The Province of Liège, located in Wallonia, is a real playground for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. This region is full of abandoned sites, each with its own charm and unique history. Whether you are an experienced urban explorer or a curious amateur, here is a selection of the five must-see urbex sites in the Province of Liège.
1: The IM Thermal Power Station
The IM Thermal Power Station , located near Charleroi, is an iconic place for urbex enthusiasts. Closed in 2007, this former power plant, with its imposing cooling towers, is today one of the most impressive sites in Belgium.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Cooling towers, control rooms and industrial buildings.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with progressive deterioration of structures.
- Access: Difficult, with risks linked to the instability of the structures.
2: Miranda Castle (Noisy Castle)
Another very popular urbex site is Château Miranda , also known as Château de Noisy . Built in the 19th century, this Gothic castle has been abandoned since the 1990s and partially demolished in 2017, but it remains a place of fascination.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Gothic towers, large 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 Hôpital du Hasard is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts. This former hospital, closed for decades, offers a unique atmosphere with its abandoned operating rooms and dark corridors.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Operating rooms, bedrooms 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 to life.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Mine shafts, underground galleries and industrial buildings.
- State of Disrepair: Well preserved in some parts, but with abandoned areas.
- Access: Variable, with some areas being accessible to the public, others requiring more precautions.
5: The Victory Chocolate Factory
The Fabrique de Chocolat Victoire , located in the Liège region, is a lesser-known but equally fascinating urbex site. Closed in the 1980s, this former chocolate factory has been abandoned, with remains of its former activity still visible.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production machines, warehouses and offices.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with structures overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but with risks linked to the deterioration of buildings.
Conclusion
The Province of Liège offers an impressive diversity of urbex sites, each telling a unique story. Whether it is an old power plant, a Gothic castle or a chocolate factory, these abandoned places are silent witnesses of the past. For urban explorers, Liège is a must-see destination, full of mysteries to discover. Remember to respect the places and always take the necessary precautions for a safe exploration.
