Mechelen
General Summary
Midway between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen (Malines) is a pretty medieval city with a range of historical sights and attractions. Much more low key than the major tourist centres of Brugge (Bruges) and Brussels, it makes a charming and relaxing holiday destination.
As with many other Belgian cities, its main industry in the Middle Ages was cloth production and its economic might once rivalled that of Brussels and Antwerp. It was even capital of the Low Countries for a short while in the early part of the 16th century. Although its political power gradually waned from the late 16th century onwards as more and more administrative centres moved to Brussels, it nevertheless retained its importance as the hub of religious power in Belgium and is still today the seat of Belgium’s Roman Catholic primate.
As with many other Belgian cities, its main industry in the Middle Ages was cloth production and its economic might once rivalled that of Brussels and Antwerp. It was even capital of the Low Countries for a short while in the early part of the 16th century. Although its political power gradually waned from the late 16th century onwards as more and more administrative centres moved to Brussels, it nevertheless retained its importance as the hub of religious power in Belgium and is still today the seat of Belgium’s Roman Catholic primate.