Saint-Barthélemy Collegiate Church

collegiate church

This old collegiate church founded between 1010 and 1015 outside the city walls is a typical example of Rhenish/Maasland architecture. It is built of coal sandstone from the end of the 11th century (choir) to the last decades of the 12th century. Remarkable Liège Baroque furniture. The interior of the west building, which is special because of its stands, has partly regained its original appearance. the rest of the building has a remarkable Baroque decoration.



baptism

The church of Saint-Barthélemy contains one of the worldwide masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture. It is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Belgium”. It is a brass baptismal font (1107-1118) of Notre-Dame-aux Fonts, the city's former baptistery. This church, which was then added to the cathedral of Saint-Lambert, was demolished together with the cathedral at the end of the 18th century.

Built from coal sandstone in the 11th and 12th centuries. The finest example of Romanesque architecture in Liège. The baptismal font is a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith art.

The predecessor church of the Collegiate Church of Saint Bartholomew was consecrated in 1015 (visible remains under the glass panels). Between 1040/50 and 1182, a larger building gradually replaced the first collegiate church. It was built in the style of the great German Romanesque churches in the region between the Rhine and the Meuse, characterized by the imposing western building with two elegant bell towers and the multi-colored facades. The building reminds me a little of the Limburg Cathedral on the Lahn.
The so-called baptismal font of Saint-Barthélemy is one of the seven wonders of Belgium and deserves to be in such good company in many ways. This early Romanesque work is the result of incredible technological mastery, but also a wonderful source of aesthetic emotions for its visitors. In addition, this extraordinary splendor is surrounded by mystery: an unknown author, an obvious Byzantine influence, missing coins and much more.
Source: st-barthelemy.be/de/accueil-deutsch