Summary
During the Early Modern Age, visitors to Huy, situated on the rugged banks of the Meuse River, would be directed towards the city’s four architectural marvels, “Les Quatre Merveilles”. These structures, retaining their original Walloon names, encompass the pristine fountain on Grand-Place (Li Bassinia), the rose window at Notre-Dame de Huy church (Li Rondia), the 15th-century castle (Li Tchestia), and the bridge spanning the river (Li Pontia). Due to its strategic significance, Huy’s renowned castle endured devastation twelve times within a span of thirty years during the expansionist wars of Louis XIV in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The castle was dismantled in 1717, supplanted a century later by a fort constructed by the Dutch.
The location of the rose window is a grand Mosan Gothic church, which boasts a magnificent treasury housed in its Romanesque crypt.
Take the time to explore Huy, as numerous additional attractions emerge, including a museum located within a Franciscan convent and the medieval corridors of Vieux Huy.
1. Collégiale Notre-Dame de Huy
The prominent church of Huy immediately draws attention with its robust square tower that overlooks the Meuse from the right bank.
The Collégiale Notre-Dame de Huy, an exemplary piece of Mosan Gothic architecture, was constructed between 1311 and 1536, serving as the fifth church established on this site since the fourth century.
This church features one of Huy’s historic treasures, the rose window, known as Li Rondia.
This magnificent window, situated within the tower, spans nine meters in diameter, making it the largest Gothic rose window in Belgium.
The original stained glass was destroyed during the Second World War and was subsequently replaced with an abstract design created by Liège glassmaker Raymond Julin in the 1970s.
Moreover, in 1906, the Romanesque crypt of the church’s predecessor was unearthed, and it now houses the treasury, which is accessible during the summer months.
This treasury features invaluable Mosan reliquary shrines dedicated to Saint Domitian, Saint Mengold, Mary, and Saint Mark, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Noteworthy items include Theodwin of Liège’s 11th-century cross and chalice, a 12th-century Tree of Life medallion, and a polychrome sculpture of the seated Virgin with Child from the mid-13th century.
2. Huy Fortress
Perched atop the cliffs on the right bank of the Meuse stands Huy’s citadel, fortified for over 1,200 years.
This location was once the site of Tchestia, the 15th-century castle, which was among Huy’s four architectural wonders.
The city experienced turmoil due to its strategic significance, and after enduring a protracted period of violence, Tchestia was demolished by Huy to avert further bloodshed and pillaging.
The formidable structure that currently dominates Huy is a Dutch fortification completed in 1823. A remnant from Tchestia is the fort’s well, which extends 90 meters deep and was excavated in the 16th century.
Currently, the fort serves as a memorial to the grim era of the Second World War when it transformed into a German camp overseen by the Geheime Feldpolizei (Secret Military Police). Over 6,500 individuals, primarily political prisoners and prisoners of war, were detained in the fortress.
There is now a museum that details the experiences of the prisoners and life in Huy during the occupation, featuring firsthand accounts.
3. Musée Communal
Located among the medieval passageways behind the Hôtel de Ville, Huy’s municipal museum is situated within a former Franciscan convent established in the 13th century and reconstructed in the Mosan Renaissance style in the 17th century.
The museum spans ten rooms, addressing subjects such as Huy’s prosperous Medieval era, fine and decorative arts from the region, archaeological discoveries dating back to the Merovingian era, viticulture, as well as local crafts like pewter and ceramics, alongside depictions of domestic life in Huy throughout the ages.
An exceptional artifact of religious art is the 13th-century Crucifix referred to as “Le beau Dieu de Huy.”
4. Grand-Place
With the arrival of spring, Huy’s central square transforms into an inviting expanse for cafes, brasseries, and restaurants.
Besides being a popular gathering place, Grand-Place is rich in monumental structures and historical significance.
We will discuss the 15th-century fountain, La Bassinia, shortly.
On the northeastern corner lies the Hôtel de Ville, showcasing a Rococo facade dating from 1766, yet incorporating elements from Huy’s medieval grain hall.
Many of the residences bordering the square boast historical significance: Nos. 3, 4, 11, 13, and 25 date back to the 1600s, while 7 and 8 originate from the latter half of the 18th century.
