Jacques Francquart and Pieter Husseyns designed this imposing baroque church (1629 – 1647), which reflects the one-time wealth of the Large Beguinage. The paintings feature several female saints, evidence of the devotion of the beguines.*
*From the signboard in front of the church.
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 [...]
In and around Mechelen market square.
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 [...]
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
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 [...]
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 [...]