Hodister: Monument, Church and Art

Hodister offers several tangible traces of its culture: a monument commemorating soldiers and the liberation of surrounding villages, the Eglise Saint-Brice, the Puits d’Hodister, decorated with wrought iron, and the artistic history of sculptor Jean-Marie Collet. These themes lead from remembrance of the Second World War through architectural history to an artistic idea intended to spark conversations. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you could start by considering which of these perspectives will give your trip the strongest character.

Remembrance, Church and Village History

The Monument to the 5th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in Hodister commemorates the soldiers of the 5th Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, who helped liberate the surrounding villages. The unit’s precise name gives this commemoration a specific historical context. Alongside this military remembrance, the Eglise Saint-Brice offers a different perspective: its architectural history can be understood through its materials and the different dates associated with it.

The Eglise Saint-Brice de Hodister was built towards the end of the 17th century from sandstone from a quarry and bluestone; its tower dates from 1870. The two dates reveal different stages of construction: the church and tower do not share the same date. The stones used also give the building a distinctive architectural character. Those interested in historic architecture can consider the construction date, later addition and materials together.

Another landmark is the Puits d’Hodister on Rue Saint-Brice. It stands just before the former school, in the direction of Quatre Bras de Gênes, and is decorated with a wrought-iron grille. The road and former school help with orientation, while the grille also makes the well recognizable as a designed feature.

The Art of Jean-Marie Collet

The Les Pins Siamois walking trail passes the home of sculptor Jean-Marie Collet, the Maison Don Quichotte. Collet, from Hodister (Rendeux), created metal sculptures and bizarre sculptures in which he gave discarded materials a second life in a surreal way. A 2009 profile describes the purpose of his Don Quixote sculptures: they were intended to spark conversations and bring people closer together. Unusual materials and a concern for human connection thus stand side by side. This artistic connection differs from the architectural and military history in its focus on design and encounters.

Walking Trail to the Saint-Thibaut Hermitage

The walking trail to the Saint-Thibaut Hermitage winds through the hills of La Famenne and offers beautiful views over the Ourthe Valley, particularly in the second half. If you are prioritizing landscape views in your plans, this later section is a useful point of reference. The chapel and hermitage of Saint-Thibaut are often open on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 15:30 outside winter; opening times may vary depending on volunteer availability. Check your visit date in advance.

A Holiday Rental to Suit Your Travel Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Hodister, you could start by considering your travel group’s interests: should history, architecture or Collet’s art take centre stage?

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bastnach, Bertogne, Soy, Roy, Manhay, Feitweiler, Marche-En-Famenne, Chiny.

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