5. Portail du Bethléem
Deserving of distinct mention is the masterful Gothic Bethlehem Gate located on the southeastern façade of the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Huy, along Rue du Pont.
This gate, originating from the 15th century, underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2014, bringing attention to the intricate reliefs within the central tympanum above the portal.
The space encapsulated within the arch is segmented into three panels.
On the left, one can observe the Nativity and Annunciation to the Shepherds; in the center is the Massacre of the Innocents; and on the right, the Adoration of the Magi.
The two smaller ogival arches flanking each side are more contemporary, dating from the 19th century.
6. Vieux Huy
Just behind the Hôtel de Ville, one can enter a quaint neighborhood filled with narrow cobblestone streets and towering rubble walls.
This area is the city’s oldest sector, showcasing a distinctly medieval ambiance.
You might start at Place Verte to the west, beneath the spire of the deconsecrated Église Saint-Mengold, founded in the 12th century and primarily constructed from 15th-century stonework.
Inside, the nave features rounded arches and capitals adorned with foliate patterns.
The alleys stretching alongside the church’s external walls (Rue des Frères Mineurs, Ruse Saint-Mengold) are home to some of the oldest houses in Huy, including the Maison Près la Tour, a notable example of secular Gothic architecture from the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Maison du Gouverneur in this area dates back to the 14th century and currently houses Huy’s municipal offices.
7. Li Bassinia
The third of Huy’s four wonders is the centrally located fountain in Grand-Place.
As of February 2020, Li Bassinia had only recently returned to the square after a decade-long restoration that began in 2009. This fountain, originally constructed in 1406, features a core bronze basin from which four crenellated towers rise, each with a spout designed in the shape of fish heads.
Between the towers are four statuettes depicting Huy’s patron saints: Domitian and Mengold, Saint Catherine, and Ansfried of Utrecht (d. 1010), the final Count of Huy.
The fountain is bordered by blue limestone basins, from which an elegant iron canopy rises, both dating back to 1881, which replaced an earlier structure from the 17th century.
8. RAVeL Ligne 126
The occasionally rugged terrain of Wallonia is rendered more accessible to cyclists via RAVeL, which encompasses over 1,350 kilometers of gently graded greenways along disused railway lines and canal towpaths.
The gradient on these paths never exceeds 2%, which is favorable for cyclists and families seeking a leisurely yet scenic stroll.
RAVeL Ligne 126 smoothly traverses the southern outskirts of Huy at Régissa (with a connecting route starting from Grand-Place) and meanders through the gentle hills of the Condroz region toward the town of Ciney to the south.
Along the route, one can stop at former stations where informative panels are creatively designed in the form of old train seats.
While traversing Hamois, one can glimpse Château Pickeim and Château de Buresse from the path, and north of Havelange, the fields are home to muscular Belgian Blue cattle.
Additionally, there is a long-distance EuroVelo 19 path that runs alongside the right bank of the Meuse, connecting Huy to Namur, the capital of Wallonia.
9. Vineyards
The south-facing left bank of the Meuse presents optimal conditions for cultivating white wine grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot-Gris, Riesling, and Sylvaner.
The earliest documentation of winemaking on these steep slopes dates to the beginning of the 9th century, and by the 19th century, this region had earned the title of Belgium’s wine capital.
Subsequently, the industry experienced a gradual decline, yet it was revived in 1963 when a local resident took the initiative to clear the overgrown “Vignoble de la Léproserie” (Leper Colony Vineyard) situated next to his residence.
This led to the establishment of Clos Bois Marie, which currently produces nearly 2,000 bottles of both white and sparkling wine each year.
Visitors can arrange a tour on Sunday mornings from November to August.
The visit is structured to include 15 minutes of history about the vineyard, followed by 15 minutes focusing on the vines, another 15 minutes on the production process, concluding with an open-ended duration for tasting.
10. Maison Batta
Located on the left bank of the Meuse, this elegant Mosan Renaissance structure served as Huy’s sanctuary for the Val-Saint-Lambert Abbey in Seraing.
