Pouhon Pierre le Grand - Office du Tourisme de Spa

Pouhon Pierre le Grand is home to the region's most abundant spring. Naturally sparkling, it is loaded with mineral salts and rich in iron. It flows an average of 21,000 litres a day. The current building, constructed in 1880 by Victor Besme, was completely restored by architect Léo Haesbroeck in 2012. Illustrations of this building date back to the 16th century, and it 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 Liège. A chronogram read as follows: "Lifts obsrtuctions, divides hardened matter, dries out dampness, strengthens weakened parts, provided that it is drunk with rule and measure". This building remained in use until the early 19th century, when the Prince of Orange (William II of the Netherlands) donated 250,000 florins to the town to build a new monument to Pouhon. At the time, the building consisted of 18 Tuscan columns, with the following inscription on the façade: "In memory of Peter the Great". Four of the columns from this building can be found in the Parc de Sept heures. It houses the Tourist Office and the famous Livre d'Or de la ville de Spa, a 9-metre-long work by painter Antoine Fontaine, depicting 92 people who came to Spa to take the waters, in a cheerful chronological disorder. The current monument at Pouhon-Pierre-Le-Grand, comprising a refreshment bar set in an octagonal pavilion. It was inaugurated on 4 July 1880. The Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand houses the Livre d'Or by painter Antoine Fontaine, depicting 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 was once home to spa visitors, is now a vast exhibition hall. A contemporary fountain was added to the spring during the latest restoration in 2012. The Pierre le Grand pouhon is a must-see when visiting Spa. Sources: Réalités - Léon Marquet Open: Tourist Office opening hours. Access to the spring: €1.