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Vieux pont de Malmédy qui enjambe La Warche.
The name "Malmedy" come from the phrase "a malo mundarum" which meant "to purify the place of evil." The city was founded in 648 by Saint Remacle, prior of the Abbey of Solignac. It grows in 648 around the Benedictine monastery built by Saint Remacle. Between its founding and 1794, the history of Malmedy merges with that of the Principality abbey of Stavelot-Malmedy it is one of the two poles.

For 1146 years, Malmedy and Stavelot form the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy to the head of which 77 succeeded Prince Abbot of the Holy Empire and Counts Logne. However, from the 11th century rivalries stand between the two cities, the abbey of Malmedy supporting evil supremacy imposed that of Stavelot. From the 16th century, Malmedy sees several industries to develop on its soil: drapery, tannery industry and gunpowder.

In the 17th century, Malmedy and Stavelot are centers of the largest tanneries in Europe. At that time, other industries are also known to Malmedy: cotton mill, factory chess, dominos, gingerbread and especially stationery that will make the fortune of Malmedy.

Despite its neutral status and protection of the prince-abbots, Malmedy is invaded at least fifty times by passing troops, whose depredations have been disastrous for the people ... The city was burned down in 1689 on the orders of Nicolas Catinat, General Louis XIV.

In 1795, after the spread of the French Revolution and territorial conquests of France, the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy disappears and its territories were annexed to France. Malmedy becomes sub-prefecture of the department of Ourte, capital of the 2nd district of the municipal Ourte, seat of a Court of First Instance and extends its jurisdiction, including the towns of Verviers and Spa. It will retain that status until the end of the Napoleonic period.