The heart of historic Liege is undoubtedly the imposing Palace of the Prince-Bishops, a monumental structure that for centuries has been a symbol of power and prestige. This majestic complex, built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier medieval residence, was awe-inspiring in its splendor and grandeur. The palace's facade is a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with distinctive columns and rich ornamentation meant to demonstrate the power of the prince-bishops who ruled the independent principality of Liege from the 10th to the 18th centuries. Particularly impressive is the inner courtyard, surrounded by two-tiered galleries supported by 60 columns, which is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture in Belgium. The palace currently houses the court and provincial government, but some of the rooms are open to visitors, who can admire the richly decorated halls and learn about the fascinating history of the place. Ticket prices are average, and a guided tour allows you to fully understand the importance of the complex to the city's history.

Not far from the palace is the site where the majestic St. Lambert Cathedral once stood, for centuries the spiritual and religious center of Liege. This Gothic temple, one of the largest in Europe, was unfortunately destroyed during the French Revolution in 1794. Today, in its place is Place Saint-Lambert and the fascinating underground archaeological complex Archéoforum. This remarkable museum allows you to literally descend deep into the history of the city - for under the square have been discovered the remains not only of the cathedral's foundations, but also of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD and traces of prehistoric settlement. The Archéoforum is a true journey through time, during which visitors can see how Liege has developed over thousands of years. Modern multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits mean that even those not interested in archaeology will be fascinated by the site. Ticket prices are affordable, and special discounts are available for families. It is worth noting that the Archéoforum is especially appreciated by history lovers for the opportunity to see authentic remains from different eras in one place.

Rounding out this historical triad is Le Grand Curtius Museum, one of the most important museums in Belgium, housed in a beautiful 17th-century red brick building that is a valuable monument in its own right. The museum was created from the merger of several smaller collections and offers an extremely rich overview of the region's history and art. Visitors here can enjoy impressive collections of religious art, weapons, glass, ceramics and everyday objects from prehistoric times to the present. Particularly valuable are the collections of medieval Mozan art, unique in Europe, and the weapons collection, which reflects Liege's rich tradition of craftsmanship in this area. The museum is organized chronologically and thematically, making it easy to follow the development of the region's art and culture. Ticket prices are moderate, and the museum also offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month, making it accessible to everyone. Le Grand Curtius is the place to truly understand the cultural and historical richness of Liege, presenting it in an attractive and accessible way.

The dominant landmark of Liege's skyline is undoubtedly the Citadel (Citadel of Liège), a majestic fortification rising on a hill above the city. This imposing defensive structure, which dates back to the 13th century, has guarded the city from invaders for centuries. The citadel was rebuilt and expanded several times, reaching its final form in the 18th century. Its walls offer a breathtaking view of the entire city and the Meuse Valley, making it one of the favorite destinations of locals and tourists alike. Walking through the preserved fragments of the fortifications, one can almost physically feel the turbulent history of the city, which was repeatedly at the center of European conflicts. Of particular interest are the remains of the defense system, including bastions and moats, which testify to the military genius of the engineers of the past. Admission to the citadel is free, making it an attractive option for frugal travelers. However, it is worth remembering that getting to the top requires some effort - you have to climb a steep hill, but the views fully reward the effort.

A lesser-known but equally fascinating witness to Liege's military history is the Fort de la Chartreuse, located on the eastern outskirts of the city. This 19th-century fortification, built by the Dutch between 1817 and 1823 and later expanded by the Belgians, played an important role during both world wars. Today, the abandoned fort, partially overgrown with vegetation, creates an unusual, somewhat surreal atmosphere that attracts lovers of history, photography and urban exploration. Walking around the fort's vast grounds, one can see the remains of barracks, ammunition stores and artillery positions, as well as underground tunnels and corridors. The site has something magical about it - nature is gradually reclaiming what has been taken from it by man, creating a fascinating contrast between the harsh military architecture and lush vegetation. The Fort de la Chartreuse is open to the public free of charge, although it's worth remembering that some parts of it can be dangerous and require caution when visiting. This is definitely a place for adventurers and unusual attractions, off the beaten tourist track.

On a completely different note is La Cité Miroir, a modern cultural center housed in a 1930s building of former public baths. It's a place that blends history with the present, offering space for exhibitions, debates, theatrical performances and other cultural events. The building itself is an interesting example of modernist architecture, and its transformation from a bathhouse to a cultural center symbolizes the transformation Liege has undergone in recent decades - from an industrial city to a center of culture and innovation. La Cité Miroir regularly hosts exhibitions on difficult topics in Belgian and European history, such as the Holocaust, colonialism and the struggle for human rights. It is a place that encourages reflection and dialogue, showing how painful experiences from the past can shape our present and future. Ticket prices for exhibitions and events vary, but are generally affordable, and some spaces are available free of charge. La Cité Miroir is an excellent example of how historic buildings can be given new life and serve the community in a whole new way, while retaining the memory of their original function.

