Liège's destination was sealed the day Lambert, Bishop of Tongres, was murdered there at the beginning of the VIIIth Century. Liège was then only a small village located at the confluence of a stream, the Légia, and one of many arms of the Meuse river. On top of this headland (today Place Saint-Lambert) and away from rising waters, traces of human activity from more than 80,000 years ago can be found (a reason why archaeologists are so interested in the site).

However, it is only through this murder that Liège rapidly expanded. In no time, pilgrims began descending upon Liège, the martyrdom spot of Lambert, with his successor Hubert deciding to make this the new diocese capital. The result: the little village saw an increase in the number of religious members who brought along business people and small-time traders, while the first steeples began appearing in its sky. Liège quickly grew to become a small city and took on the appearance of a true ecclesiastical city.
972 saw the arrival of its new bishop, Bishop Notger. According to chroniclers, “Liège owes Notger to Christ and the rest to Notger”. Through Notger, Liège was no longer simply a diocese capital but also a State capital, a Principality, which although part of the Holy German Empire, was to manage its affairs entirely independently for more than 800 years! At its head: a Prince-Bishop holding both religious and civil authority. At the height of its glory, the Principality of Liège covered more than a third of current day Wallonia and included territory in Flemish and Dutch Limburg and in the French Ardennes.
Notger the first Prince-Bishop was a developer. He had a fortified wall built around the city, while the square that today is known as La Place Saint-Martin saw a palace and cathedral constructed. Today the palace proudly sits enthroned over the square (however it bears no resemblance to the first palatium), nevertheless the cathedral was battered by French revolutionaries who completely tore it apart.
It is true that the word freedom bears special significance in the minds of the people of Liège. Freedom is why they have always made claims, fought and resisted. Like Tchantchès, their head is wooden, but not their tongue. A point that often divided their struggle… Yet it is also this stubbornness that saw them obtain charters from the Prince-Bishop very early on guaranteeing important rights for people and professional guilds. The Perron located on the market square symbolises the connection between the people of Liège and their freedom.
In the XVIIIth Century, the liberal ideas of the “Enlightenment" found fertile soil on the banks of the Meuse river. It is not therefore surprising that in 1789, Liège had its own revolution. However, this was a 'fortunate' revolution, in contrast to its Parisian counterpart, insofar as no heads rolled in Liège.
The revolution however meant the end of independence for Liège. The territories of the Principality would soon be separated and successively annexed to the French Republic (1795-1815) and to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815-1830). In 1830, many inhabitants of Liège took part in another Revolution that would lead to the creation of Belgium.

"He loved and admired Liège, a place he knew the entire architectural wealth of, a city he willingly called, much to the fury of some people, the most beautiful Latin city in the Germanic West.” [Georges Thinès, la Bibliothèque du château].

A thousand years of history, eight centuries as a Principality and era after era of grandeur combine to penetrate the city and its buildings. The city called "the city of 100 clocks" has a long history, a tale of passion. The people of Liège are extremely attached to their roots yet are never bound by a single style, a single period of history. Every district, alleyway and building is like discovering a history book. Liège city is often hidden, yet is often heard, just as the gentle flow of the river mapping it out can be heard. Liège is a cultural hub that fascinates and enchants.

With a rich history as a Principality, Liège is firmly moored on the banks of the Meuse river and offers visitors a history full of priceless treasures. The city is a cradle of culture with its irresistible Royal Opera, Philharmonic Orchestra, Archéoforum, art galleries and fine exhibitions. . With numerous big international events throughout the calendar year such as the Jazz Festival, Flower Show or the Biennial Poetry events, Liège more than anything offers you the opportunity to get to know its friendly spontaneous people, ready to give you a taste of the pulsating nights of the « Carré » area or the unique ambiance of the picturesque alleyways in the Outremeuse district. Why not sit down in total comfort and try some delicious pékèt (genever) or Liège sirop based local dishes. The "Cité Ardente" is situated at the gateway to the Ardennes and its forests, where getting away from it all and doing things at your own pace is the order of the day. The Cité is also on the doorstep of a string of thermal towns that dot the homeland of Charlemagne and Georges Simenon.

Apart from the diverse multi-linguistic programmes on offer starting with Liège, such as the castle route, the fortress visits, the route du feu and its famous Val Saint-Lambert crystal glassworks, the descent into the underworld of the "Gueules Noires" (Black Faces) at Blegny-Mine, relaxing in the therapeutic waters of Chaudfontaine, discovering our forests, or an adrenalin pumping adventure sports day for the more foolhardy, the city can offer many different theme visit possibilities. Through flowing waters, Liège is able to offer the rediscovered splendour of its Fragnée Bridge, Outremeuse island, and quays inviting a stroll, especially during the big «Batte» Sunday market, as well as its age-old churches, official residences, prestigious estates and “Renaissance-Mosane” architecture. The city's wealth is to be discovered by walking into hidden cul-de-sacs, courts, gardens and relentlessly vibrant squares.
Since March 2009, you can discover the «Grand Curtius»... a brand new museum housing collections from weaponry, archaeological, decorative art, crystalware, and religious and Mosane art museums. Liège simply exudes architectural treasures and invites passers-by to enjoy a journey dotted with historic buildings like St. Paul's Cathedral, the Town Hall, the Market Square and its famous Perron, the former St. Bartholomew's Collegiate Church containing wonderful Baptismal Fonts, the Prince-Bishops Palace and St. Antoine's Court.

Commonly called the Athens of the North in the Middle Ages, the city lives out its wonderful heritage, and like the people of Liège, remains committed to sharing it with its guests.
By day, Liège is a haven for a variety of strolls, however as night falls the city turns its lights on and plunges its visitors into a unique, friendly and authentic atmosphere. The people of Liège are warm and welcoming, make no mistake! Here restaurants invite you to dine, terraces welcome you and smiles charm you when, swayed by the enticing aromas, you eventually give in to the many temptations on offer. Smooth or perhaps boisterous rhythms soon arouse your curiosity. An old inn, a historic tavern, a colourful old establishment, everywhere seems full of people out to party. Liège - looking, breathing and listening. Liège, always giving of itself. Living Liège…through until dawn.