Cosy town squares in Mechelen

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the central square in Mechelen’s city centre, with St Rumbold’s Tower on one side and the City Hall on the other. Take a look at the houses around the Grote Markt: from different times and in different styles, including Renaissance from the sixteenth century and Rococo from the eighteenth century. During the construction of the underground car park, archaeological treasures were uncovered, including an old well and a road from the thirteenth century. At that time, there were already market stalls along this route. And now there is a bustling market here every Saturday morning.

Accessibility
There are no obstructions on the Grote Markt. The surface consists of small, fairly flat cobblestones. In Mechelen’s town hall there are public sanitary facilities with an adapted toilet, directly accessible from the courtyard.

Grote Markt, 2800 Mechelen

Vismarkt

Fish was first traded on Vismarkt in 1531. Where once the fishmongers sold their merchandise, today you will find one of the cosiest and most vibrant squares in Mechelen. The abundance of cafés, restaurants and terraces makes it a popular meeting place for the people of Mechelen as well as visitors.

Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible. The surface is easy for wheelchairs to navigate. To reach Vismarkt from IJzerenleen, go through a slightly descending street with flat cobblestones. If you come from Van Beethovenstraat, you cross the very steep Van Beethoven bridge.

Vismarkt, 2800 Mechelen

IJzerenleen

Many people in this town sometimes refer to IJzerenleen as the Champs-Élysées of Mechelen. No doubt because of its imposing facades, beautiful shops, cosy coffee bars, and tasteful restaurants. As a bonus, there is also one of the oldest town halls in Flanders. Where a stream used to flow and a fish market set up its stalls, today you will see shoppers and people simply enjoying life. De Ijzerenleen owes its name to the iron handrails along the former waterway, and these handrails still dominate the streetscape. After the devastation of the First World War, the characterful facades were rebuilt to reflect historical examples.

Accessibility

As a wheelchair user, you may have to swerve here and there on the street, because the terraces may be an obstacle on the pavements. There are no thresholds to navigate. The surface is made of small, fairly flat cobblestones.

IJzerenleen, 2800 Mechelen

Botermarkt

Botermarkt is a vibrant meeting point for young and old. Today, you can see a stream again, although it’s shorter than the original watercourse. With the newly visible stream, green accents and cosy terraces, the square is the perfect place to meet and enjoy with your loved ones. At the Bruul, there are also 20 fountains for plenty of watery fun on hot days.

Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible.

Botermarkt, 2800 Mechelen

Korenmarkt

The very first market in Mechelen was organised on this triangular town square. Originally it was a general market, but later grain was the main trading item. At that time, the square was also called the Grain Market. Korenmarkt was completely renovated in 2011 and is now one of the cosiest squares in the city centre. It was even nominated for the Public Space Prize in 2013. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy yourself on one of the terraces or sit yourself down on the steps and soak up the casual mood.

Korenmarkt, 2800 Mechelen

St Rumbold’s Churchyard and Wollemarkt

Wollemarkt and St Rumbold’s Churchyard sit in the shadow of St Rumbold’s Cathedral and together form a striking location in the centre of Mechelen. The green square offers a beautiful view of the cathedral. The Opsinjoor XXL, a large yellow work of art, is an instant eyecatcher and a popular playground for children. With cafes and restaurants nearby and the sweet sounds of the carillon in the background, this is a lovely place to stop for a break on your stroll through the city.

Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible. The surface is made of small, fairly flat cobblestones.

Wollemarkt, 2800 Mechelen

Cultuurplein

The square is surrounded by the cultural centre, the academy, the city conservatory, the puppet theatre DE MAAN, Kunstuur and Kunsthal Mechelen. The former Franciscan Friary is recognisable in the nave on the right, which is now part of the cultural centre. On the left you can see the medieval Heilige Geestkapel. This is where the poorest of the poor came for help. In every parish there were so-called Holy Spirit tables. The alms masters gave food and other help in kind to the needy – usually once a week on Sundays. These poor people had to hand over a badge to prove that they had just been to Mass. Today, the chapel is part of Kunstuur.

Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible. Cultuurplein was built to be accessible with small, flat cobblestones.

Minderbroedersgang, 2800 Mechelen