Hôtel Sklins

Hôtel Sklins is one of the historic patrician townhouses on rue Hors-Château in Liège, also known as Hôtel de Grady or Hôtel de Spirlet. The building stands in the heart of the city's historic quarter, surrounded by other grand residences from the same era that once belonged to the wealthiest bourgeois and noble families of the region.

Who built this mansion?

Hôtel Sklins was commissioned by Nicolas de Spirlet, privy counsellor to the prince-bishop of Liège. The facade carries the date 1765, marking the completion of the residence. Above the entrance, a triangular pediment displays an allegory referring to the function its patron held at the prince-bishop's court — a clear signal of the prestige and social standing the owner enjoyed.

What does the architecture look like?

The building is constructed of brick and limestone, materials typical of 18th-century Liège architecture. Its facade is organized in nine bays spread across two storeys, resting on a tall stone base. This layout gives the building a monumental yet balanced character, in keeping with the style of the other residences along the same street.

What is preserved inside?

The interiors of Hôtel Sklins retain a rich decorative scheme from the period. They include paintings by Henri Deprez, along with stucco work, woodwork and fireplaces that reflect the refinement of daily life among Liège's elite in the 18th century. Together with the facade, these interior features make the building one of the more valuable surviving examples of residential architecture in old Liège.

What is the history of the family linked to the building?

The name Hôtel de Grady refers to the Grady family, who were originally tanners settled in the Outremeuse district. The family experienced a notable rise in social standing — Pierre-Henri de Grady (1643-1724) became a magistrate and knight of the Holy Roman Empire. The building's history therefore reflects a broader pattern in which wealthy bourgeois families gained titles and influence, partly by investing in representative residences of this kind.

What happened to the building later?

Over time, the property passed through several owners and was eventually expropriated by the City of Liège, which intended to house a museum there. That project never came to fruition. The building later served as the seat of the magistrate's office for public instruction, and afterwards, together with the neighbouring Hôtel de Stockhem, became home to Liège's well-regarded hotel school.

Is the building protected?

Hôtel de Grady was listed among Wallonia's protected heritage properties in 1941. This status confirms the historical and architectural value of the building as one of the best-preserved examples of a patrician residence on rue Hors-Château.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Hôtel Sklins located? On rue Hors-Château in the historic centre of Liège, among other 18th-century townhouses.

Where does the name Hôtel Sklins come from? The building is also known as Hôtel de Grady and Hôtel de Spirlet, names referring to families and individuals historically connected to it.

What is the building used for today? It houses Liège's hotel school, together with the adjoining Hôtel de Stockhem.

Can visitors see the interior? Since the building functions as an educational institution, access to the interior is limited, and it is not a standard tourist attraction open for visits.