Mechelen
An oak canoe cut from a single tree trunk lies buried in the wetlands of Nekkerspoel. This artifact dates back to the La Tène era, proving human habitation in the triangle between Brussels, Leuven, and Antwerp. Archaeologists found five wooden houses nearby, suggesting a small settlement existed where Mechelen now stands. The river Dyle flows through this area, creating fertile ground for early communities. During the Gallo-Roman period, Roman ruins and roads appeared along the banks. As Rome's influence waned in the 3rd and 4th centuries, Germanic tribes moved into the region. A few centuries later, Irish or Scottish missionary St Rumbold christianized the area. He is said to have built a monastery on these same banks. Work on the cathedral dedicated to him began around 1200.
In 1473, Charles the Bold moved several political bodies to the city. Mechelen served as the seat of the Superior Court until the French Revolution. Archduchess Margaret of Austria made it the capital of the Low Countries during the first half of the 16th century. Highly lucrative cloth trade brought immense wealth and power to the town. Painters, printmakers, illuminators, and composers of polyphony flocked to the city. Patrons like Margaret of York, Margaret of Austria, and Hieronymus van Busleyden supported artistic production. Anne Boleyn lived in Margaret's palace from spring 1513 to autumn 1514. She was known affectionately as la Petite Boleyn during her formative years at court. The Hof van Savoye was built for Margaret of Austria while she was regent of the Netherlands. It is one of the first Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. In 1530, many governmental institutions were moved to Brussels, reducing Mechelen's political influence. A gunpowder magazine explosion in 1546 further diminished its status. Despite this, the city became the Archdiocese of Mechelen in 1559.
One of the first railways on the European continent linked Brussels with Mechelen in 1835. This connection turned the city into the hub of the Belgian railway network. Metalworking industries developed alongside the rail lines. The central railway workshops remain located in the town today. During World War II, the extensive Mechlinian railway structure caused Nazi occupation forces to choose Mechelen for their infamous transit camp. Over 25,000 Jews and Roma were sent by rail to Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp from Mechelen. The site of the transit camp now houses the Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights. A stone pillar called De Mijlpaal marked the destination point of the first passenger train ride on the continent. Railway workers' clubs adopted the name for miniature model trains. A small museum housed in one of the oldest railroad buildings commemorates the historical event. The area around Mechelsen is famous for vegetable cultivation including Belgian endive, asparagus, and cauliflower. Mechelse Veilingen in neighboring Sint-Katelijne-Waver is the largest co-operative vegetable auction in Europe.
The Nazi occupation forces selected Mechelen for their transit camp due to its extensive railway infrastructure. From this location, over 25,000 Jews and Roma were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The transit camp operated during the Second World War with devastating consequences. Today, the site of the former camp and a purpose-built complex across the public square house the Kazerne Dossin Memorial. This institution serves as both a museum and documentation center focused on the Holocaust and human rights. The building was originally constructed in the 18th century by Queen Maria Theresa of Austria. It now contains the Jewish Museum of Deportation and Resistance. The tragedy remains etched into the city's memory through these preserved spaces. Visitors can learn about the systematic removal of people from this specific location during the war years.
Since 1687, Mechlinians have been called Maneblussers or moon extinguishers. This nickname honors their heroic attempt to fight a fire high up in Saint-Rumbold's Tower. Gothic windows showed only the flaring of the moon between clouds during that dangerous event. Once every 25 years, a parade called the Ommegang commemorates major events of the city's past. An extra edition occurred in 2000 for the 500th anniversary of Charles V's birth. The cortege displays six 15th, 17th-century processional giants made on a huge scale. These puppets and carts are typically humoresque or serious in nature. UNESCO recognized the Ommegang as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. A wooden mascot called Opsinjoorke has been pulled around since 1775. Now a replica is used, though a recent bronze statue stands before the Belfry. In spring, a legendary holy statue of Our Lady features prominently in the Procession of Hanswijk. The annual flower-decorated cart parade was canceled indefinitely at the start of the 21st century due to lack of financing.
Sint-Romboutskathedraal with its dominating tower was consecrated in 1312. It appears on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France site. The domed baroque Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Hanswijk was completed in 1876. Native architect Lucas Faydherbe designed this famous place of pilgrimage in Belgium. Some of his sculptures can also be found inside the cathedral. The Kerk van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijle and the Sint-Janskerk exhibit work from Rubens. These include The Adoration of the Magi and The Miraculous Draught of Fishes respectively. The Klein Begijnhof and Groot Begijnhof house lay religious women. They form part of the Flemish Béguinages World Heritage Site. The Palace of the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels remains in use for its original purpose by current Archbishop De Kesel. The Lakenhal cloth hall and 14th-century Belfry are incorporated into the modern City Hall complex. The Brusselpoort gate was built in the 13th century and is the last remaining of twelve gates. The Schepenhuis serves as the oldest stone-built city hall in Flanders. The Hof van Busleyden where Hieronymus van Busleyden received Erasmus, Thomas More, and Pope Adrian VI now houses the City Museum.
Common questions
When was the oak canoe found in Mechelen?
Archaeologists discovered the oak canoe during excavations in the wetlands of Nekkerspoel. The artifact dates back to the La Tène era, proving human habitation in the triangle between Brussels, Leuven, and Antwerp.
Who built the cathedral dedicated to St Rumbold in Mechelen?
Work on the cathedral dedicated to St Rumbold began around 1200. The building was consecrated in 1312 and appears on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France site.
Why did Nazi occupation forces choose Mechelen for their transit camp?
The Nazi occupation forces selected Mechelen due to its extensive railway infrastructure. From this location, over 25,000 Jews and Roma were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp during the Second World War.
What is the origin of the nickname Maneblussers for Mechlinians?
Since 1687, Mechlinians have been called Maneblussers or moon extinguishers. This nickname honors their heroic attempt to fight a fire high up in Saint-Rumbold's Tower when Gothic windows showed only the flaring of the moon between clouds.
When was the first passenger train ride on the European continent completed in Mechelen?
One of the first railways on the European continent linked Brussels with Mechelen in 1835. A stone pillar called De Mijlpaal marked the destination point of that historic journey.