Mechelen

Mechelen, also known as Malines in French, is a city and municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital of the arrondissement of Mechelen in the province of Antwerp, located on the Dijle River between Brussels and Antwerp. The city has around 85,000 inhabitants and serves as a regional center for services, commerce, and logistics.

Historically, Mechelen has roots dating back to Roman times and grew as a major medieval trading town. It gained prominence in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern period, thanks to its position on river and land routes that supported crafts, textiles and printing. The historic center preserves a compact ensemble of late medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Key sights include St Rumbold's Cathedral (Sint-Romboutskathedraal), with its tall Gothic tower visible from the surrounding plains, and the medieval Town Hall on the Grote Markt. The Hof van Busleyden, a Renaissance palace and former humanist center, reflects Mechelen's cultural importance in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Beguinage quarter and several guild houses enclose the historic heart.

Today Mechelen has a mixed economy with services, manufacturing and logistics, benefiting from its proximity to Brussels and Antwerp. The city is connected by rail and road to both capitals, and hosts higher education facilities. Cultural life includes museums, concerts and festivals that draw on the city’s heritage and active local scene.