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Must visit

Great Beguinage

The Groot Begijnhof was created after the beguinage outside the city walls of Mechelen was destroyed, so that the beguines moved back to the city center around 1560. They bought existing properties and built new homes. This gives the Groot Begijnhof a unique character compared to beguinages from other cities.

The small, cozy streets exude tranquility, and the houses are protected monuments. Thanks to its typically Flemish character and the unusual architecture, the Great Beguinage has been awarded a place on the Unesco list of world heritage sites.

A beguinage was a small town within a town, with its own bakery, brewery, nursing home, church and bleaching meadows. Beguinages were founded during the time of the Crusades. Many men left on crusades but never returned. This created a female surplus of widows, orphans and women who could not find a suitable husband. Going to the monastery was a solution, but monasteries often only accepted noble or well-to-do women.

Women who could not or did not want to go to the monasteries therefore started living together. The big difference with monasteries was that the beguines did not take the eternal vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.

From the 17th century, lace making became one of the main occupations of the beguines. The beguinage therefore played a crucial role in Mechelen lace production.

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The Chick

Mechelen

Welcome to The Chick, a quirky accessible gourmet restaurant in the shadow of St Rumbold's Tower. The menu includes both refined classics and contemporary dishes, but each with a twist. Enjoy our chef's choice surprise menus: we know what you get but you don't. The menu gets a major makeover every 5 weeks. Each dish is subject to two important criteria: made with love & made to love. You dine in a unique setting, with warm pampering and with a bit of luck you hear the cardinal watering his plants. Of course, our delicious wines straight from our own Cellar should not be missing.

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De Fortuyne

Mechelen

De Fortuyne is a restaurant tailored to the modern city dweller. A place where you can also have lunch on Saturdays and in the evening - when the lights dim - you can get culinary highlights to share in a 4 or 5 course formula.

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Ember

Mechelen

Ember is a gastronomic concept by Zino Jacobs and Arthur Doppee where fire, smoke, and pure flavors take center stage. By cooking over a wood fire and using minimal gas and electricity, Ember returns to the essence of cooking. The kitchen works exclusively with local and seasonal products, preparing vegetables, fish, and quality meat in an honest and refined manner. Collaborations with Belgian producers and traders are central to this. Sustainability also plays an important role. Ingredients that would normally go to waste are given a second life at Ember in dishes or drinks. In this way, Ember combines gastronomy, craftsmanship, and innovation into a unique culinary experience.

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Maillard

Mechelen

Maillard in Mechelen represents a contemporary fine dining experience where pure flavors, high-quality products, and hospitality come together. Born from a shared passion for gastronomy, the restaurant presents refined dishes in a stylish yet accessible setting. The kitchen combines classic techniques with creative accents and works exclusively with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The shared dining concept invites guests to discover and share various dishes together. Complemented by a carefully selected wine list and warm, personal service, Maillard offers a culinary experience without unnecessary frills, where taste and conviviality always take center stage.

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