offices in or industry near the capital, or at industrial plants near Antwerp's seaport.
Mechelen is compact city spun in a medieval web around the gigantic Cathedral tower, the city centre offers an inviting range of squares, terraces and shops, all within walking distance of each other.
The St. Rumbold’s Tower – the symbol of Mechelen par excellence – welcomes visitors to the city from afar. It towers over more 300 listed monuments in the city centre, including 8 historic churches. The belfries of the City Hall and St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and the city’s Large Beguinage have all been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
One of the best places to visit is the Het Anker. This small private brewery has built a global reputation for its local beers such as Gouden Carolus and Cuvée van de Keizer. Its Mechelschen Bruynen, a brown ale, was the favourite beer of the Renaissance Emperor Charles V, who grew up in Mechelen. He even shipped casks to Spain when he became Charles I of Spain.
