Collegiate Church of Saint Bartholomew

Old, Romanesque church with German-looking exterior. The interior is a bit white-washed; stripped of it's ornaments and many colours. The main "star" of this church is undoubtably the enigmatic, exquisite 12th century copper font, a must-see if you are in Liege and have and affinity to church art and history.

This is a great example of how good restorative work can save ancient treasures. The beautiful church houses the famous bronze baptismal font. It is a rare medieval artefact that echoes its Roman past and predates the upcoming glory of the Renaissance. A short video is shown within the church documenting the church’s spectacular restoration and the story of the baptismal font.

You feel welcome when you enter this church. A small entrance fee is needed. But you get a hand-out in your language. I didn't read it because there is a lot to see. But make sure to watch the nice short video. The staff started it in Dutch, just for me! The baptismal font is very impressive. It is created with the lost wax method casting method. It is a very old method but it needs an enormous craftsmanship. The size , the sculpture and the openness proves that the make was a master in this craft. It is supposed to be from about 1107, but I personally think it could be much older. because it's very classical appearance.

Nice lady’s at the reception, they also played a video explaining the church history in English. Quite nice the restoration work they had here, it look amazing inside.

I pass this church on the way to Musee Curtuis. One of the original seven collegiate churches of Liège, it an interesting example of Ottonian architecture and very photogenic with it's red boundary lines.

Kind staff at the entrance. Beautiful church.

Pretty and nicely restored. One of the highlights of the city.

How they rebuilt it from literal dilapidating ruins into such a beauty - it still amazes me. The stained glass is stunning. What I liked the most was the epic story of christening the Jewish and the pagan world told on that huge medieval vessel. Worth the entry fee along with the short video.