Interior Begijnhofkerk Mechelen. Flanders, Belgium. May 2024
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Beguinage Church St. Alexius and St. Catherine

4.5
·82 reviews·Mechelen, Belgium

A 17th-century Baroque church in Mechelen, Belgium, known for its unique pastel pink architecture and high windows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During daylight hours

To appreciate the unique pastel colors

CrowdLow
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Interior Begijnhofkerk Mechelen. Flanders, Belgium. May 2024

Beguinage Church St. Alexius and St. Catherine

Best Time

During daylight hours

To appreciate the unique pastel colors

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 17th-century Baroque church in Mechelen, Belgium, known for its unique pastel pink architecture and high windows.

4.5
(82 reviews)

"The pastel pinks of the walls and columns add a unique quality to this church."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Restoration Status

Confirm renovation progress before visiting to manage expectations. :construction_worker:

Appreciate the Exterior

The pastel pink exterior is a unique sight, even if interiors are closed. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pastel Pink Architecture

Pastel Pink Architecture

Unique pastel pink walls and columns create a striking visual contrast, offering a distinctive church aesthetic.

Baroque Interior Design

Baroque Interior Design

A 17th-century Baroque masterpiece, showcasing intricate design elements and a grand scale.

High, Elongated Windows

High, Elongated Windows

Sunlight streams through tall windows, illuminating the church's length and architectural details.

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Planning Your Visit

Construction Alert

The Beguinage Church is currently undergoing extensive restoration. While some areas might be accessible for a sneak peek, the full splendor of its interiors is temporarily unavailable. Check for updates on completion timelines before your visit.

A Glimpse of Grandeur

Even with ongoing renovations, the church's unique pastel pink architecture and high windows offer a distinct visual appeal. Plan your visit to catch glimpses of its Baroque charm and anticipate its full revival.

Best Times

When
During daylight hours
Why
To appreciate the unique pastel colors
Crowd
Low
When
Check restoration updates
Why
To see completed interiors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Ghost hotel in Mechelen, Belgium 🇧🇪 This might just be the only urbex location you can actually legally visit in Belgium! In the 70s this should have been a huge hotel complex, instead, the unfinished structure fell into decay and was slowly overtaken by plants and animals. The city of Mechelen has - not long ago - reopened the place for the public as part of the Vrijbroekpark. A safe space to ...
@emmasroadmap
8.5K likes • 138.8K views

Check Restoration Status

Confirm renovation progress before visiting to manage expectations. :construction_worker:

Appreciate the Exterior

The pastel pink exterior is a unique sight, even if interiors are closed. :camerawithflash:

Mechelen city in Belgium is a great small town between Antwerp and Brussels. Sangat tenang. Aman. Menyenakan luar biasa #wonderfulplaces #JelajahLiburan #indah #kcbjtours #wonderfulworld
@127mariohotel
5.6K likes • 22.6K views
WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT BELGIUM’S MOST UNDERRATED CITY 🇧🇪👇🏻 ad I’ll be honest… I didn’t know anything about Mechelen before I visited, expect that it was a small city located just 20 minutes outside of Brussels. I was so pleasantly surprised by Mechelen. The stunning gothic architecture and riverside give this city a similar feel to Amsterdam or Bruges, minus the hoards of tourists. I honestly loved...
@polkadotpassport
3.5K likes • 83.8K views

Combine with City Tour

Mechelen is a charming city, perfect for a day trip. :city_sunrise:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Check Restoration Status

Confirm renovation progress before visiting to manage expectations. :construction_worker:

Appreciate the Exterior

The pastel pink exterior is a unique sight, even if interiors are closed. :camerawithflash:

Combine with City Tour

Mechelen is a charming city, perfect for a day trip. :city_sunrise:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(82 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors note the Beguinage Church's unique pastel pink architecture and its 17th-century Baroque style. However, the church is currently undergoing extensive restoration, limiting interior access. While some have managed sneak peeks, the full experience of its interiors is temporarily unavailable.

"The pastel pinks of the walls and columns add a unique quality to this church. With the high windows that run the length of the building"

Graham Short

"Baroque style church, built on the 17th century. The interiors are for about 3 years now under renovation works."

Dinu Deji

"At the moment this church is being restored. Once finished, this will be one of the most beautiful churches in Mechelen for sure."

