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 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.

St Janskerk

This church does not appear appealing on the outside but its interior is well worth exploring. Everything is on a very grand scale, richly decorated and highly maintained with a massive pulpit and organ and two large, unusual canons’ pews. The highlight though is the altarpiece which contains Ruben’s ‘Adoration of the Magi’, painted in 1619.

Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouw over de Dijle

The Church of Our Lady across the River Dijle is a large turreted affair dating from the 15th century which was restored after it took a direct hit from a World War II rocket. The main highlight is Ruben’s ‘Miraculous Draught of Fishes’, painted for the Fishmongers’ Guild in 1618.