St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and St. Rumbold’s Cemetery

Discover the impressive St Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen.

If you visit the historic city of Mechelen (Belgium), you can not miss the Cathedral of St. Rumbold, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This imposing cathedral, with its famous 97-meter high tower, is one of the most emblematic monuments in Belgium. Since 1559, it has been the seat of the archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels.

Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture, climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and discover the rich history of this extraordinary church. St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is part of a network of 56 belfries in Belgium and France, each with a unique story.

Discover the Wealth of 800 Years of Cultural History

Be enchanted by the beautiful and breathtaking interior of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. This impressive cathedral is named after the Irish missionary Saint Rumbold, the patron saint of Mechelen. Above the high altar, admire a beautiful sculpture of the saint himself. One of the most important relics in the cathedral is the shrine of St. Rumbold.

Although the religious wars and World War I unfortunately destroyed many precious works of art and treasures, the cathedral managed to preserve its beauty. The St. Rumbold’s Tower, a symbol of the city of Mechelen, was badly damaged during the war but has been carefully restored.

Discover the Hidden Treasures of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Dive underground and travel back in time in the crypt of the Archbishops, a hidden gem under St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. This crypt, (only sporadically open to the public) with its origins in the Middle Ages, is the final resting place of 18 clergymen (anno 2024). Admire the beautiful tombs and epitaphs and experience the ancient history this place breathes. Continue reading below the photos

Step inside the cathedral itself and be enchanted by its rich art collection. Admire the impressive communion bench of white marble and Anthony van Dyck‘s masterpiece , “Christ on the Cross. The pulpit by Michiel Vervoort is a true work of art in itself, with magnificent Baroque sculptures depicting the Redemption and the Fall of Sin. The Earthly Paradise in solid oak is a feast for the eyes, with numerous unique figures such as a pelican, salamander and squirrel. Read more below the photos

The Gothic architecture of the cathedral is also impressive. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows, the high vaults and the numerous chapels. In the side aisle you will find a beautiful altarpiece by Anthony van Dyck, from the Church of the Friars Minor.

Did you know that “treasures” were discovered inside the cathedral as recently as 2017? Numerous archaeological discoveries were made during an extensive survey that provide more insight into the rich history of this special place.

Why a visit to St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is worthwhile:

• Unique crypt: Travel back in time and discover the final resting place of numerous archbishops.
• Rich art collection: Admire masterpieces by famous artists such as Anthony van Dyck and Michiel Vervoort.
• Gothic architecture: Be enchanted by the magnificent Gothic architecture.

Discover the Green Heart of Mechelen: the St. Rumbold’s Cemetery

Next to the impressive St. Rumbold’s Cathedral lies an oasis of tranquility: the St. Rumbold’s Cemetery. Today, this historic cemetery has been transformed into a beautiful green park with underground parking. It is the ideal place to relax, play or take a stroll in the heart of Mechelen.

A Play Paradise for Young and Old

Mechelen, the city of children, has transformed the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and St. Rumbold’s Cemetery into a true playground paradise. The imposing Opsinjoor statue is a real eye-catcher. This 7-meter-long and 2.7-meter-high yellow work of art is not only an art object, but also a climbing apparatus where children can play for hours. The soft, springy mats provide a safe play area.

A Journey Through History

St. Rumbold’s Cemetery has a rich history dating back to the year 972. During excavations for the underground parking lot, as many as 3,700 graves were discovered, including a mass grave of Boer warriors. These finds provide a unique insight into the lives of the inhabitants of Mechelen over the centuries.

Visit St. Rombouts Cemetery and discover:

• The green lung of Mechelen: A perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
• The Opsinjoor Statue: A unique play area for children.
• Archaeological Treasures: Discover the history of Mechelen underground.

Come and experience the magic of St. Rumbold’s Cemetery for yourself!

General Info

You can visit St. Rombouts Cathedral any day except Jan. 1.
Free visit: from 6:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Tour: from 8:30 a.m. to noon and after 6 p.m. in the evening.
St. Rumbold’s Tower : every day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Caution : the last ascent always starts at 5 p.m. Closed on Jan. 1 and Dec. 25

Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about St. Rumbold’s Cathedral!

Have you been to St. Rumbold’s Cathedral recently? We would love to hear about your discoveries! Your insight helps me keep this tourism page updated and improved. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem, or have tips for other travelers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us and help others get the most out of their visit to this beautiful island. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Mechelen!

Text and photos Verschueren Eddy for Mechelen op zijn Best