Liege is not considered to be a destination trip, but they might just miss out on what this city has to offer. Admittedly the skyline is not the most picturesque with the random mix of architecture, this shouldn’t stop you from exploring the charms of Liège.
Climbing the Montagne de Bueren
The Montagne de Bueren is famous in Liège with its 374 steps, it links the city to the old citadel. Standing at the bottom of the stairway, the view is quite impressive because it appears very upright, almost like a wall. Up there you can go explore the beautiful hills of the citadel which are an exceptional piece of nature.
Saint Bartholomew’s Collegiate Church
Liège has multiple churches but the Saint Bartholomew’s Collegiate Church is special in more than one regard. It dates back to the 11th century and is the oldest religious building in the city. It is very memorable for its distinctive, colorful architecture that belongs to the Roman Mosan style. The term ‘Mosan’ comes from the Meuse River and is used to describe the eclectic style that was popular in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany in the Middle Ages. If you want to see it for yourself, you need to book a visit since you can only enter the church by appointment.
The area around the church is peaceful. For example, the Cour Saint-Antoine is an inner courtyard that brings together a Mayan pyramid and an Egyptian obelisk in the middle of a postmodern house complex, which is quite a surprising mix. There are also a few narrow alleys in this part of town that look as if they came straight out of a fairy tale book, such as the Impasse de la Vignette and the Impasse de l’Ange.
Walloon Life
The Walloons, are a French speaking people that live mainly in Belgium, although there are also significant populations in Brazil, USA and Argentina. The museum in Liege is set in a former Franciscan monastery and has a large collection of objects that explore the past and present lives of the Walloon people.
Archaeoforum
We didn’t have the chance to check it out this time but underneath the Place Saint-Lambert is an archaeological museum. It contains remains of a Gallo-Roman villa and medieval buildings.
Waffles, Pastries & Art
We all know Belgium is famous for their Waffles but Liege definitely surprised me with their French pastries & the art exhibitions all over the city. The smell of pastries and waffles follow you through a street filled with art.
From afar the city might seem faint and quiet, but the city is definitely a unique destination. This city is not on most European itinerary lists but if you are keen to explore the ‘non-itinerary destinations’ Liege is definitely a must.
xoxo
Chante’
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