Take a trip to Wéris in Luxembourg and you will find several tall stone structures that are scattered in the area. These megaliths date back to the early-Neolithic Age. These megalithic tombs feature several vertical slabs of stone that support a stone roof. During excavations, several human and animal bones, tools and pots were found in these burial chambers. Some of these monuments and the artifacts can be found in the La Maison des Mégalithes de Wéris museum.
Nestled in the city of Durbuy in Luxembourg, Durbuy Castle was first built in the 9th century. After suffering heavy damages, this castle was rebuilt again in the 11th century by the Count of Durbuy, Henri I. Since the early-18th century, this castle was owned by the Ursel family. Set on the east bank of River Ourthe, this old castle is also known as Château de Durbuy. This castle is now a private residence of the Count of Ursel and is not open for public viewing and tours.
Built in the neo-Romanesque style, the Eglise Notre-dame De La Visitation, or the Church of the Visitation of the Holy Virgin, is a local worship house that stands in the heart of Rochefort. Designed by Brussels architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, the church was built using locally found limestone. Featuring a majestic façade fringed by two towers and boasts a lovely entrance. Most noteworthy are the rose window and eight statues in the center of the main façade. One can tour inside and see the statue Saint Therese of Lisieux and stained glass windows.
The ruins of this once-magnificent La Roche-en-Ardenne Castle are perched atop the craggy Deister Hill, along the mouth of the River Ourthe. From its lofty location, the castle once watched over the surrounding town of La Roche-en-Ardenne. During the 12th century, the fortified castle gained prime importance, as it became a vital stop en route the English wool trade that led to Lombardy. In the late seventeenth century, the French monarch Louis XIV captured the castle, and it gradually fell prey to the ravages of time. Legend has it that the ruins are visited by the ghost of Countess Berthe de La Roche at nightfall, and her soul wanders around the castle, mostly circling the very spot where she died. Although in ruins, it still exudes authority and an authentic historic charm and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Château de Bolland is a magnificent castle surrounded by lush green lawns and located close to a partially ruined convent. The base structure of the castle's keep dates back to the 16th century, and most of the other additions took place in the century that followed. It belonged primarily to the Brandenburg and d’Houffalize families in medieval times, then the Groesbeek and Berlo lines, and in recent times, the descendants of Baron Adhemar de Royer de Dour de Fraula. Once encircled by a moat, the castle was accessible only by boat. It is no longer the case.
Nestled in Soiron in Pepinster, the Castle of Soiron dates back to the first half of the 18th century. This castle was built in place of an older castle which suffered heavy damages due to an earthquake that took place in the year 1692. The current castle was constructed by Nicolas-Ignace de Woelmont and his partner Angélique d’Argenteau. In the second half of the 19th century, the castle’s drawbridge and canals were taken off. Owned by the Woelmont family, this historic castle is surrounded by gardens.
Château de Fallais is a heavily protected castle on the banks of Mehaigne River. You have to cross two wide moats via a stone bridge and traverse a cobblestone driveway laden with moss until the imposing castle with two large and two small turrets rises before you. The gray stone walls are streaked with golden lichen and a pointed arched entrance reveals a lawn yonder. The Beaufort family founded the castle in the 13th Century and gave it extraordinary protection such as extra thick walls and even triple moats on the east and the south. The reason for such buffers was subsequently clear as the lords of the castle were known through history for their mutual animosity with the Liège prince-bishopric. Château de Fallais is, in fact, most famous as the site of the strangely-named War of the Cow, fought between 1272 and 1278. Visitors have access to the castle during the weekends and can opt for a guided tour to experience its rich history firsthand.
The Collegiate Church of St. Bartholomew is located in the Liège city and province of Belgium. Its distinctive cream and red walls and gray slate roof make it one of Belgium's most identifiable landmarks. It was constructed in the 11th century, majorly out of coal sandstone, and then reworked in the late 19th century. Despite the constant modifications, the style is evidently a mix of Meuse Romanesque and an archetypal Ottonian style of architecture. The church houses notable works of art including Bertholet Flemalle’s tableau, The Glorification of the Holy Cross, and works typical of Mosan Art.
Constructed in the middle of a lake and surrounded by the picturesque green countryside, the Jehay-Bodegnée Castle of Belgium is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture. Dating back to the 13th Century, it has undergone several reconstructions throughout the years with the most recent one carried out in the 19th Century by architect Alphonse Balat who is creidted with its unique style. Today, it serves as the private residence of Count van den Steen but is also open to tourists and visitors via a booked appointment in the summer months. It can also be hired for seminars, conferences and other formal events with additional facilities like rented furniture, a modern kitchen and a free caterer.
One of the surviving medieval castles in Belgium, Château de Waroux is notable for its rare circular structure. Listed as a heritage site, this castle was once the home of the Waroux family and currently serves as a culture center. A number of art exhibitions and concerts are hosted here, which sees this historic castle decked with some of the most spectacular works of art. Situated amidst pristine grasslands and old lime trees, this historic site is also a great place for a peaceful break.
Located in Liege, the Prince-Bishops' Palace is a significant landmark in the city. The palace was built twice, in 12th and 15th Centuries. The palace was destroyed both the times and was later restored to its current state. The palace is home to many important offices and its courtyard is open to public visitation.
A beautifully restored and majestic castle dating back to the Middle Ages, the Chateau de Modave lies in a picture perfect setting above the valley of the Hoyoux River. Its impeccable architecture and the well maintained formal French landscaped gardens in front signify the effort that has gone into preserving this prestigious piece of heritage. Today, the Castle serves as a lavish hotel providing state of the art facilities to its visitors and aims at combining the charm of historical beauty with the convenience of modern amenities.