walking Mechelen
In the heart of Mechelen, the grand market square (Grote Markt) is a sight to behold, especially on this day as a storm brews in the distance. The sky, a canvas of varying shades of grey, hints at the impending tempest, while gusts of wind sweep across the square, carrying with them an air of anticipation. The usually bustling streets surrounding the plaza are unusually quiet, with only a handful of intrepid tourists braving the weather, their footsteps echoing off the cobblestones.
The architecture of the area is quintessentially local, with beautiful facades of houses lining the streets, their history etched in every brick and tile. These houses, once private residences, now serve as excellent restaurants offering a taste of local cuisine. The scent of Flemish stew, a local delicacy, wafts through the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly fried potatoes. Despite the looming storm, the scene is one of serene beauty, a testament to the enduring charm of Mechelen
Mechelen, a city in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish Region of Belgium, has a rich and storied history. The city can trace its roots back to the Gallo-Roman period during the Roman occupation. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited during the La Tène era, with findings including an 8.4-metre-long canoe cut from an oak tree trunk and a settlement of about five wooden houses at Nekkerspoel.
The city was converted to Christianity with the arrival of Saint Rumbold, an Irish missionary. Mechelen reached its zenith as a capital of the Netherlands and as a centre of culture under the regency of Margaret of Austria, who held a brilliant court there from 1507 to 1517 and from 1519 to 1530. Since 1559, Mechelen has been the see of Belgium’s only archbishopric.
Mechelen suffered greatly in the wars of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries and was captured several times by the Spanish, English, and French. It was heavily damaged in World Wars I and II. Despite these hardships, Mechelen has preserved its historical charm and continues to be a prominent city of historical art in Flanders.
RX_03996_20240528_Mechelen
walking Mechelen
In the heart of Mechelen, the grand market square (Grote Markt) is a sight to behold, especially on this day as a storm brews in the distance. The sky, a canvas of varying shades of grey, hints at the impending tempest, while gusts of wind sweep across the square, carrying with them an air of anticipation. The usually bustling streets surrounding the plaza are unusually quiet, with only a handful of intrepid tourists braving the weather, their footsteps echoing off the cobblestones.
The architecture of the area is quintessentially local, with beautiful facades of houses lining the streets, their history etched in every brick and tile. These houses, once private residences, now serve as excellent restaurants offering a taste of local cuisine. The scent of Flemish stew, a local delicacy, wafts through the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly fried potatoes. Despite the looming storm, the scene is one of serene beauty, a testament to the enduring charm of Mechelen
Mechelen, a city in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish Region of Belgium, has a rich and storied history. The city can trace its roots back to the Gallo-Roman period during the Roman occupation. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited during the La Tène era, with findings including an 8.4-metre-long canoe cut from an oak tree trunk and a settlement of about five wooden houses at Nekkerspoel.
The city was converted to Christianity with the arrival of Saint Rumbold, an Irish missionary. Mechelen reached its zenith as a capital of the Netherlands and as a centre of culture under the regency of Margaret of Austria, who held a brilliant court there from 1507 to 1517 and from 1519 to 1530. Since 1559, Mechelen has been the see of Belgium’s only archbishopric.
Mechelen suffered greatly in the wars of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries and was captured several times by the Spanish, English, and French. It was heavily damaged in World Wars I and II. Despite these hardships, Mechelen has preserved its historical charm and continues to be a prominent city of historical art in Flanders.
RX_03996_20240528_Mechelen