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Belgium Mechelen Flanders Church

Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk

About

The Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk in Mechelen is one of the city’s most distinctive pilgrimage sites, blending Baroque splendour with a deep sense of devotion. Designed by Lucas Faydherbe, a pupil of Rubens, the church is crowned by an impressive dome that immediately draws the eye and fills the interior with soft, natural light. Inside, graceful curves, sculpted details, and warm stone create an atmosphere that feels both majestic and intimate. The richly decorated Hanswijk Madonna, long associated with local traditions of protection and gratitude, remains the spiritual heart of the sanctuary. Throughout the centuries, the church has welcomed countless pilgrims, and its annual procession continues to be an important cultural event for Mechelen. Today, the Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk stands as a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and living faith, offering visitors a peaceful space to reflect on the city’s enduring religious heritage.

Mechelen Belgium
Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk
Location

The Church (Basilica) of Our Lady of Hanswijk is located on Hanswijkstraat in Mechelen, just outside the historic city centre along the River Dyle, in the Arsenaal district. It sits within easy walking distance of Mechelen’s compact old town, where you find St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, the Grote Markt with its historic town hall, museums, shops, cafés and riverside paths, making it an ideal stop on a broader visit to the city’s main sights.

Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Museum Speelgoedmuseum Speelgoedmuseum Museum Het Kunstuur Mechelen Het Kunstuur Mechelen Museum Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Museum Technopolis Mechelen Technopolis Mechelen Museum Municipal Theater Mechelen Municipal Theater Mechelen Theatre ARSENAL / LAZARUS ARSENAL / LAZARUS Theatre St. Rumbold’s Cathedral St. Rumbold’s Cathedral Cathedral Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church Begijnhofkerk Begijnhofkerk Church Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church Church of St. Catherine Church of St. Catherine Church Grote Markt Mechelen Grote Markt Mechelen Square Dijlepad Dijlepad Tourist attractions Vismarkt Vismarkt Tourist attractions Brusselpoort Brusselpoort Museum Vrijbroekpark Vrijbroekpark Park De Vlietenkelder De Vlietenkelder Tourist attractions Kruidtuin Kruidtuin Park Palace of Margaret of Austria Palace of Margaret of Austria Historical Landmark Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Palace Kasteel Hof ter Linden Kasteel Hof ter Linden Castle Kasteel de Borght Kasteel de Borght Castle Zoo Planckendael Zoo Planckendael Zoo