Liege

Place St. Lambert

Saint Lambert's square

The Outremeuse district, notably the Rue Roture.

historic center

The Palace of the Prince-Bishops - Composed of the Palace of Justice classic façade at Place Saint Lambert 18 and the Provincial Palace lateral neo-gothic façade at place Notger 2. This palace is the heart of the city, and represents the political power of the old Prince-Bishops of Liège.

The representation of their religious power was the large Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame and Saint Lambert, torn down at the start of the 19th century after the revolution of Liège and today memorialized by metal columns and a design traced on the ground.

There's also an underground archéoforum , an archeological site with the remains of the three successive cathedrals on the site, as well as a building from Roman times. Open 10AM-6PM from Tuesday to Saturday, 11AM-6PM on Sunday, closed on Monday, €5.50 (Guided; €3.00 Un-Guided, +32 04 250 93 70.)

At Place Saint Lambert 9-17, you can admire the neo-classic façades, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Town Hall, Perron, and houses along the market square. The town hall place du Marché, 2, also called "La Violette", is an elegant classic building. It was built in 1714, during reconstruction after the French attacks in 1691. It can be visited on rare occasions only, except for the "salle des pas perdus" - "room of lost steps" which is freely accessible. The houses on the square, with their charming blue stone and brick faces, date from the same period. The Perron, symbol of the city's freedom, is at the center of the square above the fountain that acts as its support. The perron is one of the symbols of the city and was used to render justice.

The streets Hors Château and En Feronstrée are worth a visit for the architecture of the large villas and more modest houses, most dating to the 18th century. In particular, the Hôtel d’Ansembourg at Feronstrée 114, now a museum, is worth visiting for the well-preserved original interior 1-6PM except Mondays, 3,80€, +32 (04 221 9402).

The Museum of Walloon Art en Féronstrée 86, a bit further along in a modern building, has a panorama of works by regional painters since the Roman times. Open 1-6PM Tu-Sa, 11AM-4:30PM Su, closed Mo, 3,80€, +32 (04 221 9231).

The Curtius Palace, quai de Maestricht 13. This imposing 8-story building from the start of the 17th century was the store of a rich arms merchant. The nearby Hôtel de Hayme de Bomal quai de Maestricht 8 and rue Feronstrée 122 was an official building under French rule and twice welcomed Napoleon. These two buildings and several other historic buildings provide the backdrop for the Museum Grand Curtius with its art and history collections.

Saint Barthélémy Church

rue Saint Barthélémy 2 was the last of 7 "collégiales liégeoises" to be built, near the end of the 11th century. Recently renovated, it is home to the masterwork of the Liège goldsmiths from the Middle Ages: the baptismal fonts from the old parish church of the cathedral. Open 10-12AM and 2-5PM from Monday to Saturday, 2-5PM Sundays, 1,25€, +32 (04 223 4998).

The Museum of Wallonian Life is an ethnological mueseum hosted in an old convent. Cour des Mineurs, closed for renovation until spring 2008, +32 (04 237 9040).

The Museum of Religious Art rue Mère Dieu 1 will be integrated into the future Museum Grand Curtius, but can now be visited separately. Open 11AM-6PM Tu-Sa, 11AM-4PM Su, closed Mo, 3,80€, +32 (04 221 4225).

The Mountain of Bueren and the slopes of the Citadel. Climb the imposing staircase of 373 steps, or opt for the smaller streets and stairways leading up to the Citadel's slopes. From the top, you'll have a lovely view of the city, from the Palace rooves to the ancient watchtower.

The streets Fond Saint Servais, Pierreuse and du Péry are typically quaint and lead up to the remains of the old citadel, with an ancient well, a monument commemorating the Second World War, and in particular a superb view over the city.

outremeuse

On the opposite bank of the river, the Outremeuse district has few memorable buildings, but a welcoming atmosphere.

The Feast of the Assumption 15 August is celebrated here by the entire city and countless visitors.

A circuit is dedicated to Simenon author of the Maigret stories, and a museum will be opening shortly.

The main buildings of interest in the district are: Convent "des Récollets" rue Georges Simenon 2, 4, 9-13 Saint Nicolas Church rue Fosse-aux-raines 7, open everyday 8AM to 12AM "Sainte Barbe" hospice place Ste Barbe The stable of the Fonck barracks and Bavière hospital boulevard de la Constitution Destenay school boulevard Saucy 16 The Physiology Institute place Delcourt 17.

Two interesting museums: Grétry Museum Rue des Récollets 34, 2PM-4PM Tu&Fr, 10AM-12PM Su, +32 (04 343 1610) and the Museum of Tchantchès, dedicated to the city mascot who is also the main character for the local marrionnette theaters rue Surlet 56, 2-4 PM Su except July, Tu&Th, +32 (04 342 7575).

The most-visited museum complex in Liège and Wallonia is here, comprised of the Aquarium, the House of Science, and the Zoology Museum, all housed in a neo-classic University building, quai Van Beneden aquarium and museum : 9AM-5PM Mo-Fr, 10AM - 6PM during school vacations, 1030AM-6PM on holidays, €5, +32 (04 366 5021 ; House of Science: restricted hours, €3 ; +32 04 366 5015).

Departing from the amphitheater along the quay, a bateau-mouche covered boat offers river tours, from 1 Apr to 30 Oct 11AM, 1PM, 3PM and 5PM, €6, +32 (04 221 9221 et +32 04 366 5021).