Travel destination Liège
Liège - a fascinating city full of history and culture
Liège is a city with a rich history and culture located in the valley of the Meuse River in eastern Belgium. As the capital of both Liège Province and the Walloon Region, it serves as a significant economic and cultural center. Bordering the Netherlands and Germany, the city's strategic location underscores its importance in the heart of Europe.
History and Development Liège's origins date back to Roman times, but the city truly flourished during the Middle Ages when it became the seat of powerful prince-bishops. These influential figures shaped the city for centuries and left behind impressive structures such as the Palace of the Prince-Bishops. From the 18th century until World War I, Liège experienced a golden age fueled by the Industrial Revolution and coal mining. The city became one of the first places in Europe to extract coal and developed a long tradition of manufacturing, particularly in the steel industry.
Climate and Demography Liège enjoys a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. With a population of around 195,278 inhabitants (as of 2022), Liège is the third-largest urban area in Belgium after Brussels and Antwerp.
Sights and Culture The city offers a wide range of attractions, including the aforementioned Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Wallonia Opera, and St. Bartholomew's Church with its famous baptismal chapel. The Perron, symbolizing the city's freedoms, and the Fragnée Bridge over the Meuse are additional highlights.
Liège is also renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. Numerous museums, theaters, and galleries reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. The city is also known for its folklore, particularly the "Le Quinze Août" festival and the "Laetare" procession.
Economy and Transportation As part of the so-called "sillon industriel," the former industrial backbone of Wallonia, Liège remains a significant economic hub. In recent years, the city has diversified and now focuses on the service sector and new technologies.
In terms of transportation, Liège is well-connected. Liège-Guillemins station, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, is a modern landmark and a crucial junction in the European high-speed rail network. Liège Airport is a major cargo airport, and the city has a significant inland port on the Meuse River.
Some pictures from Liège:
I recommend renting a holiday home for your trip to Belgium, you can best do this here:
Landmarks in Liège
Liège, also known as the "Cité Ardente" (Fiery City), is a historic city in Wallonia with an impressive cultural heritage.
Some of the top sights include:
Place Saint-Lambert: Place Saint-Lambert is the central square of Liège and is lined with numerous historic buildings, including the Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, and the City Hall.
Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral: Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral from the 12th century and houses the tomb of Saint Lambert, the patron saint of Liège. The cathedral is known for its impressive architecture and valuable works of art.
Palace of the Prince-Bishops: The Palace of the Prince-Bishops was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Liège and is now a museum. The palace houses a collection of works of art, furniture, and other historical objects.
City Hall: The City Hall of Liège is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture. The town hall houses a bell tower with an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the city.
Curtius Museum: The Curtius Museum is an archaeological and historical museum with a collection of objects from prehistory to the 20th century. The museum houses a collection of Roman mosaics, medieval weapons, and works of art.
Montagne de Bueren Stairs: The Montagne de Bueren Stairs are a 374-step staircase leading to the Fort de la Citadelle. The stairs offer breathtaking views of the city and are a popular destination for hikers and athletes.
Citadel Park: The Citadel Park is a large park on a hill overlooking the city. The park offers an ideal place for walking, jogging, cycling, or picnicking.
Aquarium-Museum: The Aquarium-Museum is an aquarium with a collection of fish, corals, and other marine life. The aquarium is a popular destination for families with children.
Liège Botanical Garden: The Liège Botanical Garden houses a collection of plants from all over the world. The garden is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
Things to do in Liège:
Explore the historic old town: Liège's old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere and discover its many sights.
Climb the Montagne de Bueren steps: The Montagne de Bueren steps are a challenging climb, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
Relax in the Parc de la Citadelle: The Parc de la Citadelle is a perfect place for walking, jogging, cycling, or picnicking.
Visit the Aquarium-Museum: The Aquarium-Museum is a popular destination for families with children.
Explore the Botanical Garden: The Liège Botanical Garden is home to a collection of plants from around the world.
Take a boat trip on the Meuse River: Various boat trips on the Meuse River are offered from Liège.
Visit the Christmas markets: Liège is known for its Christmas markets, held in December.
Try Liège waffles: Liège waffles are a specialty of the city and should not be missed.
Recommendations:
Plan your trip in advance: Liège is a popular tourist destination, so it's advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Conclusion: Liège
Liege captivated me with its blend of historic charm, vibrant atmosphere, and a diverse range of activities and sights.
The city offers:
Unique atmosphere: The old town, with its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and cozy squares, invites you to linger. The city pulsates with a student vibe while also offering a peaceful and tranquil ambiance.
Diverse attractions: From impressive structures like Saint Lambert's Cathedral and the Palace of the Princes-Bishops to interesting museums such as the Curtius Museum and the Aquarium-Museum, Liège offers something for everyone.
Varied activities: Whether it's strolling through the old town, visiting museums and churches, hiking up the Montagne de Bueren, or enjoying a cozy evening in one of the many cafes and restaurants, there's never a dull moment in Liège.
Culinary highlights: Liège cuisine, with its hearty dishes and delicious beers, especially specialties like Boulets Liégeois and Liège waffles, is a treat for any palate.
Friendly people: The people of Liège are friendly and helpful, contributing to the city's pleasant atmosphere.
I particularly enjoyed:
Strolling through Place Saint-Lambert and admiring the architecture of Saint Lambert's Cathedral and the Palace of the Princes-Bishops.
Ascending the Montagne de Bueren and enjoying the panoramic views of the city.
Visiting the Curtius Museum and discovering the city's archaeological and historical treasures.
Taking a boat trip on the Meuse River and seeing the city from the water.
Trying the delicious Liège waffles at one of the cafes on Place Saint-Lambert.
Liege is:
A perfect destination for anyone seeking a city break with culture, history, and good food.
An attractive city for spontaneous travelers, as it is easily accessible by train or car.
An ideal place to relax, unwind, and gain new experiences.
Here are some final thoughts:
Prices in Liège are moderate compared to other Western European cities.
French is spoken in Liège. However, basic knowledge of English and Dutch is widespread in tourist areas.
The best time to visit Liège is from May to October.
I hope my review has given you a glimpse into the beautiful city of Liège and its diverse offerings.