Ursuline convent in Liège

The Ursuline convent in Liège is a monastic complex arranged in a U-shape with brick and limestone walls that enclose a central courtyard in the city center. After restoration, it now houses an antiques shop, a restoration workshop, seven residential apartments, and office spaces available for rent.

The site began as a house and brewery built by Gérard Ghyssens in the early 1500s and became a convent in 1627. It served as a religious community for several hundred years before the building was adapted for different uses.

The building reflects Maas Renaissance architecture through its blend of brick and limestone materials and local craftsmanship. These construction methods show how builders in the region worked with resources at hand to create structures that have endured for centuries.

The restored building is now primarily a space with shops and residential units, so visiting is possible during business hours of individual tenants. Keep in mind that not all areas are freely accessible as some spaces are private apartments and offices.

After its time as a convent, the building served as a police station, grain market, and fire station before these uses ended in 1978. This unlikely series of second lives shows how historical buildings can be transformed to meet changing community needs.