Hézelon de Liège

Hézelon de Liège (also Etzelo; floruit second half of the 11th century – first half of the 12th century) was a church official and architect, who at Cluny Abbey oversaw the construction of the abbey church begun in 1088.

He came from an aristocratic background and probably received a formal education, in addition to being trained well enough in mathematics and technical skills to be able to work as an architect.

He is mentioned by Peter the Venerable, who in a letter to Prince-Bishop Albero I of Louvain calls him by the Latin title magister, indicating a certain level of formal education.

He may have embraced Benedictine observance while in Liège, and in the city also clearly achieved training in mathematics and technical skills which enabled him to work as an architect.

Hildebert de Lavardin further mentions that Hézelon wrote a text on the life of Saint Hugh of Cluny, further indication of a certain level of education.

Reconstruction of the now vanished church ( Cluny III [ fr ] ) of Cluny Abbey for which Hézelon was the architect.