Αξιοθέατα και μέρη για επίσκεψη Dison - Top 20

The MN18 Observation Bunker is part of the first line of defense of the Position Fortifiée de Liège (PFL), a network of bunkers built in the 1930s to defend Belgium against a German invasion. MN18 was the 18th bunker in the Margarins-Neufchâteau sector and equipped with an FM turret, recognizable by its tapered shape. During the German attack in May 1940, the bunker was destroyed by a 50 kg shaped charge placed on top of the turret, just where the periscope was located. The damage is still visible, making MN18 a tangible reminder of World War II. Right next to the bunker is the Knuppelstock orientation table, an impressive work of blue limestone with a diameter of 1.5 meters and weighing approximately one ton. The relief of the surrounding landscape is engraved on it based on data from the National Geographic Institute, with bronze details indicating the visible points. The table is also accessible for the visually impaired thanks to its tactile elements. The project, carried out by local organizations such as Qualité-Village-Wallonie and the municipality of Aubel, is unique in Belgium.

At this point, history and landscape converge. The MN18 observation bunker, a silent witness to the Second World War, still stands as a reminder of a turbulent period. From the bunker, you also have a unique view of the surrounding hilly landscape. Next to the bunker is the Knuppelstock orientation table, a platform that indicates the names and directions of villages, hills, and landmarks in the area. It's an ideal spot to get to know the region better and to enjoy a panoramic view of the border area between the Netherlands and Belgium.

The castle's origins date back to the 11th century. It was first documented in 1155, but the first buildings probably date back to the time of Bishops Henry of Verdun (1075–1091) and Otbert (1091–1119). As one of twelve residences of the Prince-Bishop of Liège, it served to defend the eastern border of the principality.

Franchimont: a former fortress of the Bishop of Liège in the north of the Belgian Ardennes. The castle of Franchimont (province of Liège, municipality of Theux) was one of twelve residences and fortresses of the Principality of Liège. The fortress was first mentioned in writing in 1155, but the first buildings were probably built during the time of the bishops Henry of Verdun (1075-1091) and Otbert (1091-1119). During the feudal period, both bishops vigorously defended the principality. Nestled in the middle of "non-Liège" territories (Duchy of Limburg and Luxembourg, as well as the Principality of Stavelot), the country thus had not only a defense system, but also an administrative and judicial center where the representative of the Prince-Bishop resided. The castle defended a mark, a kind of border

The Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/

This work of art, made from granite, was the first of its kind in Belgium. The dam was built between 1867 and 1875. Between 1967 and 1971 it was consolidated and the capacity of the reservoir was increased to 26.4 million m³ of water. The lake is fed by the Gileppe, the Louba and the Soor. Two 75m high collection towers direct the water to turbines. The famous Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/

The ruins of Franchimont Castle (French: Château de Franchimont) stand on a rocky outcrop in the Ardennes in the municipality of Theux, about eight kilometers from Spa. Franchimont is the name of a former fortress and, until the Liège Revolution, a margraviate in the diocese of Liège. The castle complex originated from a building from the 11th to 12th centuries, which was supplemented by a large protective wall at the beginning of the 16th century. The first written mention dates back to 1156, from the time of Bishop Henry II of Liège. The castle was demilitarized around 1650, as the artillery technology that had been developed in the meantime meant that it was vulnerable to attack from the neighboring hills. After that, it was mostly used as a prison, but also as a summer residence for nobles. In 1676, Louis XIV ordered its destruction, but it was only partially carried out. In the following century, the castle was visited by several crowned heads because of its peculiarities. Since 1967, it has belonged to a non-profit foundation that carries out restoration and maintenance work and carries out excavations in the area surrounding the castle. Today, Franchimont is a tourist destination, with a railway station on the Verviers-Spa-Géronstère railway line.

Bunker system on the railway cycle path.