Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis van Mechelen, Episcopal palace in Mechelen, Belgium
The Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis van Mechelen is a neoclassical episcopal palace located at Wollemarkt 15 with Italian architectural influences. It features a U-shaped layout with strong horizontal lines and a symmetrically designed facade characteristic of 18th-century neoclassical architecture.
Cardinal Thomas Philippe d'Alsace commissioned construction of the palace between 1719 and 1741, replacing two patrician houses that had previously served as refuge for Affligem Abbey. During French occupation in 1789, the building temporarily became a brewery after its north wing and parts of the east wing were demolished.
The palace serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels and represents an active center of Catholic church authority in Belgium. Visitors can sense the building's ongoing spiritual importance through its maintained religious spaces and administrative functions.
The interior of the palace is generally closed to the public, but visitors can explore the palace garden and arrange group tours to see the entrance hall and chapel. It is best to visit the exterior at Wollemarkt and check ahead about any special access opportunities.
The site of the palace once served as a refuge for monks from Affligem Abbey before being transformed into a prince-bishop's residence. This spiritual heritage of the location makes it more than simply an architectural monument.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
St. Rumbold's Cathedral
150 m
Béguinages in Flanders
349 m
Hof van Busleyden
291 m
Mechelen City Hall
325 m
Kazerne Dossin – Memorial
435 m
Béguinage of Mechelen
381 m
Schepenhuis
307 m
Grote Markt
297 m
Saint John's Church
157 m
Het Predikheren
359 m
Begijnhofkerk
348 m
Museum Hof van Busleyden
291 m
Sint-Katelijnekerk
243 m
Vliegend Paard
89 m
Klein Begijnhof
279 m
Refugie van Tongerlo
144 m
Hof van Palermo
430 m
Stadsfeestzaal
230 m
Figurentheater De Maan
165 m
Minderbroedersbrug
244 m
Centre for Old Arts 't Vliegend Peert
89 m
CEMPER vzw
146 m
Margaret of Austria
253 m
Het Predikheren
351 m
Sint-Romboutstoren
158 m
Minderbroederskerk
207 m
Kunstatelier Mariette Teugels "De Cellekens"
175 m
Work of art, sculpture, playground
228 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes