Belgium > Historical city walk

On the first floor of the hotel, a breakfast buffet is available. While we enjoy bread rolls and coffee, we plan our day. We are going to explore the city of Mechelen with the help of a city walk. We probably saw many buildings yesterday, but today we will take a closer look at the historic center using a guided description. The city walk officially starts at Mechelen station, but we pick up the route by the Dijle River. We walk along the pontoon walkway towards the Kruidtuin (Herb Garden). About halfway, we turn off towards the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe (Our Lady) over the Dijle Church. We notice that a service is just starting in this Brabantine Gothic church from the 15th century. We quickly take a look inside and then leave the church.

Belgium - A walking promenade on the Dijle river

The Stedelijke Kruidtuin, which used to be private property, was opened to the public in the early 20th century. Along the water stands the Hanswijk Basilica, one of the oldest domed churches, dating from 1663. In the corner of the park is the Volmolen, the only remaining watermill, which was formerly used to regulate the water level of the Dijle. We leave the park on the other side. Unfortunately, the courtyard of the Hof van Savoye is no longer accessible to the public. Here, in 1507, Margaret of Austria took residence. She was the sister of Philip the Handsome.

Belgium - The historic houses on the Great Market Square with the cathedral in the background

With Margaret’s arrival, Mechelen temporarily became the main city of the Netherlands. Today there are no market stalls on the Grote Markt (Main Square), so we can have a good look at the town hall. The building consists of two parts: a cloth hall from the 14th century and a belfry. The belfry was meant to be impressive, like in other Belgian cities, but due to financial problems, the tower was never built. We continue along the small Begijnhof and the Hof van Busleyden museum, eventually ending up again at the Brouwerij 't Anker (’t Anker Brewery).

Belgium - Cozy terraces around the Fish Market

This brewery is located in the buildings of the Grote Begijnhof. We look at the beer products in the shop but decide to buy the beer later when we drive by here with the car. The route ends at the Vismarkt (Fish Market), where it is less busy than yesterday afternoon. The weather looks threatening. Just to be safe, we sit under an umbrella for coffee. Back at the hotel, we carefully drive the car out of the garage. Via one-way streets, we reach the ring road and have to drive all the way around the ring to get to the ’t Anker Brewery. We park the car double in front of the shop and quickly choose some beers. Around half past one, we depart for the Netherlands.