Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.
J.R.R. Tolkien
8 Comments CherryPie on May 25th 2014
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
6 Comments CherryPie on May 24th 2014
In and around Mechelen market square.
12 Comments CherryPie on May 23rd 2014
Het Anker brewery enjoys world fame for its’ ‘Gouden Carolus’ or Golden Charles beer. Founded in 1369, Het Anker is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries. The three copper brew kettles in the brew room date from after the Second World War. Jan uit den Anker started the brewery in 1369. Later on his son Matthijs bought up the municipal brewery and started brewing the amber-coloured ‘Mechelschen Bruynen’, which was popular with both the bourgeoisie and the nobility. The beer was also to Charles V’s taste and now, six centuries on, ‘den Bruynen’ is still brewed. These days it is called ‘Goulen Carolus Ambrio’ and is slightly stronger than its predecessor.*
*From Hotelmagazine 2014-2015 Welcome in Mechelen
16 Comments CherryPie on May 22nd 2014
The original photos can be viewed via the following links:
1. Mechelen Carnival, 2. Mechelen Carnival, 3. Mechelen Carnival, 4. Mechelen Carnival, 5. Mechelen Carnival, 6. Mechelen Carnival, 7. Mechelen Carnival, 8. Mechelen Carnival, 9. Mechelen Carnival, 10. Mechelen Carnival, 11. Mechelen Carnival, 12. Mechelen Carnival, 13. Mechelen Carnival
4 Comments CherryPie on May 21st 2014
The Klapgat is an alleyway opposite the tower of St John’s Church. People tended to congregate here for a chat (‘klappen’) after Mass. They did this so regularly that the alleyway was dubbed Klapgat, or Gossip Alley. A statue of Christ kept a watchful eye on the prattlers from the Mount of Olives. In the little chapel next to the statue you can see a group sculpture behind railings. The faithful used to come here to pray in times of difficulty. They would offer up a coin, placing it in the built-in collection-box.
12 Comments CherryPie on May 20th 2014
This Gothic church which was built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries is the second largest in Mechelen. It is on the site that Mechelen’s first parish church probably stood. The tower contains a complete carillon with no fewer than 49 bells.
Many wealthy Mechelen trade guilds had their altars here. The church’s rich interior was largely destroyed by bombs during the second world war.
6 Comments CherryPie on May 19th 2014
