Giving a museum Unesco World Heritage status might seem odd – until you’ve seen this astonishing place. Once home to the world’s first industrial printing works, it's been a museum since 1876. The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone would be worth a visit, but the world's oldest printing press, priceless manuscripts and original type sets make for a giddy experience indeed. Other highlights include the 1640 library, a bookshop dating to 1700 and rooms lined with gilt leather.
The original interiors also feature a valuable painting collection, including work by family friend Rubens, and there are fascinating examples of books by Rubens’ brother, illustrated by Pieter Paul and published by Moretus.
