Denis vis fêt radjoûr po l’ froumadje èt po l’ boûre
Meeting with Denis for the cheese and butter
With its collegiate church, fountain, trees and beautiful city mansion, Place Saint-Denis is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque squares in Liege, but also one of the least known. The collegiate church of Saint-Denis was founded at the end of the 10th century. It has never been completely changed over the centuries and consists of a mixture of architectural styles. It has the oldest roof structure in Liege, dating from the early 11th century, and a beautiful altarpiece from the 16th century. Across the street is the former Baar-Lecharlier mansion, built in the 16th century for Canon Jean Brictius.
A butter and cheese market was held in the square from 1835. The fountain in the centre of the square dates from the same period and is decorated with goat’s heads, perhaps as a nod to the market that once stood there. The stalls were probably filled with Herve cheese, of which there is no shortage, and ‘makêye’ (Walloon for fresh cheese). ‘Makêye’ is sometimes combined with ‘Liège syrup’ to make ‘stron d’poye’ (literally ‘chicken shit’, due to its two-coloured appearance). This popular mixture is usually served on a slice of ‘mèlé’ bread.