Place Saint-Remacle

Surely since the 15th century there has been a market here, and the size of the square suggests that it was not unimportant. Approximately 20 of the 30 houses on this square date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Overall, it has been quite well preserved, and the fact that there are almost no modern shop windows gives us a picture of how the inhabitants of Stavelot looked at this place for centuries. They were all rebuilt, except for one, after the fire of 1689. Most consist of three levels in timber framing. You don’t notice much of that framing because in the second half of the 19th century the facades were altered, either plastered or covered with slate. One of them, at no. 17, is classified as a monument. Several houses are accessible via beautiful hard stone or slate steps a few steps high. Most roofs are covered with slates, sometimes in mansard style. One of the oldest buildings is the 'Maison de Susleau' at nos. 30-31. It was built in 1694 by Antoine de Susleau, a magistrate at the High Court of Stavelot. At that time, it was the only house built of brick. Later, it became a hotel with the sign 'la Cour de Londres'.

About six streets and alleys lead to this square. The aspect is also determined by the smooth cobblestones, the so-called 'galets', sourced from the bed of the Amblève.

On the corner with rue Général Jacques at number 17 stands probably the oldest house in Stavelot. A typical commemorative stone of the Ardennes Offensive stands against the facade, marking a place where the German advance was halted. A little further down this street you see one of the four city fountains that were donated to the city in 1777 by Prince-Bishop Jacques de Hubin.

Jan Rymenams