TRYING the BEIAARD / CARILLON atop St.RUMBOLD's TOWER
I've already shared here about the belfries of Ghent, Brugge, Mons, Tournai and more which all together (totally 56 Belfries of Belgium & France) are listed together under UNESCO.
While those physical structures are cultural heitage under UNESCO, a fascinating thing that happens inside most of those belfries - the carillon music being played! So, what is a carillon? Carillon is a piano-like key instrument that plays the several bells of the belfry! While for the hourly strike, an automated carillon is used, the actual one is played as often as possible as well! Playing it is an art form and that is also separately recognized by UNESCO as a intangible cultural heritage. Belgium was awarded the UNESCO ICH label for Safeguarding the Carillon Culture.
Other things to do in Mechelen - Het Anker Brewery, Winter Gardens of Ursuline Nuns, Mechelen with kids
Pic Courtesy: Visit Mechelen
HOW TO REACH MECHELEN
On Google Maps: St.Rumbold's Cathedral
Brussels to Mechelen train:
Nearest railway Station - Mechelen Nekkerspoel
30 mins ride (trains available every 20 mins).
Brussels to Mechelen by car: 35km via Zaventem on E19
From Mechelen Nekkerspoel to Cathedral: 1km
SINT RUMBOUTSTOREN TIMINGS & TICKETS (updated Jul 2020)
Cathedral: Free; 8:30AM to 5:30PM
Tower ascent: €8; Weekdays & Sunday: 1:00PM to 6:00PM; Saturdays: 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Brussels to Mechelen by car: 35km via Zaventem on E19
From Mechelen Nekkerspoel to Cathedral: 1km
SINT RUMBOUTSTOREN TIMINGS & TICKETS (updated Jul 2020)
Cathedral: Free; 8:30AM to 5:30PM
Tower ascent: €8; Weekdays & Sunday: 1:00PM to 6:00PM; Saturdays: 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Can be bought online at the website of Mechelen Toerisme
Carillon Concert: Free; June 06, 2020 to Sept 14, 2020
Carillon Concert: Free; June 06, 2020 to Sept 14, 2020
While it is very much possible to visit Mechelen, in Flanders as a day-trip from Brussels, there are a couple of unique hotels where you could stay in Mechelen.
Martin's Patershof Hotel Mechelen is one of the luxury, 4 star hotels in Mechelen that is housed inside a renovated 13th C Church! It belongs to the same Martin's group as the Dream Hotel in Mons which is also a renovated historic building.
Another interesting hotel is the Het Anker. Yes, the same as in Het Anker Brewery! So its possible to spend the night here, in a beguinage, with a view of the brewery.
There are ofcourse very many more hotels and b&bs in the city at all price-points.
Unfortunately I can't give a personal review of any of the hotels in Mechelen, as I've only been there on 2 day-trips from Brussels and never stayed in Mechelen overnight.
I love to look at belfries. And am always delighted when we are visiting and the bells are run. But I am not sure I have ever heard carillon music being played. So interesting that UNESCO has recognized the playing as an art form. And that there are so many belfries in Belgium that play this music. I am sure the automated carillon is pretty. But I would love to visit when the show is live. So cool that you got to play!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I'm officially jealous that you were able to play the Carillon! I'm glad you were able to enjoy your time! Stay happy and healthy!
ReplyDeleteBelgium is one European country I have never been to even though I always try to fit it in somehow to into my itinerary. Looks like you thoroughly enjoyed yourself and I can't say I have heard carillon music before. How did you go when you tried to play the first 2 lines of 'Ninnukori'?
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your tarvel adventures around Europe. I'm feeling jealous that you've got a chance to play the Carillon, that is amazing! Cathedrals are always an important landmark of many places around the world, that stand the test of time.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great experience that you had! It's amazing that you got to play the Carillon. I'd love to try it as well and join a live Carillon concert. I visited Brussel as one day trip so will add this place on my list when I'm back to Belgium.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Belgium last summer but missed out on the belfries and carillon music as we just had three days there. We visited though the towns of Ghent and Brugge. I love visiting Cathedrals and loved the virtual tour here and the bell.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing experience. So happy to know that you were able to play the Carillon too. Would to visit this place soon and see the concert. Thank you for sharing about your wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteBelgium is still on my list, but I have no idea about fascinating belfries that the carillon music is played! It is excellent to know that UNESCO recognizes it as an intangible cultural heritage. I would love to see St.Rumbold's Cathedral; it has an impressive architecture.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place and I feel frustrated now I haven't known that it is a UNESCO heritage. Belgium has many hidden treasure and Carillon is one of them. I was in Belgium when I was a little girl with my parents but ever since I haven't gone there again. But i always love to explore the Gothic churches of Western Europe and climb a belfri.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely experience and cathedral looks so beautiful. Glad to know that you could play carillon, would love to visit there. Is there any other belfries in Belgium??
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there are so many belfries in Belgium! I love that the playing of the carilion is also considered UNESCO cultural heritage, it's such an important historical art form. I've been to Mechelen en visited the cathedral but didn't go into the belltower. Now I wish I had! That demonstration of the carilion must have been so cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about UNESCO's intangible heritage protection is that what is protected is not an object, a building, a sight but people with their traditions, knowledge and crafts that will hopefully be passed to future generations. Thank you for reminding us about carillon and the art of playing it. When we travel, we very frequently visit a place or a "thing"... it's very inspiring to learn something new (or old) along the way and share it with others.
ReplyDeleteWow! Playing a Carnatic song on Carillon, which is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage is something awesome. I am quite jealous of you! Before this, I did not know even heard of clarion, but it was good to know that playing of carillon is a part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. Travel being a good teacher introduces us to so many things that we are unaware of.
ReplyDeleteA really impressive cathedral. I really like the interior. I have never been to Belgium, but I will make a note not to miss this place.
ReplyDeleteIt was cool that you were able to play the Carillon. I would love to visit Belgium in future because there is so much to explore including its chocolates.
ReplyDeleteOk. The only thing that can actually get me to the church is music. I love the acoustics inside. Well, ok architecture-vise it is also interesting...
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