The Province of Liège, located in Wallonia, is a true playground for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. This region is teeming with abandoned sites, each with its own unique charm and history. Whether you're an experienced urban explorer or a curious amateur, here's a selection of five must-see urbex sites in the Province of Liège.
1: The IM Thermal Power Plant
The IM Thermal Power Plant , located near Charleroi, is an iconic spot for urban exploration enthusiasts. Closed in 2007, this former power plant, with its imposing cooling towers, is now one of the most impressive sites in Belgium.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Cooling towers, control rooms and industrial buildings.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with progressive degradation of structures.
- Access: Difficult, with risks related to the instability of the structures.
2: Château Miranda (Château de Noisy)
Château Miranda , also known as Château de Noisy , is another very popular urban exploration site. Built in the 19th century, this Gothic castle has been abandoned since the 1990s and was partially demolished in 2017, but it remains a place of fascination.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Gothic towers, grand halls and majestic staircases.
- State of disrepair: Partially destroyed, but still accessible to explorers.
- Access: Moderate, but requiring precautions due to the state of the ruins.
3: The Hospital of Chance
The Hospital of Chance is a fascinating site for urban explorers. This former hospital, closed for decades, offers a unique atmosphere with its abandoned operating rooms and dark corridors.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Operating rooms, patient rooms and laboratories.
- State of disrepair: Moderate to advanced, with some parts still relatively intact.
- Access: Possible, but with caution due to the condition of the buildings.
4: The Blegny Mine
The Blegny Mine , although partially preserved as a tourist site, also offers abandoned areas that attract urban explorers. This former coal mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place where Limburg's industrial history comes alive.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Mine shafts, underground galleries and industrial buildings.
- State of disrepair: Well preserved in some parts, but with abandoned areas.
- Access: Variable, some areas are accessible to the public, others require more precautions.
5: The Victoire Chocolate Factory
The Victoire Chocolate Factory , located in the Liège region, is a lesser-known but equally fascinating urban exploration site. Closed in the 1980s, this former chocolate factory was left abandoned, with vestiges of its former activity still visible.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production machinery, warehouses and offices.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with structures overgrown by vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but with risks related to building deterioration.
Conclusion
The Province of Liège offers an impressive diversity of urban exploration sites, each telling a unique story. From a former power station and a Gothic castle to a chocolate factory, these abandoned places stand as silent witnesses to the past. For urban explorers, Liège is a must-see destination, full of mysteries to uncover. Remember to respect these sites and always take the necessary precautions for a safe exploration.
