1
Saint Rumbold's Cathedral
The enormous tower of this Gothic cathedral was planned to be the tallest in the world, and even unfinished it dominates the city skyline and holds a world-famous set of bells.
Mechelen
Quick fact
Mechelen, known in French as Malines, was once the capital of the Habsburg Netherlands and is still famous worldwide for its extraordinary carillon bell-ringing tradition.
Fun fact
Mechelen is sometimes called the city of carillons because it is home to the only carillon school in the world — the Royal Carillon School — where students travel from dozens of countries to learn to play bells!
Landmarks
2
Mechelen Toy Museum
This utterly delightful museum is filled with toys from across the centuries — from ancient spinning tops and tin robots to elaborate dolls' houses — making it a paradise for curious kids.
3
Palace of Margaret of Austria
This elegant Renaissance palace was home to Margaret of Austria, one of the most powerful women in 16th-century Europe, and you can still admire its beautiful courtyard today.
4
Groot Begijnhof
This tranquil walled village of red-brick houses within the city was once home to a community of religious women called Beguines and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5
Dossin Barracks Memorial Museum
This deeply important museum and memorial honours the memory of Jewish people and others who were deported from Mechelen during World War Two, helping visitors understand why we must never forget history.