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Basilica of Saint Servatius, Maastricht
© Miguel Soutullo via Shutterstock
Category:Maastricht

Basilica of St. Servatius

The Basilica of Saint Servatius is a historical church dedicated to Saint Servatius, an Armenian missionary who died and was buried in Maastricht in 384. The grave of the saint, as well as the many relics in the church treasury made the basilica a popular pilgrimage site. Heiligdomsvaart, is a pilgrimage tradition that occurs once in seven years and which started in the 14th century.

  • Discover the rich history of the site where Saint Servatius is buried.
  • Marvel at the basilica’s awe-inspiring hybrid architecture: a mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles.
  • Visit the Treasury where saints’ relics are displayed. And of course, don’t miss the greatest treasure of the basilica: the Noodkist, the shrine where the remains of Saint Servatius are encased.

Maastricht is filled with breathtaking churches, and even has two basilicas. The Basilica of St. Servatius (Basiliek van St. Servaas), which is located on the famous Vrijthof Square, is a Romanesque basilica with crypts and treasures. Pilgrims have traveled to Maastricht to visit the tomb of Saint Servatius for centuries.

  • A statue of an saint

The Legend of St. Servatius

The first stone churches in Maastricht were built after the arrival of Saint Servatius in the fourth century AD. After his death, Maastricht became a popular destination for pilgrims. According to the legend, Saint Servatius was the first bishop of Maastricht and a small chapel was build on the spot where he was buried. In the centuries that followed, this chapel grew into the St. Servatius Church.

The Treasury

The mortal remains of Servaas are kept in a box, which is on display in the Treasury of Saint Servatius Church. The skyline of Maastricht was (and still is) characterized by numerous towers of churches and monasteries, such as the Basilica of Our Lady, St. John's Church and the former Holy Cross Monastery.

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