Church of Saint Denis |
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founded in 987, during the reign of the famous Bishop of Notger (972-1008). Three brothers, canons of St. Lambert: Jean, Godescalc, and Nithard.
The main nave and part of the transept, dating from the 10th century, are excellent examples of the Romanesque style. The western part of the church is from the 12th-12th centuries. The Gothic choir was rebuilt at the end of the 14th century. |
In the 17th century a radical modernization of the interior of the church took place. Baroque and Rococo furniture and decorations were introduced. After the French Revolution (1797), the Church of Saint Denis lost much of its treasury. It became a parish church again in 1801 after the Concordat was signed between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII. In 1987, the temple was thoroughly renovated.
Treasures of sacred art
The interior of the church hides some great works of art. Particular attention should be paid to the 16th-century, carved in wood, retable (altar setting) at the end of the southern aisle. Its upper part, consisting of six Gothic quarters, represents the charismatic passion of Christ. The lower section is episodes from the life of Saint Denis.
The main altar from 1747 was made of marble and wood. It is surrounded by two statues made of white marble. The first, depicting the Virgin and the Child, is the work of Robert Verburg (1654-1720). The second is the figure of St. Denis, by Cornelis van der Veken (1665-1742).
The main altar from 1747 was made of marble and wood. It is surrounded by two statues made of white marble. The first, depicting the Virgin and the Child, is the work of Robert Verburg (1654-1720). The second is the figure of St. Denis, by Cornelis van der Veken (1665-1742).
Pulpit, coming from the no longer existing church of St. Ursula is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of sculptors from Liege. In 1740 it was sculpted by Gerard Van der Planck (1692-1750). The great organ comes from 1589.
The eagle-shaped lectern perfectly shows the dynamism of the Baroque from the end of the 17th century. Among the many sculptures in the church, one should mention, first of all, the sculptures of Saint Trudo from the end of the 15th century, Christ on the Cross (17th), and two wonderful sculptures from 1754 by Guillaume Evrard, depicting Saint Gregory (Pope) and Saint John of Nepomuk, canon the martyr of Prague.
The visit ends in a monastery, a very pious place that is always lit by hundreds of candles. You can admire a statue of Christ here. In 1936 the church was entered on the list of monuments. It is also on the List of the Great Heritage of Wallonia. In 1903 the master of crime novels Georges Simenon was baptized in the church of Saint Denis, and in Liege-born composer André-Modeste Grétry whose father was a musician in the collegiate orchestra, studied the basics of music here.
The eagle-shaped lectern perfectly shows the dynamism of the Baroque from the end of the 17th century. Among the many sculptures in the church, one should mention, first of all, the sculptures of Saint Trudo from the end of the 15th century, Christ on the Cross (17th), and two wonderful sculptures from 1754 by Guillaume Evrard, depicting Saint Gregory (Pope) and Saint John of Nepomuk, canon the martyr of Prague.
The visit ends in a monastery, a very pious place that is always lit by hundreds of candles. You can admire a statue of Christ here. In 1936 the church was entered on the list of monuments. It is also on the List of the Great Heritage of Wallonia. In 1903 the master of crime novels Georges Simenon was baptized in the church of Saint Denis, and in Liege-born composer André-Modeste Grétry whose father was a musician in the collegiate orchestra, studied the basics of music here.
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Address:
Place Saint-Denis 4000 Liege |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: {} {0 1} |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |