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Discover the highlights at Mechelen Cathedral
Lucas Faydherbe, the famous Malines sculptor and architect and pupil of the great Pieter Paul Rubens, together with his contemporaries left an indelible mark on the cathedral's appearance. He is therefore the ideal guide to join you on an exploration of 13 highlights in the nave of the church. He provides his explanations in a stylish visitor's guide with beautiful photo material, supplemented by fun facts from the past and present. Buy the guidebook on the spot for €5. Entrance to the cathedral is free.
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Saint Rumbold
Construction of the church started in the 13th century in honour of St. Rumbold and was designed to impress. In 1559, when Malines became an archbishopric, the church was awarded the title of cathedral, which enforced its status and grandeur. The cathedral became the eye-catching central monument of the town, and its tower, by the architect family Keldermans, its piece de resistance.
The Reformation wars (16th century) hit the church hard. Much of the original interior was lost. The Calvinists removed everything referring to the catholic faith. The church also survived the bombardments of both world wars and a fire in 1972 in the chancel.
As a metropolital church, the cathedral of St. Rumbold is the most important of Belgium. It is also the mausoleum of all archbishops of Malines since 1559.
The imposing cathedral contains monumental tombs and epitaphs placed around the chancel in the deambulatory. Admire the painting “Christ on the Cross” by Sir Anthony van Dyck and the beautiful paintings by, amongst others, Michiel Coxcie and Gaspar de Crayer. Next to the main altar by Lucas Faydherbe (1665) is the main showpiece of the church, a collection of late 15th century paintings in the style of the Flemish Primitives, depicting the life of St. Rumbold.
The monumental Stevens organ in the cathedral (6600 pipes) was designed by Flor Peeters and played by him in 1958.
The St. Rumbold's cathedral is one of 7 historic churches in Malines, promoted by Torens aan de Dijle vzw, in cooperation with the city of Malines.
Building profile
Practical information
Hours
Open
Additional information
Closed on 1 JanuaryAscent of the tower :
from Sunday to Friday : 1 pm - 6 pm
Saturday : 10 am - 6 pm
last admission at 16.40
