European Travel: A Journey from Liège, Belgium to Luxembourg (Photos)
Our Zhongxin Guoji Travel "World Puzzle: Spring Blossom Hunt in Europe: Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg" tour ushered in its first cross-border day trip from Liège, Belgium to Vianden Castle in Luxembourg.
Arriving at Liège Old Town (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
At 14:00 on April 28, 2025, after the group finished sightseeing in the old town of Maastricht, the Netherlands, Greek driver Master Tanasis drove the bus for over an hour to reach Liège Old Town in Belgium from the Netherlands.
Riverside Architecture (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Strolling into Liège Old Town, Ma Manman led everyone to begin the Liège itinerary. The first thing that came into view was the beautiful Meuse River. Crossing the bridge over the Meuse River, they entered the city center.
Group Photo in Liège (Photo by Cai Qi)
Along the way, Ma Manman explained the relevant information about Liège: Liège is the capital of Liège Province in the Walloon Region of Belgium, and also the third-largest city in Belgium. Located in eastern Belgium, at the confluence of the Meuse River and the Ourthe River, it borders Germany to the east and the Netherlands to the north, less than 100 kilometers from the Belgian capital Brussels. It lies at the junction of the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg, giving it a superior geographical position.
Street Café (Photo by Wang Jue)
Liège has a long history, having been under the rule of the Netherlands and Germany at different times. Its language and culture incorporate elements of French, German, Dutch, and more. In early times, it was a church territory subject to the Holy Roman Empire for 900 years. In 1789, citizens launched a revolution against the monarchy, were later liberated by Napoleon's army and annexed to France, then after Napoleon's defeat were annexed to the Netherlands, and finally became part of independent Belgium.
Street Sculpture (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
As one of Belgium's important cultural cities, its artistic atmosphere is rich, with many cultural institutions such as the Musée de l'Art wallon, as well as unique boutiques and workshops opened by contemporary artists and designers. The annual Liège Art Festival in August attracts art lovers from around the world. In addition, the city's architectural styles are diverse, including the Gothic Liège Cathedral and the Prince-Bishops' Palace.
Church of Saint-Jacques (Photo by Wang Jue)
After entering Liège, Ma Manman led the group to visit and admire the Church of Saint-Jacques and Saint Paul's Cathedral. Before the Church of Saint-Jacques in Liège, Belgium, they saw its solemn and majestic exterior, with towering spires reaching into the sky, as if telling the world of the vicissitudes it has endured.
Entering the Cathedral (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The stone carvings on the walls were somewhat mottled, but the exquisite carving craftsmanship of the time was still visible. Every line and detail showed the wisdom and effort of the craftsmen of that era. Entering the church interior, the first thing that caught the eye was the colorful stained glass. Sunlight filtered through the glass, casting brilliant patches of light and shadow on the floor and walls, like a dreamlike painting.
Stained Glass Windows (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
These stained glass pieces depicted various Bible stories and religious legends, each silently telling tales of the past, immersing visitors in a strong religious atmosphere.
Selection of Church Sculptures (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
In addition, the sculptures in the church were a highlight. Each sculpture was lifelike, with the expressions and clothing of the figures carved in exquisite detail. They stood either in devout prayer or solemnly, as if guarding this sacred church. Among them was a statue of Lucifer, whose painful expression was highly evocative, sparking infinite imagination about the story behind it and admiration for the artist's masterful carving skills.
A Corner Inside the Church (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
In the monastery of the church, there was also a hidden museum. The museum housed a large collection of important artworks, which were precious collections of Liège Cathedral and its predecessor, St. Lambert's Cathedral. They bore witness to the historical changes of the cathedral and reflected the artistic styles and cultural characteristics of different periods.
Church Dome (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
During the visit, the interior of the church was quiet and peaceful. People spoke in hushed tones, afraid to break the tranquility. Here, time seemed to slow down, allowing one to calm down, feel the sanctity and solemnity of religion, and appreciate the profound heritage of history and culture.
Church Coat of Arms (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Leaving the Church of Saint-Jacques, one felt full of awe and admiration for this architectural art treasure. It was not only a spiritual symbol of Liège, Belgium, but also a brilliant pearl in the history of human civilization.
Liège Street View (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
After finishing the visit to the Church of Saint-Jacques, the group proceeded to Saint Paul's Cathedral. Saint Paul's Cathedral in Liège, also known as Liège Cathedral, is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Liège. It is located in the southwestern part of Liège, Belgium, near the Meuse River.
Saint Paul's Cathedral (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The cathedral was founded in 966 by Bishop Eracle. It was expanded from the 13th to the 15th century. During the French Revolution in 1795, the original Liège Cathedral, St. Lambert's Cathedral, was destroyed by fire. In the early 19th century, Saint Paul's Church was elevated to the status of Liège Cathedral and was restored in the 19th century.
Memorial for Pope Francis (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
This is a Gothic church, with elements such as spires and flying buttresses showing typical Gothic features. The overall appearance is magnificent, giving a sense of solemnity and reverence. Entering the church, on the right side, there was a memorial site for the recently deceased Pope Francis.
