Private Historical Walking Tour of Mechelen

We begin our walking adventure in front of Mechelen Railway Station, from where we make our way towards one of the city’s most remarkable Baroque monuments – the Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk.

Designed by the celebrated Mechelen architect and sculptor Lucas Faydherbe, a pupil of Peter Paul Rubens, the basilica is particularly impressive for its unusual domed architecture and monumental sculptural decoration. At its spiritual heart stands the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Hanswijk, carried through the city during the historic Hanswijk Procession. Pope John Paul II prayed here during his visit to Mechelen in 1985, and two years later the church received the title of basilica.

From Hanswijk, we continue towards the Kruidtuin, Mechelen’s historic botanical garden. Here we discover the story of Rembert Dodoens, one of the great botanists of the 16th century, whose influential Cruydeboeck became an important work on medicinal plants.

Our journey then takes us towards the bustling Bruul, where we pass the Church of Our Lady of Leliëndaal. This intimate Baroque church was originally built for the Norbertine canonesses and designed by Lucas Faydherbe. Although the church is currently not open to visitors, its history and architecture provide another fascinating connection with one of Mechelen’s greatest Baroque artists.

We continue towards Veemarkt and enter the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul. Originally built as a Jesuit church and dedicated to St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier, its richly decorated Baroque interior contains an extraordinary pulpit representing missionary work across the continents and fourteen impressive confessionals – beautiful examples of the celebrated tradition of Mechelen woodcarving. The church is also closely connected with Margaret of Austria, whose remains were partly preserved here after the demolition of the earlier parish church.

From here, we enter the world of Burgundian and Habsburg Mechelen. Along Keizerstraat we discover the former Palace of Margaret of York, widow of Charles the Bold, and the magnificent Palace of Margaret of Austria – the Court of Savoy. Under Margaret of Austria, Mechelen became one of the great political and cultural centres of the Habsburg Netherlands.

Nearby stands Hof van Busleyden, the impressive Renaissance city palace built for the humanist Hiëronymus van Busleyden. Today it houses Museum Hof van Busleyden and tells the story of Mechelen’s extraordinary Burgundian heritage.

We then arrive at the spiritual and architectural heart of the city – St Rumbold’s Cathedral. Begun in the 13th century and developed over several building campaigns, this monumental Gothic cathedral became the church of the archbishops of Mechelen. Inside, we discover centuries of religious art and history, including works by Anthony van Dyck, Michiel Coxcie, Gaspard de Crayer and Abraham Janssens, as well as the monumental high altar created by Lucas Faydherbe.

Above the cathedral rises the mighty St Rumbold’s Tower, Mechelen’s unmistakable landmark and one of the great historic belfries of Belgium.

Immediately outside lies the magnificent Grote Markt, surrounded by historic façades and dominated by the Cathedral and Mechelen’s impressive Town Hall. Here we explore the city’s political and commercial history and discover the remarkable period when Mechelen stood at the centre of power in the Low Countries.

From Grote Markt, our walk continues through the elegant IJzerenleen, one of Mechelen’s most impressive historic streets, passing the medieval Schepenhuis – Aldermen’s House, one of the city’s oldest civic buildings.

We then enter another atmospheric part of the historic centre and visit the Church of Our Lady across the Dyle. Built mainly during the 14th and 15th centuries, this imposing Gothic church contains exceptional works of religious art. Its greatest treasure is Peter Paul Rubens’ monumental triptych The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, commissioned by Mechelen’s prosperous fishmongers’ guild.

From here, we continue towards the massive medieval Brusselpoort – Brussels Gate. Dating from the 13th century, it is the only surviving city gate of Mechelen and once formed part of the defensive walls surrounding the medieval city.

For the final part of our journey, we return through the historic Korenmarkt and cross the ancient Grootbrug, one of Mechelen’s oldest stone bridges. We then follow part of the Dijle waterfront and the Dijlepad, enjoying a different perspective on the historic houses and the River Dyle before reaching Haverwerf and the lively Vismarkt – Fish Market.

Here, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and the River Dyle, our four-hour journey through Mechelen comes to a natural conclusion.

The price for this private tour depends on the size of your group. Prices are per group, not per person. The price includes my private tour guiding services for 4 hours, based on the itinerary described above.

The standard itinerary includes visits to the four principal churches described above whenever opening hours, religious services and access conditions permit.

Entrance fees to museums and other paid attractions, as well as food and drinks, are not included in the tour price.

• The price per group of up to 4 people: € 160 per group
• The price per group of 5 to 8 people: € 180 per group
• The price per group of 9 to 15 people: € 200 per group

• For groups of more than 15 people, please send me an email or complete the booking form, indicating the exact number of people in your group.

Please note: Each additional hour is charged at €40 per group for groups of up to 15 people. For groups of more than 15 people, extended-tour pricing is quoted individually.

OPTIONAL INTERIOR VISITS AND ATTRACTIONS

ST RUMBOLD’S TOWER

For one of the finest panoramic views over Mechelen, you can extend your tour with a climb to the top of St Rumbold’s Tower. The journey to the Skywalk involves 538 steps, with several historic tower rooms along the way. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Mechelen and the surrounding region.

Entrance: currently €8 per adult.

I recommend allowing approximately 60–90 additional minutes for the complete visit.

——-

MUSEUM HOF VAN BUSLEYDEN

Visitors particularly interested in Mechelen’s Burgundian and Renaissance history may also visit Museum Hof van Busleyden, housed in the former city palace of the humanist Hiëronymus van Busleyden. Its collections explore Mechelen’s role as an important Burgundian court city and its connections with powerful rulers, humanists, artists and the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Entrance: currently €12 per adult.

I recommend allowing approximately 1–1½ additional hours for the museum.

——-

BOAT TRIP ON THE INNER DIJLE

A boat trip along the Inner Dijle is another wonderful way to experience Mechelen and can be enjoyed independently after the walking tour. Regular cruises depart from Haverwerf, beside the historic centre, and offer a completely different perspective on Mechelen’s medieval and modern waterfront architecture.

The regular cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes and currently costs €13 per adult during the normal boating season.

If you would like to take a boat trip after your walking tour, I will be happy to advise you about departure times, tickets and the most suitable option.

The suggested meeting point for this private tour is in front of the main entrance of Mechelen Railway Station, Koning Albertplein 2, 2800 Mechelen.

View the exact suggested meeting point on Google Maps.

However, you may also choose another meeting location based on your requirements and preferences.

• The Private Historical Walking Tour of Mechelen has a standard duration of 4 hours. Additional tour time can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
• The itinerary is designed to include visits to the Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk, Church of St Peter and St Paul, St Rumbold’s Cathedral and Church of Our Lady across the Dyle whenever opening hours and religious services permit.
• As these churches are active places of worship, opening arrangements may occasionally change. I will check the current visiting arrangements before confirming your tour and may slightly adapt the order of the itinerary where necessary.
• The Church of Our Lady of Leliëndaal is currently not open to visitors and is therefore viewed from the exterior.
• The best way to book your tour is by using the booking form on my website. I will carefully check your request and confirm availability within 24 hours.
• You may also send your booking request by telephone at +32 487 670 312, via WhatsApp or Viber, or by email at info@toursinbelgium.com
• If you have any special requirements, particular interests or reduced mobility, please let me know in advance so that I can adapt the walking route where possible.
• Upon confirmation, I will send you a booking reference number by email together with payment instructions and any practical information required for your tour.
• Please check the weather conditions before the tour and dress accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as parts of Mechelen’s historic centre have cobbled or uneven surfaces.