Overview:

The Citadel of Liège is located in Liège, Belgium. It is one of the largest citadels in Europe, and a major tourist attraction. It is a walled fortress, built from 1677-1800 and often referred to as the Gibraltar of the North. It was once a strategic military outpost, but today it serves as a museum, containing a variety of artifacts related to the history of Liège and is open to the public. The citadel contains a vast array of historical buildings and fortifications, as well as a chapel, a former hospital, a lake, and several gardens. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

The Citadel of Liège, located in the city of Liège in Belgium, is a large fortification built between 1817 and 1820. It is the largest calerie (artificial hill) in Wallonia and is home to many historical monuments. It is considered to be one of the best preserved examples of early military architecture. The Citadel is one of the most important tourist sites in the region and is also a popular spot for picnics. It is the centerpiece of a large green space that encompasses the area and the nearby Museum of Walloon Art. The Citadel is home to many battlements and towers, which form its outline, as well as a chaplaincy which is used for religious ceremonies. The walls are surrounded by a moat and there are various lawns and gardens throughout the Citadel. From atop the hill, visitors can get a great view of the city of Liège and the surrounding area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Citadel of Liège is a fortification located in the city of Liège in the French-speaking region of Belgium known as Wallonia. The historical fort sits atop a hill overlooking the River Meuse and is an iconic symbol of the city. It is one of the most well-preserved pieces of fortification in Europe, having been a fortified citadel since the first century AD. The earliest known records of the Citadel of Liège date to AD 958, when Bischoff Arnold I lay siege to the city and built a new fortification as part of this. The Citadel was expanded further in the 12th century in order to protect the city from the Brabantian armies. During this period the fortification also took the name of the “Citadel de Liege” which means “Fortress of Liege”. In the 14th century, the fortification was once again expanded and renovated to include a bastion system. This system was unique for its era and allowed for more effective protection from sieges. The Citadel was further updated in the 15th century to include gunpowder technology. Throughout the centuries, the Citadel of Liège has seen its fair share of battles, with memorable sieges that took place in 1717, 1745 and 1793. In 1818, a major renovation project was undertaken to update the fortification to modern standards. Today, the Citadel of Liège has been preserved as a monument and offers guided tours to school groups, tourists and anyone else interested in discovering the history of the site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Located in Liège, Belgium, the Citadel of Liège is a fortified complex that has been standing for more than 8 centuries. 2. The history of the citadel dates back to the 10th century when the city of Liège was still part of the German-speaking Holy Roman Empire. 3. It was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, as a defense against invaders from France and the Netherlands. 4. The Citadel was designed in the classic Vauban or 'star-shaped' style, with six points that enabled maximum defense. 5. The Citadel contained a a large arsenal of cannons, mortars and bombs. It also had underground passages that allowed the townspeople to take refuge during times of war. 6. The fortress endured multiple sieges, including one in 1675 when it was taken by Louis XIV of France, only to be recaptured soon after. 7. The Citadel of Liège is now recognized as a masterwork of military engineering and a major historical monument of Belgium. 8. In 1977, parts of the complex were turned into a museum to commemorate the historical significance of the site. 9. In August 2018, the city of Liège dedicated a monument inside the Citadel to commemorate the soldiers who died defending the city. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era