Overview:

St. Rumbold's Cathedral is a monumental Roman Catholic church located in the city of Mechelen, in present-day Belgium. The historic building was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries and stands as an example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is most famous for its tower, which reaches a height of more than 124 m (400 feet) and is often referred to as the 'lamb tower.' The interior of St. Rumbold's is home to a wide variety of art and religious treasures, including an altarpiece by Rubens and several wings of golden angels. The cathedral is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been an important pilgrimage destination since the late Middle Ages. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Revival style architecture 2. 555 foot (170m) tall bell tower 3. Sixteenth century choir stalls 4. Sixteenth century pipe organ 5. Sixteenth century paintings and statues 6. Twelfth century crypt 7. Thirteenth century ruins of a nearby Carmelite monastery 8. Statues of the Virgin Mary, the sixteen beacons and David's harp 9. Monument to the Alard family 10. Five-kilometer-long processional route You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is the main church of Mechelen, Belgium and has become a major tourist attraction. The history of the church stretches back centuries, and its long history has been entwined with the history of the greater region. The Cathedral was originally built in the 9th century under the command of Frankish King Pepin of Herstal. It was built in the Romanesque style and served as parish church until the 11th century, when a fire leveled much of it. Over the next few centuries, the Cathedral was rebuilt in a Romantic set of styles including Gothic and Baroque. After being damaged by a bombardment during the French Revolution, a neoclassical interior was added in the late 18th century under architect Egide Duranrell. In 1807, a major restoration project was undertaken at the Cathedral, during which the iconic two steeples were added. It was at this time that the major bells in the tower were cast, including the Loppem Bell, which is now considered one of the largest carillon bells in the world. During the 19th century, Mechelen became home to an influential carillon school and the cathedral has housed several notable carillons throughout the years. During World War I, the Cathedral was heavily damaged, though it was eventually restored after the war. Today, the Cathedral stands as a testament to the history of Mechelen and its greater region. It is considered one of the region’s most important historical sites and a landmark in the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Rumbold's Cathedral, located in the city of Mechelen, is known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its impressive architectural features. 2. It was built during the 16th century and is one of the most important and iconic examples of Renaissance architecture in Northern Europe. 3. Construction began in 1518 and was finished 15 years later in 1533. 4. This beautiful Cathedral stands 147 meters tall and, at the time of its completion, was the tallest building in the Low Countries. 5. The interior features beautiful sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows. 6. In 2005, the Cathedral was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in recognition of its historical and architectural significance. 7. For over 100 years, the Cathedral was home to the Blessed Sacrament of Mechelen, which is a relic containing a fragment of the true cross. 8. Every year, the traditional procession of the relic, known as the Kanselarijprocessie, is held to celebrate the history of the Cathedral. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era