The impressive medieval Basilica of Our Lady (Dutch: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek) is a Romanesque church in the historic center of Maastricht and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The church was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius XI on 20 February 1933.
Though there is no archeological evidence remaining, there was probably a church on the site long before the current basilica was built. The basilica sits inside and ancient Roman Castrum (a military defensive position) and near an ancient religious shrine dedicated to Jupiter.
Though there is no archeological evidence remaining, there was probably a church on the site long before the current basilica was built. The basilica sits inside and ancient Roman Castrum (a military defensive position) and near an ancient religious shrine dedicated to Jupiter.
Construction of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek began around the year 1000 and the oldest part of the basilica is the towering west façade (called westworks) with its turrets. Some spolia (re-used building materials from earlier structures) probably from the former Roman Castrum were used on the lower parts of the westwork.
The nave and transept followed shortly after the construction of the tower facade along with a crypt. The clergy lived in a communal style within cloisters until around 1200 when cannon’s houses were built nearby.
photo above by Kleon 3 via Wikimedia Commons
A 13th-century gothic portal, rebuilt in the 15th century, provides access to the church as well as to the Mérode chapel (also called the Star of the Sea chapel)
photo above via Wikimedia Commons
In the 12th century, a choir and chancel (the space around the high Altar in the east end of a traditional Christian church building) was built over the crypt. Eventually, the basilica ended up with two choirs and two crypts when the second crypt was added in the 13th century.
In the 13th century the nave also received graceful Gothic vaults and in the 16th century, new cloisters were built in the Late Gothic style, replacing the original cloisters.
Unfortunately, during the French Revolution, the town's religious institutions were dissolved in 1798 and many of the church treasures were lost. The church and cloisters were used as a blacksmith shop and stables by the military garrison. This continued until 1837 when the church was restored to religious practice.
Unfortunately, during the French Revolution, the town's religious institutions were dissolved in 1798 and many of the church treasures were lost. The church and cloisters were used as a blacksmith shop and stables by the military garrison. This continued until 1837 when the church was restored to religious practice.
photo above by Kleon 3 via Wikimedia Commons
The basilica interior sustained many changes through the turbulent centuries fortunately, much of the Romanesque interior was restored due to the efforts of the 19th century architect Pierre Cuypers.
Since most of the medieval furnishings were lost after the French Revolution, the current Baroque altars and furnishings were taken from former churches during the restoration of the basilica. All the stained glass is from the 19th and 20th century.
Since most of the medieval furnishings were lost after the French Revolution, the current Baroque altars and furnishings were taken from former churches during the restoration of the basilica. All the stained glass is from the 19th and 20th century.
The large pipe organ was built in 1652 by André Severin.
The highlight of a visit to The Basilica of Our Lady, is the Mérode Chapel where the 15th century statue of Our Lady, Star of the Sea is located. This statue was originally made for a Franciscan monastery and was moved from the parish church of St. Nicholas to the church of Our Lady in 1837.
In 1903 it was placed in the Gothic chapel near the main entrance where it remains today and where it is visited daily by hundreds of worshipers. The statue is paraded through the streets of Maastricht during religious holidays.
In 1903 it was placed in the Gothic chapel near the main entrance where it remains today and where it is visited daily by hundreds of worshipers. The statue is paraded through the streets of Maastricht during religious holidays.
This beautifully restored Romanesque basilica has the amazing effect of transporting you into the same original, dark, mystical atmosphere that must have impressed, awed, and inspired humble parishioners centuries ago. We certainly felt its impact.
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