Baroque and Gothic

Palace of the Prince Bishops

Built in the 10th century, it was given its current appearance by Prince - Bishop Erard de la Marck in 1526. The building is comprised by two courtyards. The Palace houses both the provincial government and the law court.

To be seen is the beautiful facade.

Saint Paul's Cathedral

Founded in the 10th century it is part of the seven Collegiate churches of the city and the main cathedral.

To be seen: the nice 16th century decoration in the nave.

The Collegiate Church of Saint Bartholomew

Founded outside the city walls in the 11th century, the church underwent modifications throughout the centuries. It is one of the seven original Collegiate churches of Liège and features many various works of art

The "bronze baptismal font" by Rene de Huy (12th Century)

In southern Belgium the best works of art are in bronze, silver, gold, enamel and ivory.

This bronze font, located in the St. Bartholomew's Church, rests on 10 (originally 12) oxen symbolizing the 12 apostles. Several baptism scenes are depicted on the sides. The figures stand out in high relief and the quality of the smooth bronze and the finesse of the figures compare with the best work of that era.

In the 10th century Bishop Notger converted his territories into an ecclesiastic principality. Under his reign the Mosan art began to flourish , carved ivory, gold and silversmith work, enamels and cast iron, brass and copper. In the magnificent Mosan Renaissance Curtius building the famous Notger Gospel book illustrates the exquisite craftsmanship of the Liègeois at that time.

Contemporary

Liège Guillemine Railway Station

The new impressive Railway station is one of the biggest train hubs in Europe and is part of the European High - speed train network. It was designed by the world famous architect Santiago Calatrava.

Mediacite

Mediacite in Liège was designed by Ron Arad. The latest technologies and materials were used for the construction of this futuristically shaped complex, which accommodates shopping, cultural and leisure activities.

The "Treasury of Hugo d'Oignies" (13th Century)

Located in the convent of the sisters of Notre Dame in Namur, the mosan collection includes gospel books, reliquaries and remarkable medallions with filigree and leaf decoration that show tiny hunting scenes.

The building itself is a beautiful 16th century building.   For connoisseurs there is a special treat. The Namurois, proud of their own Felicien Rops, built a museum that houses yet another beautiful collection.

Medieval

Citadel

The Citadel, originally from the Roman Era, has been rebuilt several times.  It served as a military stronghold throughout Belgian history. Located on a hill, it offers a impressive view of Namur.

Belfry

Originally built in the 14th century, the Belfry, a Unesco world heritage site, was located in the tower of the collegiate church Saint - Pierre - au - chateau. However, after the tower burnt down in 1745, the belfry was transferred and given a publich clock with a "gate bell" to order the opening and closing of the city's gates.

Gothic and Baroque

Church of Saint Loup

Built in the 17th century, Saint Loup church was a College of Jesuits, but is now used as a Grammar School. This architectural masterpiece was described by the French poet Baudelaire as "profoundly fascinating".

éJean Baptiste Church

Built in gothic style in 16th century, it is one of the oldest and most popular churches in Namur. Every year, on the Monday of the "Fetes de Wallonie", the church holds a traditional, and now famous, mass in Wallonia called "Bonnes Fiesses!"

Art Nouveau and Art Deco

Namur is home to some unsuspecting architectural riches from the beginning of the 20th century. The Streets of Rue des Carmes and Rue des Criosiers show a fairly rare example of an entirely Art Deco quarter in the heart of the city.

Medieval

The "Reliquary of Our Lady" by Nicolas de Verdun (13th Century)

In the middle of this city, which goes back to Merovingian times, rise the five towers of this most striking and most original monument. Each tower is different but they are all magnificent demonstrations of Romanesque art at its zenith and can be compared to those of Cluny which disappeared in the 19th century.

The church is a typical example of the Scaldian ( river Scheldt) style. The four-story nave and the transept are from the 12th century and the chancel, even taller than the nave, is in Gothic style and replaced the Romanesque in the 13th century. The contrast between the elegant Gothic chancel and the more solid nave is surprising at first.

The Treasury contains remarkable works: an Ecce Homo by Quinten Matsys, a Byzantine Cross of the 5th or 6th century, a 13th century Ivory Madonna and - the piece de resistance - the Reliquary of Our Lady (1205) in silver and gilded copper, by Nicolas Verdun. The high relief figures depict the life of Christ and the shrine is further adorned with magnificent medallions.

In the 15th century the tapestry weaving industry reached its peak in Tournai. Many of the most beautiful specimens are in the possession of Royal courts all over Europe.

Belfry

The belfry of Tournai, the oldest in Belgium and in Northern Europe, symbolizes the right of self - governing and was erected when Philippe Auguste, King of France, gave Tournai its freedom charter in 1188. He granted Tournai the "Right of Bell" and an especially large bell called the "Bancloque", which was used to summon the population in case of danger.

Point des Trous

This bridge was part of the 13th century city walls. The two towers on each bank served to defend the city against possible attacks via the river. Enormous gates could be lowered to block the passage through the arches.

Each year, Mons hosts  the Doudou. This seven hundred year old procession is a Unesco world heritage site.

Vincent Van Gogh lived in Mons between 1879 and 1880. His house can be visited.

Gothic

Townhall

The Town Hall primarily constructed during the second half of the 15th century and retains an accentuated Gothic style strongly resembling the Collegiate church of Sainte Waudru.

Behind the hall, the mayor's garden is a picturesque and beautiful spot, containing the bronze "Ropieur" fountain. The town hall can only be visited by groups with an approved written request.

The Collegiate church of Sainte Waudru

The construction of the Collegiate church of Sainte Waudru started in 1450. The church houses numerous reliquaries and around the nave there are 29 chapels.

Baroque

Belfry

Built in the 17th century, after the collapse of the bell tower in 1661, the tower is the only baroque - style belfry in Belgium. This Unesco world heritage site is classically decorated with Bray sandstone walls, embellishments, and pilasters of blue stone.

Spa

Renaissance

The Spa Casino

In 1762, the world's oldest gaming room "La Redoute" first opened. With the help of Le Prince Eveque de Liege, it was a venue for dances and concerts. It quickly became, along with the Le Waux Hall, one of the most popular places in Spa. Today, the casino also features events such as the Francofolies.

Neo Renaissance

The Spa Thermal Bath

Built in the 1860's, it represented a true revolution and led to the expansion of Spa Treatments throughout Europe. Right now, however, it is under renovation.

Art Nouveau

During the late 19th century, Spa experienced an important development. The signs of the Art Nouveau style are still visible around town today.

Dinant

Medieval

Citadel

The fortified Citadel was first built in the 11th century to control the Meuse valley. It is reached from the town either by cable car or by the 408 steps cut into the hillside. The citadel is now home to Dinant's Arms museum.

Notre Dame Collegiate Church

After falling rocks from an adjacent cliff partially destroyed the former Romanesque church in 1227, it ws rebuilt in Gothic style on its old foundations, with limestone from Dinant.

To be seen is one of the largest original stained glass windows.