A Corner Inside the Church (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Looking inside the church, the decoration was exquisite and luxurious. The dome had frescoes with the Garden of Eden as the theme. The corridor ceiling in the garden outside the main hall was made of original brick, simple and elegant. In addition, there was a pulpit sculpture completed in 1848 by Belgian artist Guillaume Geefs, with the theme "Religion Triumphing over the Evil Genius."
Stained Glass Windows (Photo by Wang Jue)
The stained glass windows inside the church were also exquisite. Some of them were designed by a Korean designer incorporating Asian design elements. On one side of the church, there were also modern art glass windows, very beautiful.
A Corner of Statues in the Church (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Saint Paul's Cathedral is not only an important religious site in the Liège region but also a symbol of local culture and history, carrying the faith and emotions of the people of Liège and witnessing the rise and fall of this city. Exiting Saint Paul's Cathedral and walking straight a short distance, one could see the grand Prince-Bishops' Palace, which was once the office and residence of the prince-bishops. The red building opposite was the City Hall.
Liège Museum of Fine Arts (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Leaving downtown Liège and crossing the Meuse River, the building of the Liège Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Liège), under renovation by the riverside, was very striking. It is an important cultural and artistic institution in Liège, housing a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks covering various artistic periods and styles. The exterior of the building is classical and dignified, exuding an artistic atmosphere, playing an important role in promoting the dissemination and exchange of local culture and art.
Rural Scenery Along the Way (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The group left Liège, Belgium and headed towards Luxembourg. Along the way, the scenery outside the window was picturesque, with green fields and quaint villages, making one feel as if in a fairy tale world.
View of Vianden Castle in the Distance (Photo by Wang Jue)
At 17:00 that afternoon, when our bus slowly drove into the town of Vianden, Vianden Castle could be seen in the distance, perched on a hill. It stood like an old man, quietly overlooking the land. Among the many travel destinations in Europe, Vianden Castle in Luxembourg shines like a brilliant pearl, exuding charming allure.
Group Photo in Front of the Castle (Photo by Ma Manman)
Entering Vianden Castle felt like traveling back in time to the Middle Ages. The tour route inside the castle was well designed. Following the route, one could appreciate the unique charm of each area.
A Corner of the Castle Courtyard (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The first thing that came into view was the spacious courtyard, surrounded by towering buildings, as if telling of past glory. Entering the castle's rooms, one could see exquisite medieval furniture, gorgeous tapestries, and ancient murals, making one imagine the life of the nobility of those times. Among them, the decoration of the lady's bedroom was particularly refined. Despite the passage of time, one could still feel the luxury and elegance.
A Corner of the Castle Bedroom (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The small chapel in the castle was also impressive. It had two levels: the upper level was a ten-sided painted space with a six-pillar dome in the middle, while the lower level had the same structure with raw stone, open in the center. Sunlight streamed through the colored glass windows, casting colorful patches of light on the floor, creating a solemn atmosphere.
A Corner of the Castle Kitchen (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The castle kitchen presented a different scene. An array of spices, various copper pots, and smoked meat hanging on drying racks made one imagine the busy figures of the cooks of the time. The nearby mechanical well was even more impressive, showing the wisdom of the ancients. In an age without modern technology, such a design undoubtedly provided great convenience for life in the castle.
Decorations Inside the Castle (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Climbing to the top of the castle tower, the view was enchanting. The Our River wound through the town, sparkling in the sunlight. On both sides of the valley were rows of colorful houses, like a colorful painting.
Overlooking from the Castle (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
In the distance were lush forests, set against the blue sky and white clouds, forming a stunning natural picture. Looking further, one could also see the mountains on the German border, feeling the blending of different countries' landscapes before one's eyes.
Tapestry Inside the Castle (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
In the journalist's view, Vianden Castle is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vivid history textbook. It has witnessed the rise and fall of Luxembourg and bears countless historical stories.
A Corner of the Castle Exhibition Hall (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Especially in the castle's exhibition hall, various historical artifacts and materials were displayed, introducing in detail the castle's history, architectural style, and the noble families that once lived here. Strolling through, it felt as if one could touch the pulse of history and feel the passage of time.
Castle Exterior View (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Unconsciously, the sun set. Golden afterglow spilled onto the castle walls, adding a touch of mystery to this ancient building. In a lingering mood, we ended our first attraction in Luxembourg: the tour of Vianden Castle. But its beauty and history will forever remain in my memory.
Luxembourg Hotel Pool (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
At 20:15 that day, the group drove from Vianden Castle to Luxembourg, had a Chinese dinner at Xindiyuan Restaurant, and then arrived at the Luxembourg PARC Hotel. After putting down my luggage, I took a swim in the hotel pool — the only one with a pool on this trip — perfectly concluding the first cross-border journey of the Holland-Belgium-Luxembourg tour. (Text and photos: Feng Ganyong)