Bert Brabants

What People Like

Unique pastel pink exterior
Baroque architectural style

What People Dislike

Interior under renovation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Beguinage Church is located in Mechelen, Belgium, a city easily accessible between Brussels and Antwerp. You can reach Mechelen by train from major Belgian cities. Once in Mechelen, the church is often walkable from the city center or accessible via local buses. Many visitors find Mechelen a pleasant city to explore on foot after arriving by train. TikTok

Absolutely! Mechelen is often described as an underrated gem, offering stunning Gothic architecture and a riverside ambiance similar to Bruges or Amsterdam, but with fewer crowds. It's conveniently located just 20 minutes from Brussels, making it an ideal day trip. TikTok

Mechelen is a very walkable city, with wide streets and a pleasant atmosphere for strolling. Exploring on foot allows you to fully appreciate its architecture and charm. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Currently, the church is under renovation. While access to the interior might be limited or unavailable, there are no specific tickets required for viewing the exterior. It's advisable to check for any updates regarding access during the restoration period. Reddit

As the church is undergoing restoration, its regular opening hours may not apply. It's best to check for any announcements regarding public access or viewing opportunities during the renovation phase. Reddit

The church is undergoing restoration, which means interior access is likely restricted. Some visitors have managed to get a 'sneak preview' before the final restoration, but this is not guaranteed. Reddit

Specific completion dates for the restoration are not widely published. Visitors are advised to keep an eye on local Mechelen tourism updates or church announcements for news on when the renovation will be fully completed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique pastel pink exterior of the church is a major draw for photographers. The high windows also create interesting light patterns inside when accessible. Capturing the church against the sky or with surrounding architecture can yield beautiful shots. TikTok

Photography rules can vary, especially during renovation. If the interior is accessible, it's always best to check for any signage or ask a church official about photography permissions. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History

The Beguinage Church is a Baroque-style church, originally built in the 17th century. Its distinctive feature is the use of pastel pinks for its walls and columns, which adds a unique aesthetic. Reddit

The church dates back to the 17th century and is part of the historical Beguinage complex in Mechelen. It has undergone various phases of construction and renovation throughout its history. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Beguinage Church is currently under renovation, Mechelen itself offers family-friendly activities. The city's compact size makes it easy to navigate with children, and its historical charm can spark curiosity. Consider exploring the city's squares and parks, and look for interactive museums or activities that might appeal to younger visitors. The unique pastel colors of the church exterior might also capture a child's imagination. TikTok

📸 Photographers

The Beguinage Church presents a unique photographic opportunity with its striking pastel pink exterior. The high, elongated windows are also a key feature, promising dramatic light play if interior access is possible. Beyond the church, Mechelen itself offers a wealth of architectural beauty and riverside scenes, making it a rewarding destination for photographers looking for less-crowded European cityscapes. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Restoration Project

The Beguinage Church of St. Alexius and St. Catherine is currently undergoing a significant restoration. This multi-year project aims to preserve and enhance the church's historical and architectural integrity. While this means some parts of the interior may be off-limits, it also signifies a commitment to maintaining this important landmark for future generations. Visitors have noted the potential for 'sneak previews' during this period, offering a rare glimpse into the ongoing work. Reddit

This restoration is crucial for preserving the church's Baroque features, including its distinctive pastel pink walls and columns, as well as the grand, high windows that define its interior. The work is expected to bring out the full beauty of the 17th-century design once completed. Keep an eye on local Mechelen tourism resources for the most up-to-date information on the restoration's progress and any potential viewing opportunities. Reddit

Mechelen: An Underrated Belgian Gem

Mechelen, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Brussels and Bruges, is a city that truly surprises visitors. It boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a picturesque riverside, offering a similar charm to more popular destinations but with a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere. TikTok The city is easily accessible, located just 20 minutes from Brussels, making it a perfect candidate for a day trip or a stopover. TikTok

Exploring Mechelen on foot is highly recommended. The city's wide streets and well-preserved buildings invite leisurely strolls, allowing you to discover hidden courtyards and admire the intricate details of its historical structures. From the Beguinage Church to its vibrant market square, Mechelen provides a delightful experience for those seeking to explore Belgium beyond the usual tourist trails. TikTok+1

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