One of the seven collegiate churches of one of the oldest cities in stunning Wallonia is located in the picturesque St. Bartholomew's Square in the very center of Liege. Among the oldest churches in the city, the Church of St. Bartholomew was founded and consecrated in honor of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ at the beginning of the 11th century. The following construction of the outstanding example of Meuse Romanesque temple architecture, made of local sandstone, lasted for more than 150 years.
The original colorful temple underwent many reconstructions. In the 18th century, the building was adorned with decorative elements in the popular French Baroque style, then – in the neoclassical style. The two slender bell towers on the west side of the church got their final look during a total reconstruction in 1876. The church walls were renovated during the last restoration at the beginning of the 21st century: about 10 thousand stones were replaced with more durable ones. As a result, the church began to sparkle with new colors.
The interior decoration of this Catholic shrine deserves special attention. It includes many authentic works of art like majestic stone statues of saints and priceless paintings (for example, the famous paintings "The Crucifixion" by Englebert Fisen and "Praise to the Holy Cross" by Bertholet Flemalle). Moreover, there is an ancient medieval organ. You can listen to its wondrous sounds on Sunday and during festive mass.
The hallmark of the Church of St. Bartholomew is its main relic, the unique baptismal font, dating from the beginning of the 12th century. It was made of brass by the talented Meuse sculptor, Renier de Huy. The legendary baptismal pool is decorated with images of the biblical scene of the Baptism of Jesus Christ and figures of ten bulls. Initially, the pool was supported by 12 bulls, symbolizing the 12 holy apostles. Unfortunately, only ten of them have remained. This famous baptismal font, a true masterpiece of art, is often called one of the "seven wonders of Belgium."