Opsinjoorke, Flanders Travel Guide

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Discover Opsinjoorke in Mechelen: A bronze statue with a story as rich and playful as the folklore it represents.

Opsinjoorke is a bronze statue located in Mechelen, Belgium, representing a mischievous character from local folklore. The statue depicts a stout man, symbolizing a 'foul bridegroom' or an eternally drunk and unfaithful husband. The statue is a reminder of Mechelen's rich history and cultural traditions.

A brief summary to Opsinjoorke

Sint-Romboutskerkhof 4, Mechelen, 2800, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Opsinjoorke.

Visit the Opsinjoorke statue on the Grote Markt to learn about the legend.
Look for the Opsinjoorke flags flying over the center of Mechelen.
Explore the Park-Sint-Romboutskerkhof, where a yellow Opsinjoorke XXL statue is located.

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Getting There

Walking

Opsinjoorke is located at Sint-Romboutskerkhof 4, in the heart of Mechelen. From the Grote Markt, walk north towards the St. Rumbold's Cathedral. The statue is a short walk from the cathedral, near the Park-Sint-Romboutskerkhof. The area is pedestrian-friendly with cobblestone streets. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Mechelen Station, take bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 25, 30, 50, 86, 306 or 508. Get off at the Mechelen Grote Markt stop. From there, it's a short walk to Sint-Romboutskerkhof and the Opsinjoorke statue. A single bus fare within Mechelen typically costs around €2.50.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Mechelen. A short trip from Mechelen Station to Sint-Romboutskerkhof would typically cost between €8-€12. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Opsinjoorke

Opsinjoorke is more than just a statue; it's a symbol deeply embedded in Mechelen's identity. The bronze figure, found near Sint-Romboutskerkhof, represents a 'Sotscop' or 'foul bridegroom' from the 17th century, embodying the image of an unfaithful, drunken husband. In the past, neighbors would symbolically punish such men by tossing a doll representing them into the air using a large linen sheet.The original doll, created in 1647 by Valentyn van Lanscroon, was initially called 'Sotscop'. Over time, the name evolved, and in 1775, an incident during a religious procession led to its current name. The doll fell from the sheet, landing near a man from Antwerp, who was then accused of trying to steal it. As 'Sinjoor' was a nickname for people from Antwerp, the doll became known as Opsinjoorke.Today, the statue serves as a reminder of Mechelen's folklore and history. A yellow Opsinjoorke XXL statue was placed in front of the Sint-Romboutskathedraal in 2015 as a play object. The Opsinjoorke continues to be a figure of local pride, embodying the city's unique cultural heritage.