Foto: The Saint Rumboldâs Cathedral from the Grand Place (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Belgium - At the edge of the Grote Markt stands the Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the largest church in the city. Construction began in the thirteenth century. A century later, the church was expanded. The nave of the church is designed in Gothic style. In a side aisle hangs the painting Christ on the Cross painted by Anthony van Dyck. However, the church is especially famous for its 97-meter-high tower. Together with other Belgian church towers and belfries, the tower is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church tower can be climbed. We purchase two tickets. Enthusiastically, we begin the climb up the tall tower. The staircase has no less than 539 steps. Along the way, we pass several floors. We pass the crane room, the smithy room, and the bell chamber. Here hang the church’s bells. The bells date back to the early 16th century. Originally, they planned to build a much taller tower. The tower was supposed to be 167 meters high. Because towers in other cities collapsed at that time, they decided not to build higher. There was also a shortage of money. From the top, we have a view over the city of Mechelen. We see the station, our hotel, and the brewery ’t Anker.
Atomium in Brussels
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Historic Old Bruges
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The Castle of Bouillon
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The Castle of Durbuy
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The Caves of Han
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The Historic Grand Place of Brussels
Belgium - After lunch, we continue walking through the city center and arrive at the Grand Place. The beautiful town hall proudly dominates with its tall town hall tower. In 1402, this prestigious building was constructed following the example of the Belfry in ...