Cathédrale Saints Pierre, Paul et Quirin

The Ardennes


Fronted by stubby twin towers, Malmédy's massive 1784 cathedral provides a dominating if slightly dour centrepiece to the town.

Founded as the church of a 10th-century abbey, the original was burnt down during French attacks in 1689 and the current structure had only recently been re-erected when the monasteries were swept away in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Afterwards it was used as a tannery workshop for a while before being reconsecrated in 1818.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Ardennes attractions

1. Malmundarium

0.04 MILES

In the covered former abbey cloisters beside Malmédy's cathedral, this cultural centre/museum hosts temporary exhibitions to pad out a city-history…

2. Baugnez 44

2.4 MILES

On 17 December 1944, American and SS troop columns met fatefully at the Baugnez crossroads, 4km southeast of Malmédy. Some 84 captured GIs were shot on…

3. Château de Reinhardstein

3.75 MILES

The very picturesque Château de Reinhardstein was built in 1354 and restored to archetypal fortress appearance in 1969. Entry is by 75-minute guided tours…

4. Abbaye de Stavelot

4.84 MILES

The once-gigantic church of the Stavelot-Malmédy prince-abbots was destroyed in the aftermath of the French Revolution. But behind the archaeological…

5. Eglise Saint-Sébastien

4.9 MILES

Behind a slightly shabby facade, this 1754 baroque church contains the truly magnificent sarcophagus of St-Remacle, a 1268 masterpiece of gilded metalwork…

6. Botrange Nature Centre

5.58 MILES

A possible starting point for hikes, this impressive information centre 200m west of the Eupen–Bütenbach road has a big hooded fire hearth, a cafe serving…

7. Signal de Botrange

5.94 MILES

Signal de Botrange, 5km north of Ovifat, is Belgium’s highest point, though at 694m that's not saying much. From the road, the only eye-catching feature…

8. Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand

8.42 MILES

The restored, octagonal-fronted stone building hosting the tourist office was the site of Spa’s original springs. It was renamed for Russian tsar Peter…