Stairway Trail – short version

Built in the 18th century in the neoclassical style characteristic of the period, the Town Hall is the work of Liège architect Jacques-Barthélemy. It bears witness to the prosperity of the city, linked in particular to the boom in the wool industry. The building is distinguished by its perfect symmetry: the façade is organised around a central three-bay front section, framed by two side wings incorporating staircases, each also consisting of three bays. Read more about the Town Hall via this link: www.paysdevesdre.be/details/lod-a0-009d-0ypv&type=269/ 

This statue was created in 2011 by Jean Lequeu.Notice the cat in this character's hand. In 1641, a pharmacist from Verviers, Monsieur Sarolea, wanted to attempt what could be described as impossible: to make a cat fly from the top of the parish church of Saint-Remacle (at the time located on the site of the current Town Hall) by attaching it to balloons filled with gas.The four pig bladders to which he had tied the animal were not enough to prevent the poor cat from falling.This legend, deeply rooted in local tradition, gave rise to a Verviers saying: ‘il fait voler le t'chet’ (he makes the cat fly), an expression that means trying to carry out a far-fetched or unrealistic project.

For centuries, the first parish church, St. Remacle, stood next to the building representing the municipal government. It gave a poor impression of the prosperity of our town and, at the end of the 18th century, stood out next to our new town hall. In addition, the building was in poor condition. After long discussions and controversy concerning the location, plans and choice of architect for the construction of a new church, Raymond Biolley, a wealthy industrialist and well-known notable, took matters into his own hands and called on Jean-Pierre Crémer, an architect from Aix. This perhaps explains the "Protestant temple" look of the building. It is a reproduction of a large Roman basilica, as the neo-classicals liked to do at the beginning of the 19th century, made of white limestone from the Verviers region. Four half-columns support the entablature of the central portico, which is widely opened by a central arch. It looks like a Roman triumphal arch. The façade is decorated with four statues placed during the centenary (1938). The square is ten metres deep. The 43-metre high, two-storey tower gives a massive appearance. It is topped by a dome with a copper cross. The clock dates from 1845. The side facades are made of brick. Inside, the choir is impressive: an imposing marble high altar surrounded by four large statues in French stone representing the "fathers" of the church (Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory and Jerome); oak choir stalls, paintings on the ceiling and sides. The side and back altars are leaning against the pillar supporting the rood screen. The statue of St. Severus, patron saint of weavers, was a must in a town that had been devoted to textiles for so long. The pulpit is an important piece of solid carved oak. Three statues form an interesting ensemble: Saint-Raymond and Saint-Edouard presenting Saint-Remacle with a plan of the church. The church of St Remacle is now increasingly becoming a cultural venue where concerts are held.

This path has gradually become a popular tourist trail with unique picturesque charm. Although it is located in the heart of the city, it gives the impression of a rural getaway, inviting visitors to stroll peacefully along the water's edge. Good to know: the Vesdre is of particular interest as an aquatic ecosystem and is an essential part of the local ecological network.

This bridge was the second to be built in the town of Verviers to cross the Vesdre River. Named ‘Pont Al'Cute’, it is also known as the Andrimont Bridge, as it connects Verviers to Andrimont.Built of limestone, it consists of four arched spans. In Verviers, the term ‘cute’ referred to prostitutes; some of them lived in the small 18th-century houses located between the Vesdre and the Promenade des Récollets.The bridge was last restored in 2022, following the severe flooding of July 2021. 

From Rue Renier, steps climb up to Rue Ferme du Curé in Andrimont. These fairly steep flights of steps lead to the middle of Rue du Mamelon Vert, which you cross to climb the ‘lu houlé pazé’ steps, or crooked path. 

These winding stairs are part of a set of steps at the crossroads formed by several streets, including Rue Renier, Rue du Mamelon Vert and Rue Pierre Limbourg, leading to Rue Albert Thomas in Andrimont. These steps, between Rue Pierre Limbourg and Rue Albert Thomas, also cross a wooded path. They provided a very pleasant shortcut for teachers and pupils.

The Pas de Cheval stairs connect Andrimont, in the municipality of Dison, to Verviers, via the Promenade des Récollets. Compared to other stairs in the city, this passageway is easier to use: the steps are wider and lower, almost like a series of landings, making the climb more comfortable. Judging by their dimensions and characteristics, these stairs allowed horses to climb or descend the hill. These stairs blend harmoniously into the Promenade des Récollets.

Built between 1646 and 1650, the church houses the miraculous statue of the Black Madonna, which is said to have moved on 18 September 1692 during an earthquake. The bell tower, however, dates back only to 1893.The Pont des Récollets is the first bridge in Verviers to have been built to cross the Vesdre. It remained the only one for a long time, until its successor, the Pont Al'Cute, was erected. 

