Mechelen

Mechelen is centrally located between Brussels and Antwerp. The city attracts attention mainly due to its historic Renaissance architecture, which can be discovered especially in the heart of the city center, not far from the Grote Markt. In the late Middle Ages, Mechelen was the cultural and economic center of the region "Herrlichkeit Mechelen". Today, the city in the province of Antwerp is home to about 85,000 inhabitants. Due to its central location between Brussels and Antwerp, the city is also considered an important transportation hub within Belgium. Mechelen is home to the Cathedral of St. Romuald, an architecturally significant sacred building in the Gothic style. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in the 13th century, and now the bell tower, categorized as a belfry, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the belfries of northern France and Belgium. Not unlike many major Belgian cities, Mechelen has a central square, the Groten Markt, where you can admire the cathedral and the photogenic and historically significant town hall. The Groten Markt is home to a number of restaurants and cafes that are ideal for travelers to stop off at. The city's beguinages are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their unusual architecture is sure to delight. Mechelen is home to Het Anker, one of the oldest breweries in the country. And if you want to discover Mechelen from a slightly different perspective, you can take a relaxing boat trip along the small canals. Popular for family outings is the region's resident zoo, Planckendael, which is known nationwide for its large outdoor areas with exotic animals such as snow leopards, red pandas and camels.