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MECHELEN, BELGIUM - APRIL 6: People walk the Mechelen's Town Hall on the Grote Markt on April 6, 2026 in Mechelen, Belgium. The Grote Markt combines the historic Cloth Hall with its famously unfinished belfry, a shell topped with a temporary 16th-century roof that persists today due to a 14th-century economic decline, with the 20th-century Palace of the Great Council, which was constructed to match original 16th-century plans despite the council never actually convening thereThose days, Mechelen has emerged as a model "laboratory city" for urban innovation, balancing its well-preserved medieval heritage with progressive initiatives in sustainability, mobility, and social integration. Located strategically between Brussels and Antwerp, it combines historic charm with a growing tech scene and high quality of life, making it a popular choice for young professionals and families. (Footage by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)