Green Water
There are many idyllic spots in Mechelen and Groen Waterke is one of them. The brook owes its name to the duckweed which covers the surface of the water. It is in fact the remains of the Melaan brook which was not covered over or filled in here. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this idyllic spot, close to the houses of refuge of St Trond and Tongerlo abbeys.
In the old days platforms were often built into the side wall of buildings next to the water. They were toilets known as 'secrecies' – rather a strange name when you think how the user was on view there! One day the mother superior of the convent sent an angry letter to the city council, complaining about the boys who sailed in boats under her secrecies firing at the bottoms of the nuns with blowpipes! She was lucky: her complaint was heard and soon there was far less traffic on 't Groen Waterke!
In the old days platforms were often built into the side wall of buildings next to the water. They were toilets known as 'secrecies' – rather a strange name when you think how the user was on view there! One day the mother superior of the convent sent an angry letter to the city council, complaining about the boys who sailed in boats under her secrecies firing at the bottoms of the nuns with blowpipes! She was lucky: her complaint was heard and soon there was far less traffic on 't Groen Waterke!
Price
Free
Comfort
Access
Fully accessible by wheelchair.
