Romantic charm
The distinctive profile of the collegiate church shapes the Meuse landscape. In the 19th century, the valley attracted artists and holidaymakers in search of the picturesque. The onion dome delighted the many painters and draughtsmen. These travelling artists, Belgians and many Britons, sketched the rural charms of the banks of the Meuse.
The romantic mood of the scenes is enhanced by groups of washerwomen, a horse-drawn carriage, a shepherd tending his flock or a few boats sailing on a river not yet canalised. In this enchanting landscape, the onion dome occupies a central place. Its unusual form gives the scene an originality and picturesque quality likely to appeal to urban visitors.
But the unusual bell tower did not please everyone. Among the sceptics was Victor Hugo, passing through the valley in 1838, who did not hesitate to call the astonishing structure an immense water jug.