Liège, a city that deserves it: the history of its staircases and its alleys

You can walk through the city center without really noticing the topography. The shopping streets, squares and quays sometimes give the impression of a relatively flat city. Then comes the moment to turn at the corner of a street. An escalator appears. A slope rises between two façades. A narrow passage seems to disappear behind a wall. In Liège, part of history is revealed by climbing up.

The Montagne de Bueren, more than just a sporting challenge

With its 374 steps according to communal references, the Montagne de Bueren has become one of Liège’s most recognizable images. Visitors take photos there, athletes come to challenge themselves, and locals know that it’s better not to be in a hurry when embarking on the climb.

But this grand staircase is not a relic of the Middle Ages. Built in the 19th century and completed in 1880, it was intended to provide a rapid connection between the city center and the Citadelle barracks. Its name evokes the memory of the 600 residents of Franchimont who attempted in 1468 to oppose Charles the Temperate. The current staircase obviously did not exist at that time.

Pierreuse, where the city slows down

A few minutes from the bustle of the city center, Rue Pierreuse offers a very different experience. The slope naturally imposes a different rhythm. One notices more the facades, the details of the houses, the old walls, and the changes in perspective. The neighborhood belongs to that part of Liège where urban planning had to negotiate with the terrain rather than trying to make it disappear.

Passages that are no longer noticeable

Liège has far more stairs than one might imagine. Some are famous, others almost anonymous. You’ll find them near the hillsides, in old neighborhoods, at the corner of an alley or between two streets that appear close on a map but are not located at the same height.

A small staircase can reveal a perspective on a bell tower. A alleyway can offer an unexpected shortcut. A passage lined with old walls can give the impression of temporarily leaving the contemporary city. Sometimes one has to accept getting a little lost to discover these details.

Another way to visit Liège

Exploring the city on foot is an excellent way to discover the stairs and alleys. However, it requires patience: some slopes are steep, the cobblestones can be slippery in wet weather, and not all routes are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The hills are also places where people live: respecting the residents’ peace and quiet is part of the experience.

After the effort, Liège appears differently. The roofs come closer together, the church bells emerge and the layout of the streets becomes more legible. The next time you encounter an unfamiliar staircase, perhaps don’t walk too quickly past it. It could lead you to a part of the city you’ve never seen before.