Originally oats were unloaded and traded here. Oats used to be synonymous with grain and Mechelen had the exclusive staple rights to grain. Boats carrying grain had to tie up in Mechelen and offer the whole cargo for sale for three whole days. Only what the merchants did not sell in Mechelen could be loaded [...]
Archive for the tag 'Weekend away'
Filed under Faith Foundations, Heritage, Holidays, Mechelen 2014
The Beguinage Church
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.
8 Comments CherryPie on May 27th 2014
Filed under Holidays, Mechelen 2014
By the Green Water
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 [...]
6 Comments CherryPie on May 24th 2014
Filed under Holidays, Mechelen 2014
Always Remember to Look Up
In and around Mechelen market square.
12 Comments CherryPie on May 23rd 2014
Filed under Holidays, Mechelen 2014
Het Anker Brewery
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 [...]
16 Comments CherryPie on May 22nd 2014
Filed under Holidays, Mechelen 2014
Carnival Time
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
Filed under Holidays, Mechelen 2014
Klapgat
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 [...]
12 Comments CherryPie on May 20th 2014
