On the Publémont hill at the center of Liege, there is the Basilica of St. Martin. The church is a perfectly preserved architectural masterpiece made in the Gothic style with masonic symbols. The distinctive features of the XVI century building are characteristic angular outlines and spires. As well as many other city buildings, the basilica passed through a long way of construction, and its current appearance is not initial. In the second part of the X century, bishop Eraclus decided to construct a new temple in honor of the Virgin Mary. However, he did not manage to turn his idea into reality. The bishop's successor, Notger, chose Saint Martin as a saint patron of the basilica. The saint had long been considered as a protector of warriors.

Initially, the church was constructed in the Roman style. It had not existed for long, as in 1312, it was burned down. After the fire, the decision to reconstruct the building was made only in the second part of the XVI century. Paul de Ryckel was the architect of the project. The best masters of Liege were attracted to making the new interior of the basilica. For example, the arch in the choirs was painted by Arnold van Mulken. The Palace of Prince-Bishops was built under his guidance. There were made new stained-glass windows, sculptures, and the basilica was honored with the status of one of the seven collegiate churches of Liege. Since the XVIII century, when a new altar in the Baroque style was constructed, small reconstructions were conducted. Later the arch of the temple was restored, almost all the stained-glass windows were replaced with the new ones, which were made in the Neo-Gothic style by glass artist Joseph Young. Moreover, between 1902 and 1907, frescoes made by Adolphe Tassin appeared.

The beauty of the choirs, which are crowned by a ceiling with numerous stars, cannot be missed as well. On a sunny day, the scenes of the stained-glass windows are clearly visible. The XVI century crucifixion, the tomb of bishop Eraclus, who founded the church, and the wooden sculpture of Notre-Dame de Saint-Séverin are worth special attention.

Of course, the basilica is a masterpiece of architectural art and has both a religious and historical value.

The next destination of the journey may be the Collegiate Church of St. Paul, where you can get on foot. Another option: you can go to the Liege Archaeoforum, where you will have an opportunity to learn about city history in detail from the day of its foundation up to our time.