Coteaux de la Citadelle, Historical hillside paths in Liège, Belgium.
The Coteaux de la Citadelle is a sprawling hillside landscape with multiple walking paths winding through green spaces and open terraces across the elevated terrain. The site features staircases, drinking fountains, and maintained gardens that blend the natural slopes with human-made structures throughout the area.
The site developed as part of Liège's defensive fortifications and shows how the city's protective structures changed from medieval times through later periods. More than sixty architectural elements and monuments are scattered across the slopes, marking different phases of the city's defense systems.
The hillside has become a favorite gathering place for locals on sunny days, when families spread out across the grassy areas between the trees and along the edges of the terraces. The yearly Nocturne des Coteaux event fills the paths with candlelight and live music from local performers who set up across the connected slopes.
Multiple entry points lead onto the walking paths, and free maps are available at the VisitezLiège tourist office near Place Saint-Lambert in the city center. The site is open year-round and best explored in dry weather with comfortable walking shoes, as parts of the terrain can be steep and uneven.
The famous Montagne de Bueren connects downtown to the citadel hilltop with 374 steps that visitors can climb in roughly 15 minutes. This long staircase stands out from the rest of the walking network and draws many visitors seeking a more focused climb.
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