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Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis

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

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