In medieval times, abbots from wealthy monasteries would often travel to Mechelen to consult the primate (archbishop) and thus required city residences. Known as ‘refuges’, some of these residences became grand affairs. One such example is the beautiful, 1484 Tongerlo Refuge. Since 1889 it has been home to the tapestry makers and repairers De Wit Royal Manufacturers, who offer tours once a week.
Tongerlo Refuge
Northeast Belgium
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13.19 MILES
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13.38 MILES
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13.72 MILES
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Lace making has been one of Flanders’ finest crafts since the 16th century. While kloskant (bobbin lace) originated in Bruges, naaldkant (needlepoint lace…
Nearby Northeast Belgium attractions
Established in 1889, this workshop is one of the few places in Belgium where you can see contemporary tapestries being woven and antique ones from all…
0.1 MILES
This eccentric little shop-museum is great if you can catch it open, and has some fun with the 'crazy' hell scenes and frolicking odd folk of 16th-century…
0.11 MILES
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0.13 MILES
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0.16 MILES
After years of preparation, Mechelen's historical museum should have reopened by the time you read this, offering state-of-the-art interactive exhibits…
0.18 MILES
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0.19 MILES
The 18th-century Dossin Barracks were used by the Nazis as a WWII deportation centre. Some 25,834 victims (mainly Jewish, 352 Roma) were sent in 28…
0.19 MILES
Mechelen’s begijnhof is no longer walled but retains an area of flower-strung old-city lanes with plenty of charm. The junction of Schrijnstraat and…
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- path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
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