Church of St. Dionysius |
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was founded in 987, during the reign of the famous Bishop Notger (972-1008). Three brothers, canons of St., contributed to its creation. Lambert: Jean, Godescalc and Nithard.
Dating from the 10th century, the nave and part of the transept are magnificent examples of the Romanesque style. The western part of the church dates from the 10th-12th centuries. The Gothic choir was rebuilt at the end of the 14th century. |
In the 17th century, the interior of the church underwent a radical modernization. Baroque and Rococo furniture and decorations were introduced. After the French Revolution (1797), the Church of Saint Denis lost a significant part of its treasury. It became a parish church again in 1801, after the signing of the Concordat between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII. In 1987, the temple underwent a thorough renovation.
Treasures of sacred art
The interior of the church houses several magnificent works of art. Particular attention is paid to the 16th-century, carved wood retable (altarpiece) at the end of the southern nave. Its upper part, consisting of six Gothic panels, depicts the charismatic Passion of Christ. The lower section presents episodes from the life of Saint Dionysius.
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 Child, is the work of Robert Verburg (1654-1720). The second is the figure of Saint. Dionysius, 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 Child, is the work of Robert Verburg (1654-1720). The second is the figure of Saint. Dionysius, by Cornelis van der Veken (1665-1742).
The pulpit, coming from the no longer existing church of St. Ursula, is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of the sculptors from Liege. It was carved in 1740 by Gerard Van der Planck (1692-1750). The magnificent organ dates back to 1589.
The eagle-shaped lectern perfectly reflects the dynamism of the Baroque style from the end of the 17th century. Among the many sculptures in the church, the most noteworthy are the sculptures of Saint Trudon from the end of the 15th century, Christ on the Cross (17th century), and two magnificent sculptures from 1754 by Guillaume Evrard, representing Saint Gregory (the Pope) and Saint John of Nepomuk, the canon martyr of Prague.
The visit ends in the monastery, a very pious place, always lit by hundreds of candles. Here you can admire the statue of Christ. In 1936, the church was added to the list of historical monuments. It is also on the List of Great Heritage Sites of Wallonia. M crime writer Georges Simenon was baptized in 1903 in the church of Saint Dionysius, composer born in Liege André-Modeste Grétry , whose father was a musician in the collegiate orchestra, learned the basics of music here.
The eagle-shaped lectern perfectly reflects the dynamism of the Baroque style from the end of the 17th century. Among the many sculptures in the church, the most noteworthy are the sculptures of Saint Trudon from the end of the 15th century, Christ on the Cross (17th century), and two magnificent sculptures from 1754 by Guillaume Evrard, representing Saint Gregory (the Pope) and Saint John of Nepomuk, the canon martyr of Prague.
The visit ends in the monastery, a very pious place, always lit by hundreds of candles. Here you can admire the statue of Christ. In 1936, the church was added to the list of historical monuments. It is also on the List of Great Heritage Sites of Wallonia. M crime writer Georges Simenon was baptized in 1903 in the church of Saint Dionysius, composer born in Liege André-Modeste Grétry , whose father was a musician in the collegiate orchestra, learned the basics of music here.
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Address:
Place Saint-Denis 4000 Liège |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 10.00-17.00 |
Fare:
Free admission |