Mechelen Gate

The current gate is the original inner gate from 1822. The gate consists of a solid brick core, a cladding in lime sandstone (Gobertange) with bluestone (Tournai limestone) in the arch frame, moldings and entablature. Built as a triumphal arch in neoclassical style with a slightly projecting wide round arch-shaped passage set in a bluestone frame resting on a continuous cordon molding. Crowning classical entablature consisting of an architrave, a frieze decorated with triglyphs and a cornice with blocks and another central capstone.Preserved wrought and cast iron lifting mechanism of the Bélidor type, with two counterweights for the now disappeared wooden drawbridge, replaced in the 1950s by a brick bridge.
(Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

The Mechelse Poort, together with the Brussels Gate, is one of the two remaining gates of the former fortification belt around the city.

The Mechelse Poort is located east of Dendermonde, on the approach road to Mechelen. We find a mention of the gate as early as 1295-1296. Since then it has been repeatedly rebuilt and modified.

The current gate dates from the Dutch period (1815-1830). Stone from the defunct abbey of Affligem was used for the construction of this gate.