St Romboutskathedraal

Mechelen’s most famous landmark is St Rombouts Cathedral and its impressive bell tower. The cathedral took 300 years to build, finally completed in 1546 once the Pope had intervened with extra funds when he put the cathedral on a list of specified churches where pilgrims could seek absolution without visiting Rome. The truncated tower stands 97m tall, although original plans were for it to be 167m tall, and is thought to be the most beautiful tower in the country. It houses Belgium’s best and heaviest carillon, made up of 49 bells, which ring out regularly. The climb up the 514 steps of the tower is worth it for the view; on a clear day you can see both Brussels and Antwerp. A gilt casket containing the remains of St Rombout is kept within the cathedral and there is also a 25-panel painting depicting his story. The cathedral is also home to several prized works of art including The Crucifixion by Antony van Dyck.