Cities
Belgium Mechelen Flanders Palace

Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis

About

Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis is an elegant 18th‑century residence on the Wollemarkt, built for Cardinal Thomas Philippe d’Alsace and designed in a refined classicist style marked by sober façades, strong horizontal lines, and a distinctive U‑shaped layout. Its Italian architectural influences give the palace a dignified, harmonious appearance that contrasts beautifully with the nearby St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. The site originally housed two patrician homes serving as the refuge of the Abbey of Affligem, and after the abbey was integrated into the archdiocese, the buildings became the official residence of Mechelen’s archbishop. Visit Mechelen Behind the palace lies a large historic garden, restored and opened to the public as Mechelen’s first “silent garden,” offering a peaceful green retreat in the heart of the city. Although the palace itself is not accessible to visitors, its serene garden and stately exterior remain a compelling testament to Mechelen’s religious and architectural heritage.

Mechelen Belgium
Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis
Location

The Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis (Archiepiscopal Palace) is located at Wollemarkt 15, 2800 Mechelen, in the heart of the historic city centre, adjacent to St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. This 18th-century neoclassical residence of the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels features a U-shaped design with Italian influences and an accessible "stiltetuin" (silent garden) offering serene views under the cathedral tower. Nearby lie Grote Markt with its town hall and belfry (300m away), Museum Hof Van Busleyden, St. John's Church, Refugie van Tongerlo, Sint-Katelijnekerk, beguinages, Vismarkt square, Dijlepad riverside paths, Korenmarkt cafés, and pedestrian streets to landmarks like Palace of Margaret of Austria—all within Mechelen’s compact old town.

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 Our Lady of Hanswijk Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk 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 Kasteel Hof ter Linden Kasteel Hof ter Linden Castle Kasteel de Borght Kasteel de Borght Castle Zoo Planckendael Zoo Planckendael Zoo