Besides exploring interesting historical attractions, Mechelen's guests can enjoy many more entertainments. Not far from the city center is the main city zoo Planckendael, which would be of interest to tourists with children and all nature enthusiasts. The zoo is located in a very picturesque area, once the land it occupied was privately owned by the famous Flemish artist Michiel Coxie. A beautiful landscape garden with a system of artificial ponds and canals was founded here under his leadership. At the beginning of the 19th century, the beautiful estate with a garden got new owners who decided to build elite stables and breed rare horse breeds here. In 1956, the estate was transferred to the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, and soon it was decided to establish a branch of one of the country's largest zoos on its grounds. Now it is one of the largest and most beautiful in Belgium presenting animals from all over the globe. Here you can see Australian capybaras and rare Chilean flamingos, penguins and exotic tropical animals. Like many years ago, the nature park features a beautiful landscape design, animal enclosures are equipped among majestic trees and bushes. A great place to relax in the fresh air is Tivoli Park. It is another historic park where, besides beautiful plants, you can see several preserved historic structures. Now Tivoli Park is attractive not only for picturesque landscapes but also for its unique collection of rare plants. Summer is the best time
…
Read further