St Rumbold's Cathedral was built in the thirteenth century. From the outset it was larger and more impressive than all the other parish churches and later on it became 'the church of the archbishops'. Originally there was a triple-nave cruciform church on the site of the vast cathedral. Only after a series of building campaigns did the church become our city's star attraction.
In the religious wars in the sixteenth century the church took some hard knocks. Much of the old interior was lost to iconoclasms and plundering. Calvinist rule at the end of that century removed all references to Catholic worship. But the church had even more storms to weather. In the Second World War Mechelen was bombed and in 1972 a huge fire broke out. St Rumbold's Cathedral withstood them all.
The inside of the cathedral is breathtaking. You can admire Anthony van Dyck's painting 'Christ on the Cross', along with works by (among others) Michel Coxcie, Gaspard de Crayer and Abraham Janssens. The real showpiece, however, has to be the high altar by Lucas Faydherbe which dates from 1665.
Ascent of St Rumbold's Tower
Climb St Rumbold’s Tower: there is no better way to discover the city than with your head in the clouds. St Rumbold’s Tower offers an all-in-one unique experience. The skywalk around this 97-metre tall tower and the climb up to it are simply amazing.
Check the visitor’s guide to take a ramble through the incredible history of St Rumbold’s Tower, with plenty of interesting facts and loads of fun activities for children. You may even run into the tower guard or the city carillonneur as you make your way up or down the stairs.
Group visit with guide
On your tour of Belgium’s metropolitan archiepiscopal cathedral, St Rumbold’s, a guide will unravel eight centuries of history. After the iconoclasm, this gem of Brabantine Gothic was adorned with a wealth of baroque masterpieces. Visitors will receive a beautiful brochure in which the famous Mechelen sculptor Lucas Faydherbe, a pupil of Rubens, points out the highlights in the nave. More info and reservation.
Accessibility
Partly accessible by wheelchair. Facilities for the visually impaired. The tower itself is not wheelchair accessible. In the cathedral there is a wooden model of church and tower, which you are allowed to touch. Outside and next to the cathedral (Onder den Toren side) there is also a miniature bronze version of the tower, which you can slide your fingers along.
Price
Entrance to the cathedral itself is free. Entrance to the tower is not included.
Contact
Opening hours
- Monday8.30 - 17.30u
- Tuesday8.30 - 17.30u
- Wednesday8.30 - 17.30u
- Thursday8.30 - 17.30u
- Friday8.30 - 17.30u
- Saturday8.30 - 17.30u
- Sunday13 - 17.30u
- 1 january 2027Closed
Closed: 1/01
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