Liege is a one thousand year old city at the heart of Europe. As the ancient capital of an independent principality for eight centuries, Liege, the "Glowing City", possesses an exeptional cultural and architectural patrimony, which is mainly highlighted in its museums. Near Maastricht and Aachen, Liege, with its reputed university, the exhibition hall, the markets, the congress hall, the shopping areas, its river port (ranked third in Europe) is a dynamic economic and commercial center. The theatres, the Opera, the Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the café's, hotels and reputed restaurants enhance the warm character of a welcoming city.