| Mechelen is a Dutch speaking city in the Flanders | | | | containing wonderful wood carvings as well as a |
| region of Belgium. With a population of 78,000 as of | | | | collection of 17th century paintings. The Court of the |
| 2006, Mechelen is one of Flanders' Six Art Cities. | | | | Busleyden is an awesomely imposing 18th-century |
| Featuring office complexes on the north and industry | | | | structure. |
| to the south, the center of Mechelen is a cobbled | | | | Mechelen is a year-round place to visit, but many of |
| medieval charmer. | | | | the attractions are closed in winter. For instance, |
| Dominating the city center is the tower of St. | | | | there's lots of outdoor family fun to be had in |
| Rumbold's Cathedral, where if you're up for it, you can | | | | Mechelen, starting with the expansive water-themed |
| climb the 514 steps to the top for a magnificent view | | | | De Nekker sports and recreation center. Take a boat |
| of the old town. Mechelen was an important city in the | | | | to the huge Safari Park for a day of animal interaction. |
| Middle Ages, and much evidence of this remains. | | | | Leave the kids behind when you visit the Het Anker |
| There are over 300 listed monuments, which includes | | | | Brewery, where you can taste the famous Gouden |
| some fabulous architectural specimens, among them | | | | Carolus, the favorite ale of Renaissance Emperor |
| eight historical Church buildings. | | | | Charles V. Belgium is famous for its beer, so don't stop |
| There are also many great and offbeat museums in | | | | there. |
| Mechelen. The Toy Museum is for the whole family, as | | | | All in all, you will have a tough time deciding which |
| is the Technopolis, which is a hands-on science and | | | | sightseeing attractions and venues to see and which |
| technology Museum. St. Peter and St. Paul is a Church | | | | ones to save for the next visit. |