Each of the three sites represents a different aspect of Liege's history - military, social and cultural - together creating a multidimensional picture of a city that has faced numerous challenges and transformations over the centuries. The Citadel offers a panoramic view and the opportunity to commune with history in a picturesque setting, the Fort de la Chartreuse attracts with its atmosphere of mystery and oblivion, and La Cité Miroir shows how the past can inspire discussion of contemporary issues. All of these sites are relatively easy to access and can be visited in one day, creating a fascinating tour through different eras and aspects of the city's history.

One of the most iconic and photographed sites in Liege is undoubtedly the Montagne de Bueren, a monumental staircase of exactly 374 steps that climbs steeply from the city center toward the former citadel. However, this unusual structure, built in 1881, was not intended as a tourist attraction, but had a very practical purpose - to allow soldiers to quickly get from their barracks to the city center in case of an emergency. The name of the staircase commemorates Vincent de Bueren, a hero who defended the city against the invasion of Charles the Bold in the 15th century. Climbing to the top is quite a fitness challenge, but the reward is spectacular views of the city and the Meuse Valley. The Montagne de Bueren is particularly magical during the annual 'Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle' event, which takes place in October, when the steps and surrounding streets are lit with thousands of candles, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. This is one of those must-see places while in Liege, even if you don't plan to climb all the steps. Admission to the staircase is, of course, free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone, although those with mobility problems should rather admire it from below.

The history of Liege is inextricably linked to the figure of Saint Lambert, bishop of Maastricht, who was assassinated in Liege around 705. This tragic event paradoxically contributed to the development of the city, which became a place of pilgrimage. Although the original St. Lambert's Cathedral was destroyed during the French Revolution, the memory of the saint is still alive in the city. The site where the cathedral once stood is now marked in the Saint-Lambert square with metal markers that recreate the outline of the foundations of this monumental building. This symbolic commemoration is a reminder of the spiritual and cultural significance the cathedral has had for residents over the centuries. For those who want to better understand this history, an invaluable resource is the aforementioned Archéoforum, where one can see not only the remains of the cathedral, but also the site of St. Lambert's martyrdom. This tragic story is one of the cornerstones of the city's identity and perfectly illustrates how single events can affect the fate of entire communities for centuries.

Liege is also famous for its rich ecclesiastical tradition, as evidenced by the seven former collegiate churches that still grace the city's skyline. Each has its own unique history and architecture, from the Romanesque church of St. Bartholomew with its famous bronze baptismal font, to the Gothic church of St. John with its impressive stained glass windows, to the Baroque church of St. Martin. These churches are not only places of worship, but also treasure troves of arts and crafts, collecting priceless works of painting, sculpture and goldsmithing. Visiting these churches is like a journey through different eras and architectural styles, showing how tastes and construction techniques have changed over the centuries. Most of the churches can be visited free of charge, although a small fee may be charged for admission to some vaults or special exhibitions.

Comparing all eight of the described historical sites in Liege, it is clear that each offers a different aspect of the city's history and culture. The Palace of the Princes-Bishops and St. Lambert's Cathedral (represented by the Archéoforum) bear witness to the political and religious power of the city in the Middle Ages and modern times. The Citadel and Fort de la Chartreuse illustrate Liege's military history and strategic importance. Le Grand Curtius Museum and La Cité Miroir show the city's cultural richness and its ability to transform and adapt. The Montagne de Bueren, on the other hand, is a symbol of the residents' practical approach to topographical challenges, and the collegiate churches attest to the city's deep religiosity and artistic patronage.

In terms of accessibility, the most visitor-friendly sites are those in the center of town - the Palace of the Dukes-Bishops, the Archéoforum, Le Grand Curtius Museum and La Cité Miroir, all of which can be easily visited on foot in a day. Montagne de Bueren, while also centrally located, requires good physical fitness. The Citadel and Fort de la Chartreuse are a bit far from the center and require more time to get to and explore. As for prices, most of the sites described offer affordable entrance fees, and some, such as the Montagne de Bueren, the Citadel and the collegiate churches, are free. For those interested in learning more about the city's history, the best choices would be the Archéoforum and Le Grand Curtius Museum, which offer the most comprehensive and organized presentation of Liege's history. Architecture lovers, on the other hand, should focus on the Prince-Bishops Palace and the collegiate churches, which showcase a variety of styles and eras.