Bueren en fleurs

Historic Centre

of Liège

Historic Centre

of Liège

The historic centre of Wallonia’s economic capital is almost an open-air museum. Its historic buildings were built in a rich variety of styles, along narrow mediaeval streets and wide nineteenth-century boulevards, combining its rich history with its ever-changing modernity.

 

Between the River Meuse and the Citadel heights, every square and street corner boasts an architectural gem. The historical buildings have been lovingly cared for, and the modern ones have an unusual charm.

Brasserie C during the Coteaux de la Citadelle

From the Coteaux of the Citadelle, the view is amazing !

The must-see buildings

There are so many beautiful buildings in Liège, it can be difficult to decide where to start. The most obvious place is the former Palace of the Prince-Bishops, now used to house the law courts and the provincial government. It has been rebuilt three times, following fires in 1185, 1505 and 1734, and a Neo-Gothic wing was added in 1853. The main courtyard is decorated with 60 columns with extraordinary Renaissance decorations. The Place St-Lambert was the site of the former cathedral, destroyed in 1794 following the overthrow of the last Prince-Bishop. In the Collegiate Church of St Bartholomew is a beautiful brass font that dates back to the twelfth century. In the middle of the Place du Marché is the “Perron” which symbolises the commerce and political emancipation of Liège.

Musée de la Vie Wallonne
Saint-Barthelemy's Collegiate
Musée de la Vie wallonne during the Coteaux de la Citadelle

The most famous streets of the historic centre are Hors-Château and Féronstrée: if you are feeling fit then you can try climbing the 374 steps of the Montagne de Bueren that climbs from Féronstrée to the citadel park. If modern architecture is more your thing then don’t miss the soaring arched roof of the new Liège-Guillemins railway station designed by Santiago Calatrava. The city’s inner suburbs are brightened up with many Art Nouveau houses with their brightly-coloured facades decorated with sgraffiti panels, stained glass, coloured bricks and carved woodwork. You cannot miss the city’s most visible landmark: the 75 m tall white concrete Allied Memorial Tower on top of the Cointe hill next to the Sacred Heart church. Completed in 1937, it was paid for by public subscription in memory of the dead of the First World War. It is open to the public three times a year.

Bueren at night

Insights from Greeters

When visiting a new place, you can’t beat the inside knowledge of the locals: this is the concept behind the group of volunteer guides offering free tours known as the Liège Greeters. You can book a tour two weeks in advance on their website (www.liegegreeters.be) where you can see posts by previous visitors. The historic centre is full of interesting small squares and courtyards behind the imposing street facades. The cumulation and juxtaposition of different architectural styles is harmonious and charming. To learn more, visit the Museum of Walloon Life, housed in an imposing former monastery.

Navette fluviale de Liège

A mini-cruise or a bike ride?

If you don’t fancy walking, there is a new alternative: the Liège water bus which travels along the River Meuse, with frequent stops along the quays. Buy a day ticket and stay on for a circuit or hop on and hop off when something catches your eye. More information at www.navettefluviale.be/en/. Otherwise, the city centre is fairly flat and so ideal for exploring by bicycle. Visitors can hire bikes at the Tourist Information Centre (www.visitezliege.be/fr/liege-velo) or from Pro Velo (www.provelo.org/liege).

More information

Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Liège
Quai de la Goffe 13, 4000 Liège, Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0) 4 221 92 21
info@visitezliege.be
www.visitezliege.be