The Promenade des Récollets owes its name to the Récollets Fathers who used to stroll there in the past. It perfectly illustrates the wooded slopes criss-crossed by paths that run along the Vesdre valley, right in the heart of the city. A true haven of greenery, this promenade is now a major tourist attraction for city dwellers seeking nature in the urban centre. View and download the Promenade des Récollets (PCDN) for free via our website: www.paysdevesdre.be/se-balader/nos-promenades-balisees/?mb_texte_recherche=pcdn&mb_page=circuit&mb_id=430666&mb_titre=verviers-les-recollets-et-les-tailles-pcdn

Although not particularly appealing at its starting point near Spintay, the climb up to Hautes Mezelles turns out to be a remarkable walk, passing through one of the most picturesque areas of Verviers.Known as the ‘little Montmartre’, this neighbourhood is one of the most charming in the city. Both ancient and exotic, it charms visitors with its unique atmosphere and unspoilt character. The route also offers a magnificent panorama of Verviers, making it an ideal stop to spot and admire the city's main points of interest.The name ‘Mezelles’ means ‘haven for the sick’. It refers to a former mezellerie, a place where lepers were once kept away from the urban population.

The Châtelet staircases are full of charm. Decorated with flowers, they remain as romantic as ever. The structure is the result of a petition by local residents, who, in 1895, did not hesitate to contribute to the cost of creating this beautiful ensemble. 

This parish church was built in 1882-1883 based on plans by Liège architect Paul-Auguste Casterman. The construction project, intended for a rapidly growing neighbourhood, was already in the works in the early 1860s. The location was chosen in 1874. It is a relatively narrow plot of land, situated above the Vesdre river, at the crossroads of several roads: the Pont du Chêne, Rue Spintay and Rue de Hodimont.Since the destruction of part of the neighbourhood surrounding the building, the church has benefited from an open space that highlights it and makes it a strong visual landmark, overlooking the Pont du Chêne and mirroring the tower of the Church of Notre-Dame des Récollets.

Running alongside Rue Xhavée and bordering the Grand Théâtre de Verviers, this park is ideally located between the central station and the town centre. It also leads to the municipal swimming pool and the Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Vesdre.This park meets a real demand from residents: to have a green and recreational space in the heart of the town. On sunny days, the lawns fill with families gathered around the playground equipment, sports enthusiasts trying out the fitness equipment and other visitors who have come to cool off in the shade of the many trees.At the same time, discover the Grand Théâtre de Verviers, a neoclassical building that has been undergoing renovation since 2024, with work scheduled for completion in 2028. The renovation is primarily a heritage project: the aim is to restore the building to its original design by architect Charles Thirion in 1892. The renovation also aims to transform this historic monument into a multi-purpose cultural venue.

Built in 1885, following the creation of the square – renamed Place de la Victoire after the First World War – these steps were designed to connect Rue du Palais to Rue du Théâtre. The entire complex was completely refurbished in 1930, before undergoing further restoration in 2022.The origin of their name remains unclear. According to one theory, the name refers to the characteristic metallic clatter of locomotives, which echoed in the nearby tunnel. Others see it as an allusion to the song of birds nesting in the surrounding trees. 

These iconic staircases connect Rue du Palais to Place Albert 1er, providing access to the beautiful southern districts of the city. They were built in 1878 on the initiative of the Société civile immobilière verviétoise (Verviers Real Estate Company). A false grotto occupies the centre of the stairs, while at the top stands a female statue representing Peace, presenting the city with an olive branch. Starting from the bottom, the first flight is double and parallel. The following flights alternate between converging and diverging ascents. 

These stairs are not accessible at the moment. These stairs allow pedestrians to cross the railway via the footbridge and connect Rue du Palais halfway between Rue la Banque and Rue des Martyrs. At the time, the latter was a cul-de-sac ending at the railway line. On this side too, a commemorative plaque recalls the sacrifice of four Verviers residents who were shot by the Germans in 1914-1918.

Composed of a central Ionic column, this limestone and bronze fountain was erected in memory of Pierre David, born in 1771 and elected first mayor of Verviers after the Revolution of 1830. He made the meetings of the Municipal Council public.This fountain is the work of architect Clément Vivroux and was inaugurated in 1883. During the extensive renovation of the square, this emblem of local heritage was restored to its original state.Legend had it that the heart of the first mayor lay inside the fountain... In 2020, the workers were surprised to discover an engraved metal chest. After examination, it was confirmed that an organic element was indeed inside the box. History thus caught up with popular memory.