Mechelen, Belgium, has witnessed remarkable interest from heritage enthusiasts, breaking visitation records across its historic churches. A staggering 333,731 visitors explored the beautiful interiors of Mechelen's churches throughout 2024, reflecting the city’s rich historical and cultural significance. Leading the charge was the iconic Sint-Romboutskathedraal, which alone attracted 181,780 visitors this past year, cementing its status as the focal point of local heritage tourism.
Greet Geypen, chairwoman of Torens aan de Dijle and the city's official responsible for heritage management, remarked on the data, emphasizing, "The numbers confirm Mechelen is a fixed value for tourists interested in history and heritage. It's heartwarming to see both domestic and international visitors flocking to our churches, proving our heritage is alive and thriving.”
The notable increase is attributed to not only the stature of sites like the Sint-Romboutskathedraal but also the unwavering commitment of local volunteers who play pivotal roles as hosts, guides, and storytellers, creating engaging experiences for visitors. Geypen highlighted the invaluable work done by these volunteers, stating, “Their efforts truly make the difference; they are ambassadors of our heritage who welcome visitors warmly, sending them home with rich stories.”
Other churches, such as the Sint-Janskerk, Sint-Pieter-en-Pauluskerk, and Begijnhofkerk, also experienced significant interest, with each church welcoming between 25,000 and 32,000 visitors. It’s evident the historical gems of Mechelen are becoming increasingly popular not only for the famed bell tower of Sint-Rombouts, but also for the smaller, lesser-known churches, underscoring the depth of Mechelen’s religious heritage.
The city's consistent investment in the conservation and restoration of these churches has been pivotal. Supported by funding from the Flemish government, extensive restoration projects have been implemented to protect this unique ensemble within the city. Geypen credits these efforts for enriching the overall visitor experience, saying, “The growing interest motivates us to strengthen access to our churches even more.”
Reflecting on the collaborative spirit of the community, Geypen notes, “There’s significant pride within Mechelen as we see our heritage being both preserved and appreciated. Our commitment to quality experiences for visitors aims to open doors for everyone to discover this wonderful heritage.”
Yet, the city recently faced a poignant loss with the passing of Guido Vandeneede, who was instrumental as the secretary and later chair of the Catharinaparochie's church factory. His lifelong dedication to preserving and managing Mechelen’s churches left a lasting impact on the community. Geypen expressed deep sympathy, stating, “Guido Vandeneede was an invaluable source of knowledge and commitment to Mechelen's religious heritage. His passion for preservation will leave a lasting impression.”
Vandeneede’s extensive involvement extended to financial and administrative oversight for numerous church institutions, ensuring their sustainability and engagement with the public. His contributions have laid important groundwork for the next generation of heritage guardians.
Looking forward, Mechelen anticipates new initiatives launching throughout 2025. Plans include innovative projects aimed at enhancing public access to and interaction with the churches, featuring storytelling elements to enliven the heritage experience. Geypen conveyed optimism for the future: “Religious heritage is a key part of our city. The increase in visitors showcases the effectiveness of our efforts to position Mechelen as a heritage city.”
Through restoration, innovation, and community involvement, the churches of Mechelen are set to continue thriving as vibrant cultural and tourist hubs, inviting generations to explore these living testimonies of the past.