There are many idyllic spots in Mechelen and Groen Waterke is one of them. The brook owes its name to the duckweed which covers the surface of the water. It is in fact the remains of the Melaan brook which was not covered over of filled here. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this idyllic spot, close to the houses of refuge of St Trond and Tongerlo abbeys.
In the old days platforms were often built into the side wall of buildings next to the water. They were toilets known as ’secrecies’ – rather a strange name when you think how the user was on view there! One day the mother superior of the convent sent an angry letter to the city council, complaining about the boys who sailed in boats under her secrecies firing at the bottoms of the nuns with blowpipes! She was lucky: her complaint was heard and soon there was far less traffic on ‘t Groen Waterke!*
*From Hotelmagazine 2014-2015 Welcome in Mechelen
Don’t you just love this building, I am always impressed by the way they built them.
Always good to look up too, post before this one. I never saw the cock, but captured the pig
Great to see your pictures from Mechelen, good memories.
I was so taken with the building I forgot to take a picture of the green water below!!
The pig is great isn’t it?
Most interesting architecture – almost “add as you go upwards”.
And this tower isn’t quite straight either
>firing at the bottoms of the nuns with blowpipes!
Ha ha! Really?!
Boys will be boys