Mechelen
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Mechelen is one of Flanders' prominent cities of historical art, with Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven. It was notably a centre for artistic production during the Northern Renaissance, when painters, printmakers, illuminators and composers of polyphony were attracted by patrons such as Margaret of York, Margaret of Austria and Hieronymus van Busleyde
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The Grote Markt, the central square in the historic centre of Mechelen, is dominated by St Rumbold's Tower of the cathedral (Sint-Romboutskathedraal).
The statue is that of the Archduchess Margaret of Austria. The statue was made by sculptor Joseph Tuerlinckx (1809 - 1873) and erected in 1849.
The building of the tower started in 1452. The tower was planned to reach 167 meter (600 Mechel feet). Because of financial problems the building of the tower was stopped in 1520, at a height of 97,2 meter.
Submitted: 28/07/2019
Accepted: 28/07/2019
Mechelen 07-06-2014
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Sint-Romboutstoren
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Vanop de kraanbrug naar de grootbrug
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This image showcases the Grote Markt (Great Market Square) in Mechelen, Belgium, a historical and cultural hub of the city. Dominating the square is the imposing St. Rumbold’s Cathedral with its iconic unfinished tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower, reaching approximately 97 meters, offers panoramic views for visitors who climb its steps.
Surrounding the square are well-preserved medieval and Renaissance-style buildings, showcasing the city’s rich architectural history. These facades, with their ornate gables and vibrant colors, reflect the prosperity Mechelen enjoyed during the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was a political and religious center of the Low Countries.
The square is also a lively spot for locals and tourists, hosting various events and markets throughout the year. During the summer, the open terraces fill with visitors enjoying the atmosphere and the historic surroundings. The area exudes charm with its cobblestone streets and timeless ambiance.
Culinary specialties in Mechelen include Mechelse koekoek, a local chicken dish known for its tender and flavorful meat, and Gouden Carolus beer, brewed in the city since the 15th century. The square is home to several cafes and restaurants where visitors can indulge in these local treats.
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Beschrijving in het Vlaams:
Deze foto toont de Grote Markt in Mechelen, België, een historisch en cultureel middelpunt van de stad. Op de voorgrond staat de indrukwekkende Sint-Romboutskathedraal met zijn iconische onafgewerkte toren, die op de UNESCO-Werelderfgoedlijst staat. De toren, die ongeveer 97 meter hoog is, biedt panoramische uitzichten aan bezoekers die de trappen beklimmen.
Rondom het plein staan goed bewaarde middeleeuwse en renaissancistische gebouwen, die de rijke architectonische geschiedenis van de stad weerspiegelen. De gevels, met hun sierlijke topgevels en levendige kleuren, weerspiegelen de welvaart die Mechelen genoot in de 15e en 16e eeuw, toen het een politiek en religieus centrum van de Lage Landen was.
Het plein is ook een levendige plek voor zowel inwoners als toeristen, met het hele jaar door verschillende evenementen en markten. In de zomer vullen de open terrassen zich met bezoekers die genieten van de sfeer en de historische omgeving. Het gebied straalt charme uit met zijn kasseienstraten en tijdloze uitstraling.
Culinaire specialiteiten in Mechelen zijn onder andere Mechelse koekoek, een lokaal kipgerecht dat bekend staat om zijn malse en smaakvolle vlees, en Gouden Carolus bier, dat sinds de 15e eeuw in de stad wordt gebrouwen. Het plein herbergt verschillende cafés en restaurants waar bezoekers kunnen genieten van deze lokale lekkernijen.
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This digital oil painting beautifully captures the heart of Mechelen, Belgium, showcasing its iconic Grote Markt (Main Square) with a striking blend of historical charm and artistic flair. Dominating the composition is the majestic St. Rumbold's Tower, rendered with heavy brushstrokes and golden hues that highlight its Gothic architecture and monumental presence. The sky above is dramatically streaked with whites and blues, creating a sense of movement and atmosphere that draws the eye upward.
Surrounding the tower, a row of gabled buildings—typical of Flemish architecture—adds texture and warmth to the scene. Their façades are painted in a lively palette of ochres, creams, and soft reds, each structure unique in design but harmonious as a whole. The contrast between the shadowy base and sunlit rooftops gives depth to the painting, while the spire of the cathedral in the background adds a subtle vertical rhythm balancing the towering St. Rumbold's.
In the foreground, scattered figures bring life to the square, painted in just enough detail to suggest motion and activity without distracting from the grand setting. The open plaza, painted with rough, textured strokes, grounds the scene and provides space for the viewer to breathe. Overall, the work exudes a nostalgic yet vibrant feel, paying tribute to Mechelen's rich cultural heritage through a modern impressionist lens.
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Mechelen 07-06-2014
Thanks for visit, comments and awards
TIP: Press L to view in light box or Z to zoom!
No private group or multiple group invites please!
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.
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An evening in Mechelen / Belgium.
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This photograph beautifully captures the facades of buildings in the Grote Markt, the central square of Mechelen, Belgium. The architecture showcases a mix of styles, including Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance, reflecting the rich historical tapestry of the city. The buildings feature ornate gables, decorative stonework, and a harmonious blend of colors, creating a picturesque and inviting scene.
Mechelen, located in the province of Antwerp, is a city with a deep historical significance. It served as the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands in the 15th century, making it a political and cultural hub. The city is home to the impressive St. Rumbold's Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its towering spire and intricate interiors. The cathedral is a testament to the city's historical and architectural importance.
In the surrounding area, Mechelen is known for its role in the brewing industry, with several breweries producing traditional Belgian beers. The city's past is also closely linked to the textile industry, which flourished in the medieval period. Additionally, Mechelen is recognized for its carillon school, one of the oldest in the world, emphasizing the city's long-standing musical traditions.
Overall, this image not only highlights the architectural beauty of Mechelen's Grote Markt but also serves as a reminder of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage.
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