Collégiale Saint-Barthélemy (Saint Bartholomew’s collegiate church)

Collegiate church

Founded in 1015 by Baldéric II, the current collegiate church was built between the end of the 11th century and the 12th century. Although it has undergone several transformations since that time, the collegiate church has retained the Romanesque style of the era. It was entirely painted during the most recent restorations and its colour is inspired by those of German churches built in the same period. 

Following considerable transformations in the 18th century, the interior has retained many traces of these changes, including an impressive high altar. The collegiate church is, however, internationally renowned for another gem: its baptismal font.

The baptismal font

Rightly considered as a masterpiece, the baptismal font dates back to the start of the 12th century and comes from the church of Notre-Dame-aux-Fonts. Following its disappearance and also the destruction of the Notre-Dame et Saint-Lambert Cathedral, it was installed in the church of Saint Bartholomew. 

Made out of brass using the lost wax method, this masterpiece is exceptional in many ways. The high quality of the reliefs is especially visible in the care taken with the depiction of the figures’ clothes. Logically, the different scenes that decorate the exterior reflect baptisms.