On the way to Mechelen

Last weekend I returned to Ireland to attend a wedding with my ex-boyfriend so I had to neglect my blog for the week. This Saturday I took a quick 30 minutes train journey to Mechelen, made famous in 1835 when the first railway the European continent was built to connect it and Brussels. The main attraction of modern day Mechelen is a magnificent collection of churches, in particular designated UNESCO world heritage site St. Rumbold's Cathedral. The town also has some wonderful small boutique and unusual stores. My favourite was a self-catering fresh bread dispenser!

Town Square

Grote Market

Baroque Church

Beautiful Shop Front

Fresh Bread Vending Machine!!

Tree Trunk Cosy (these were everywhere)

After arriving back in Brussels, I decided to go for a quick jaunt to the former home of art lovers David and Alice Van Buuren. It is quite like the Horta House,  with a similar Art Deco style, but distinctly different in that it is the art pieces rather than the architecture which are the feature of this showcase. The house was built with the express function of housing the pieces collected by the couple. Hence, there is a sculpture integrated into the stairs, the walls are either painted or quilted with colours matching the painting hung on the wall etc. Unfortunately, cameras are forbidden but there are some wonderful gardens which I was permitted to photograph.

David and Alice Van Buuren House

The Gardens..

...Complete with Maze

A student ticket cost 5 euro for the house and gardens. In terms of transport, from Montgomery metro take the tram to Churchill and follow the sign when you arrive. It was not quite as lovely as the Horta House but still had an elegant and pleasing aesthetic.

A bientot,
Niamh