This site has been repurposed for this use since the 12th century, with construction of the current upstream wing commencing in 1575. The downstream adjoining structure was erected a bit later, in 1643. Both edifices are crafted from Liège bricks, incorporating horizontal stone bands, as well as stone elements in the quoins and window casings.
A noteworthy detail is that the older building features limestone on the lower floor, transitioning to sandstone above, whereas the 17th-century wing employs exclusively limestone.
At the time of writing, Maison Batta was on the market, awaiting a new purpose.
In the coming years, it is expected to become a focal point on the promenade of the left bank, which is slated for regeneration by 2023.
11. Institut Tibétain Yeunten Ling
Huy is the location of one of Europe’s most prominent Buddhist Dharma centers, established in 1983 on the grounds of the historic Château de Fond l’Évêque.
The centerpiece of the institute is the temple, built utilizing Tibetan construction methods and adhering to traditional architectural and ornamental guidelines.
The temple accommodates 700 individuals, and within the château’s grounds is a stupa symbolizing peace, as well as a large Buddha statue.
The Institut Tibétain Yenten Ling is open daily, but for those interested, attending a guided tour on Sundays at 13:15 provides insights into the institute’s various offerings, such as Hatha yoga and meditation retreats, along with an introduction to Buddhism.
12. Li Pontia
The fourth and final wonder of Huy was a bridge spanning the Meuse River in front of the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Huy.
This architectural marvel is now considered lost, as the original bridge was ultimately replaced by a modern structure designed in a historical style, featuring cutwaters and three arches, inaugurated by King Baudouin in 1956. The foundation stone of the original bridge was laid in 1294, and during the medieval period, Li Pontia bore resemblance to a street populated by houses lining its thoroughfare.
The bridge suffered partial or complete destruction at the hands of the French in 1676, 1693, 1703, and 1793, as well as by flooding in 1749. Inevitably, the crossing had to be dismantled again during both World Wars, notably by retreating Belgian soldiers who destroyed the middle arch in 1914.
13. Mont Mosan
If your visit includes younger children, this small amusement park located a couple of kilometers from Huy offers a variety of entertainment options.
Set amidst the picturesque Condroz landscape, Mont Mosan features rides and attractions such as a miniature train, carousel, mini-golf, bouncy castle, and a swinging pirate ship.
Additionally, there is a mini-zoo that hosts animals including wallabies, maras, turtles, marmosets, and meerkats, alongside scheduled demonstrations featuring seals, sea lions, and parrots.
The adventure playground at Mont Mosan is among the largest in the region, and a cafeteria provides hearty options, including traditional Belgian fare such as meatballs and carbonade flamande.
14. Château de Moha
On a rocky ridge in the neighboring village of Wanze, the haunting remnants of a medieval castle are visible.
The Château de Moha was established in the 11th century as a defensive measure against Norman incursions.
The small County of Moha found itself encircled by larger regional powers, such as the County of Namur, the County of Huy (within the Prince-Bishopric of Liège), and the Duchy of Brabant.
In the 13th century, the castle came under the jurisdiction of the Prince-Bishop of Liège, and it was here, in 1345, that Engelbert III of the Marck, the Archbishop of Cologne, was crowned Prince Bishop.
In 1376, the castle succumbed to destruction during a revolt ignited in Huy.
Although the ruins have undergone preservation efforts since the 1980s, the Château de Moha has yet to be reconstructed, which accentuates the remarkable visibility of the remains.
Exploring the ruins, one can glimpse into the cellars and foundations, trace the outlines of crumbling walls and towers, and navigate stairways.
15. La Flèche Wallonne
Huy serves as the concluding point for one of the premier one-day races on the UCI World Tour.
Held in late April, La Flèche Wallonne marks the initial Spring Classic through the Ardennes and has been conducted annually since 1936, with the exception of a one-year hiatus in 1940. The modern course measures just under 200 kilometers, commencing in Charleroi and culminating in Huy, including three laps of a challenging circuit that features the Mur de Huy, a hill rising 126 meters with gradients reaching up to 26%. The Mur de Huy is typically where the champion separates from the pack, with the finishing line positioned at the summit after the third ascent.
The event attracts the world’s elite climbing specialists each year, with Alejandro Valverde boasting the most victories at five, including four consecutive wins from 2014 to 2017.
