This Romanesque church was built in sandstone. This chapter church is a good example for Mosane Romanseque style. it was built outside the city walls. The founder was Godescalc de Morialmé. In 1015, the chruch was inaugurated by Prins-Bishop Balderic II (Notger's successor).

Probably, the choir was built in the first half of the 11th century. The transept must have been built around 1100. The crypt disappeared at the end of the 18th of the beginning of the 19th century. The nave would rmain from the 12th century. The western block was built in 1170-1180.

The central aisle is supported by an alteration of square and roundpillars, like done more in the area of the Rhine. The exteriour gable was richly decorated by saving niches under rounded arches and arched corbel courses. The windows are window with round arches.

The two square western towers uppon the western block have 2 layers windows with rounded arches with dividing columns. The walls of the towers end on triangles with frontons. The neo-classicist porch in the western block is a (in our eyes sad) addition done in 1782.

Inside the western block, 2 galleries give to the nave via 3 window openings with dividing columns.

We are wondering whether the painting, done around 2005, is based upon real historical knowledge. Anyway, it attracts the attention towards the constructive elements of this very old building. The interior is being redecorated towards the original situation.

Inside the church, you find several interesting pieces of art. We name the 'Glory of the Holy Cross' by Bertholet Flémalle from the 17th century.

But most attention goes towards the 12th century baptismal font, often attributed to Renier de Huy. originally, this was standing in the now disappeared Notre-Dame-aux-Fonts church. After being hidden to avoid distruction during the French Revolution, it came to the Saint-Bartholomeus' church in 1804. The tub is carried by 10 oxes (originally, there were 12...). On the tub, there are scenes from baptisms. This baptismal font is considered as 1 of the 7 most marvellous pieces of art in Belgium!

For some more info, in French only, see St-Barthelémy.

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