Begijnhofkerk, Nonnenstraat 28, Mechelen
The current building, dedicated to Alexius of Edessa and Catherine of Alexandria, is a beguine church constructed between 1629 and 1647. It is a fascinating example of Counter-Reformation Italo-Flemish Jesuit architecture, representing a fusion of local architectural traditions with the more dynamic and colourful Italian Baroque style. The design and construction were overseen by two prominent architects, Pieter Huyssens (1577–1637) and Jacques Francart (1582/83–1651), who were friends of Rubens and collaborated on numerous projects. Influenced by their travels and exposure to contemporary Italian architecture, both architects incorporated local traditions to engineer tall structures based on Brabantian Gothic principles, ensuring stability on the soft soil for centuries. This Italo-Flemish fusion is particularly evident in the arched arcades supported by Corinthian pillars and an imposing cornice, where the cross-rib vaults and ceiling reference the local Brabantian Gothic tradition.
The church also celebrates local artistic traditions with masterpieces from the 16th and 17th centuries, including works by the Workshop of Quentin Matsys (1466–1530), Gaspar de Crayer (1584–1669), Jan Cossiers (1600–1671), Theodor Boeijermans (1620–1678), and Lucas Franchoys II (1616–1681), who was from Mechelen. Franchoys the Younger significantly contributed to filling the local churches with beautiful Baroque compositions, including ‘The Ascension of Mary’ for the altar in this church.
