Liège - Palais des Princes-Evêques

On the north side of the Place Saint-Lambert stands the Palais des Princes-Evêques, the former palace of the prince-bishops. Notker had the first modest bishop's seat built here, which - after being extended - was destroyed at the end of the 15th C. Erard de la Marck was responsible for the rebuilding, which was completed 1526-1540 according to plans by Arnold van Mulckens in the transition style between Gothic and Renaissance. In 1734-1740 the new (south) main facade was added. Today the building houses the Law Courts and is the seat of the Walloon government.

There are two picturesque courtyards with arcaded walkways and columns. The artists who carved the columns with fools' masks and grotesque faces were inspired by Sebastian Brants and Erasmus and news from the New World. The second courtyard is more peaceful with a fountain. The palace interior is not open to visitors.