The seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Belgium, Mechelen was the administrative capital of the country under the Burgundian Prince, Charles the Bold, in 1473. today, it is an appealing town whose expansive main square is flanked by pleasant cafes and bars. To the west of the square is the main attraction, St. Romboutskathedraal, a huge cathedral that took some 300 years to complete. The building might never have finished but for a deal with the Vatican: the cathedral was allowed to sell special indulgences to raise funds, on condition that the pope received a percentage.

Completed in 1546, the cathedral’s tower has Belgium’s finest carillion, a set of 49 bells, whose peals ring out at weekends and on public holidays. The church also contains the Crucifixion by Anthony van Dyck.

Less well-known in Mechelen are three sixteenth century houses by the River Dilje. They are not open to visitors, but their exteriors are delightful. The House of Little Devils is adorned with carved demons.