Saint-Roch Church (Listed Building)
Established on a mound along the main road, the Saint-Roch church occupies a privileged position in the village. Its imposing silhouette stands out in the landscape and is fully rooted in the village fabric. Beyond this initial perception, a graceful unity emanates from its brick and limestone blocks.
Mentioned for the first time in 1086, the church was rebuilt from 1703 to 1725 ten years after it was destriyed by an earthquake, only the ancient tower withstood the catastrophe.
This constrast is clearly visible today, the length and size of the nave seems to dwarve the tower. The ancient cemetary stil surrounds the church, and is lined ancient toombstones.
In practice
Eglise Saint-Roch
32 Soiron-centre
4861 Soiron
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Soiron
Refuge set in orchards and pastures, separated alternately by hedges and groves, Soiron underlines the valley of the Bola creek.
Province : Liège
Commune : Pepinster
No street names here to guide you ; just places that reveal a traditional habitat of the 17th and 18th centuries , combining brick, sandstone and limestone. The center is dominated by the Church of St. Roch , quite disproportionate to the place... Having acquired the main altar of the Cistercian Abbey of Boneffe, the size of the church was a given!
The local noble family, owner of the village and lands did not stop there. Two castles state their presence: the original family home on the highpoint of the village was rebuilt in 1723in classical Louis XV style, and the Sclassin castle dating back to 1587 is set amidst the fields a few miles away.
Crosses, shrines, and an old brewery further contribute to the picturesque quality of the village. Now a bakery, a peculiar building will attact your attention. Drilled 160 holes, this "dryer" is a testimony of a bygone activity: the Dipsacus sylvestris was prepared here to card wool.
© Photography: 2 Christian Collet / 6 Gérard Michel / 15 Gaëlle Libert / 4-5,8-9,12-14 Mark Rossignol / 1,3,7 François Delfosse / 10 PBVW