Fontaine de La Place du Marche et le Perron, Liege
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Place du Marche Perron LiègeLiege, Belgium is a city steeped in a lot of history, and none more fascinating than the story behind the monument the Perron in Place du Marche. The Perron is the very essence of Liege and its freedom. The story goes the original Perron was destroyed by Charles the Bold of Burgundy. In what must have caused a family tiff, Mary of Burgundy (his daughter) had it rebuilt. The Perron you see today was created in 1697 by Jean Delcour. A striking monument, look closely at the octagonal fountain with arcades in which a column (carried by four lions) supports the Three Graces carrying a pinecone.
Perhaps a more apt description of this striking fountain would be to mention a stone column on a three step pedestal with angles resting on lying lions. The Three Graces actually not only carry a pinecone, but a cross as well. The importance of this symbol cannot be underestimated in the fabric of Liege. The Perron was the symbol of the justice of the Prince-Bishop of Liege. It is represented on the armorials and was once on the coins of the Prince Bishopric of Liege. Very simply, the Perron means freedom to the people of Liege."
