CINEY COLLEGE

The College of Ciney, although much older, dates back to the middle of the 19 th century. The foundation of the tower, which was subsequently surmounted by a steeple, would have been erected around the 14 th century, which suggests that several successive buildings were built at the site of the current college dedicated to the origin of the Virgin Mary and today devoted to Saint-Nicolas. The College has a legend in which Saint-Materne held the first role. The latter responded to the Lord of Ciney's call and, on the other hand, brought back to life five children who had perished in the marshes, below the city. In 1928, a crypt was established under the foundations of the current college. Backfilled in the 17 th century, it was almost no doubt used as a church some centuries ago. It is now classified by the Monuments and Sites Commission. As for the tower, it would appear that, before being overcome by this bell, she could serve as a defensive tower and perhaps even a dungeon at the time of Queen Brunehaut. Inside, there are some elements of interest, such as the baptismal font of the 12 th century, the Virgin and Saint-Joseph, works by Delcourt, the "Assumption" due to Bertholet de Flémalle or the Chapel of Rosary, remnant of the former college. The College suffered significant damage during the storm of 14 July 2010. Its steeple has been completely destroyed and its rehabilitation is likely to last a few years.