13.5 km | 17.4 km-effort
The Pouhon Pierre le Grand is home to the most abundant spring in the region.
Naturally gaseous, it is loaded with mineral salts and rich in iron. It flows an average of 21,000 litres per day.
The current building, built in 1880 by Victor Besme, was completely restored by the architect Léo Haesbroeck in 2012.
This building can be found in illustrations from the 16th century onwards and has undergone several alterations over the years.
The small building was once topped by a triangular pediment bearing the coat of arms of the Prince Bishop of Liege.
A chronogram read: "Lifts obstructions, divides hardened matters, dries up dampness, strengthens weakened parts, provided that one drinks it with rule and measure.
This building remained until the beginning of the 19th century when the Prince of Orange (William II of the Netherlands) donated 250,000 guilders to the town to build a new monument to Pouhon. The building consisted of a structure with 18 Tuscan columns and the following inscription on the façade: "In memory of Peter the Great".
Four of the columns of this building can be found in the park of Sept heures.
It houses the Tourist Office and presents the famous Golden Book of the town of Spa, a 9-metre long work by the painter Antoine Fontaine, representing in a cheerful chronological disorder 92 characters who came to take the waters in Spa.
The current monument of the Pouhon-Pierre-Le-Grand, consisting of a refreshment room installed in an octagonal pavilion adjoining a large room which was for a long time a winter garden frequented during the season, was inaugurated on 4 July 1880.
The Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand houses the Livre d'Or of the painter Antoine Fontaine, representing the illustrious guests who came to Spa to take the waters over the centuries. 92 characters are represented in a cheerful chronological disorder.
The winter garden which, in the past, sheltered the curists visiting Spa is today a vast exhibition room. The spring itself was enhanced with a contemporary fountain during the latest restoration in 2012.
The Pierre le Grand pouhon is a must-see during your visit to Spa.
Sources: Réalités - Léon Marquet
Open: Tourist Office opening hours. Access to the spring: 1 €.
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On foot
On foot
Electric bike
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Randonnées de la Maison du Tourisme de Spa Hautes-Fagnes Ardennes PRO
