Generalities about Mechlin
by DanielF
Mechlin (Mechelen in the vernacular language and Malines, as the francophones call it) is a small city of less than 80.000 inhabitants within commuting distance from both Brussels and Antwerp, the two largest metropolises in the country. Mechlin has been able to preserve its own identity, though, thanks to its prominent role in the history of the Netherlands, of which it was even the capital during a brief period in the XVI century.
The old town is well preserved and full of pleasant corners for the tourist to discover in a day or two.
Mechlin's historical background
by DanielF
Mechlin has long been an autonomous manorial territory within the Low Countries. The Dukes of Burgundy established here their Great Council, which controlled the government of the manorial territory and functioned as the highest Court in the Low Countries. The government of the entire Low Countries was established here during the reign of Margaret of Austria, reason for which she is still greatly appreciated in the city, which has erected a statue in her honour in the Market Square. The capital status returned to Brussels with Charles V, however, and the city fell into a decline from which it has only lately recovered.
Water and Mechelen
by tompt
Mechelen is located along the river Dijle. In the old days there were lots of small waters inside the city, all branches of the Dijle. But when the river flooded the entire city was under water. First they filled up or vaulted the little waters. But that was not enough, and a branches was dugged around the city to divert the water from the centre around the city.
Brusselpoort
by bugulma
Brusselpoort is the only one tower fortification built in XIII century that we can see nowadays. It was first sight-seeing I saw because it is near of railway station (if you go along Leopoldstraat). Now there is a museum in the tower.
Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
by Helga67
On our walk around town we passed this wonderful baroque church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It's situated on the corner of the 'Veemarkt' (cattle market). it was a Jesuit church.
The facade has some enormous pillars and the upper part is crowned with an aureole and the sign of the order of the Jesuits (IHS = Jesus Homines Salvator).
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Crumbles underneath the tables
Mechelen's Grote Markt at night
H 30 youth centre, Mechelen
Entrance to zoo, Antwerp
