Attractions of Liege. What to see in a Belgian town?

The Belgian city of Liège is in Valonia. It is the largest city in the region and the capital of the eponymous region. By popularity among tourists, it is much inferior to Brussels or Bruges, but despite this, there is still something to see in the city. In this article you will find an overview of the attractions of Liege and the surrounding area.

What is interesting about Liège?

Under the name of Leodia, the city existed already in the XVIII century. However, the quiet and calm atmosphere of medieval Europe in it was only partially preserved. Through it are important highways, rail and sea routes, so the city is quite busy.

Modernity and history successfully exist here side by side, in no way interfering with each other. From this, he is in no way inferior to other cities in Belgium. Attractions in Liege, in fact, quite a lot, so do not have to be bored here.

Even in the Middle Ages the city developed art, in the XIX century it became one of the centers of metallurgy, the production of weapons and crystal. Today, all this is told by local museums, for example, the Museum of Religious Art on the main square, the Museum of Metallurgy and Industry or the Curtius Museum located in the ancient mansion of Jean de Corte.

Reviews of the sights of Liege and its surroundings are only positive. In the city there are unique architectural monuments, green squares and parks, spacious squares, interesting sculptures and fountains.

Liege-Guiyamen railway station

You can start sightseeing in Liege right on the train station. Beginning in 1842 (the date of foundation), the station building changed its appearance three times. Now it represents a modern futuristic construction of steel, glass and concrete with smooth undulating lines.

Palace of the Princes-Bishops

The palace, built in the XI century, demonstrates another era. More precisely, several eras, because the building was rebuilt many times. Gothic in it combines with the Italian and French renaissance.

The building is replete with decorative moldings, galleries of columns with arched passageways. Everything looks very lush and delicate. The Bishop's Palace is one of Liege's most impressive sights. Otherwise it could not be, because Liege was the center of the diocese, and therefore, the palaces for the bishops in it was supposed to be the most luxurious.

Mount Buren

Mount Buren, or Soldiers' Staircase, was built in honor of the memorable, but sad for the city events. It is dedicated to a nobleman - the leader of the uprising against the Burgundian ruler Charles the Bold, who wanted to capture Liège. The efforts of Vincent de Buren were unsuccessful, the city was subordinated and looted.

The staircase has 374 steps, from which it is often called a staircase-street. To lift was not tedious, there are many shops on it. And at the very top you will have a delightful view of Liege.

St Paul's Cathedral

Another bright sight of Liege - the cathedral. It is also the residence of the head of the diocese of the region. It took a whole five centuries to build the cathedral (from X to XV). That is why its Gothic style is complemented by classicistic and baroque details.

In the cathedral there are several chapels, and inside it is its main decoration - the marble sculpture of Jean Delkur. Directly to it adjoins the cathedral square. There are many cafes and restaurants here, where you can taste Belgian cuisine.

Church of St. Bartholomew

The Church of Bartholomew has a somewhat unusual architecture peculiar only to this region. Originally it was built from sandstone in the German-romance Maas style, which was used in the valley of the Meuse River. Later, elements of other styles were added to it.

It is the oldest church in Liege. Through it lies the pilgrimage path of St. James, leading to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. In honor of this, among the stones of the city pavers are shells made of bronze.

Factory Val Saint-Lambert

The plant in Serena near Liège also enjoys the attention of travelers. Since 1826, crystal is made here. Visitors can observe with their own eyes how the products are born, get acquainted with the history of Val Saint-Lambert, and also buy something for memory.

The plant was built in one of the buildings of the monastery of Rue de Val, founded in the XIII century. Next to it is an old cemetery and a stone chapel.

Coal mine in Bleni

Near the town is a village known for its mines. During the development of metallurgy, Bleni supplied coal to Liège and the nearest settlements. Now the production is closed, and anyone can freely enter the mines.