Its importance as a centre of trade made Mechelen a rich city during the Renaissance as evidenced by an architectural bounty of comely buildings.

Palaces, museums and churches dot the town. The most famous edifice is St. Rumbold's tower.

The construction of the tower was abandoned for a period of time due to a lack of funds and, during this period, an odd event gave the citizens of the town their common name, "Maneblussers."

This translates to "Moon Firemen" and they were named thus because moonlight reflecting of the unfinished tower was mistaken for a fire. The entire town answered the call to extinguish the flames.

Because of all the churches in town, Mechelen is considered the religious capital of Belgium.

Michelen is a friendly, tourist-oriented town with much of the main centre traffic free. Grote Market is located there and, during the Christmas season, it hosts a three-day celebration with caroling in the evening.