Rising above the surrounding town, this monolithic masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture might have been the tallest church ever constructed, alas, the funds needed to complete the proposed 252-foot (77-meter) spire ran dry. Constructed between 1200-1520, this imposing house of worship is named for the patron saint of Mechelen, a missionary and martyr whose remains are rumored to be buried inside the cathedral. Its distinctive tower scrapes the sky at an impressive 318 feet (97 meters) and can be scaled by carefully climbing 538 steps to the top. Ascending the…
