A feat of engineering characteristic of the breakthroughs of the 19th century, the Montagne de Bueren allowed a direct link between the barracks and citadel in the city centre. The name of this flight of stairs, boasting no less than 374 steps, is evocative of the aborted overthrow carried out by 600 men of Franchimont. Led by Vincent de Bueren and Gossuin de Streel, they attempted during the night of 29th October 1468, to capture Charles the Bold and Louis XI. Contrary to the common belief among the people of Liège, the 600 men of Franchimont never took this route.
The Montagne de Bueren is indisputably one of the most surprising places on the Hillside of the Citadel. In addition to the Bueren steps, this 86-hectare site located on the flanks of the citadel hill is brimming with remarkable sites. Boasting a 3-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide, the Slopes of the Citadel combine both natural heritage, such as the large prairies of Favechamps and the Bois de Vivegnis wood, and historical heritage, such as the former Teutonic brotherhood or the remains of the 13th century city walls.