The basilica looks more like a fortified castle than like a church with its loopholes and his big walls. This building is built in marlstone and the westside was constructed before the year 1000.

The church is built in 2 different styles, one part is roman style and that is regarded as one of the most beautiful romanesque churches in the Netherlands. The typical marks for the roman style are the arched windows and the solid construction of the building.

The chapel at the left is built in gothic style, you see that part has more decoration, you see the stained glass and the tapering windows.

What you will notice inside the church is that it is very dark and that is because there are only few windows. There is a dark limestone floor and it is also very nice. You will see that there are many big pillars seperated in 2 columns. The most remarkable feature is the 12th century Romanesque choir and when the light is on you see that there is a painting of God surrounded by angels in the dome.

This church has also a Treasure house with copes, reliquaries, church silver and the bust of a bishop Saint Lambertus of Maastricht.

Trajectum ad Mosam, Trajectum Superius, Urbs Trajectensis, Trega, Trectis, Tricht, Treeg.

Maastricht arose from a Roman settlement, that in the 3th century was fortified by a castellum. After the migration of lots of people, Maastricht became the first most important settlement in the Netherlands; at the end of te 4th century Saint-Servatius transfered the bishop’s beginning of the 8th century this was transfered to Luik. The city, that had been bought by the Duke of Brabant was dispensed in 1283 under the undivided sovereignty of the Princebishop from Luik and the Duke of Brabant.

These hero powerful men reigned till the French Revolution; in 1632 the States-General stepped in the law of Brabant.

In 1673, 1746 and 1794 Maastricht was conquered by the French. From 1795 till 1814 it was the capital of the department of the Nedermaas. In 1830 general Dibbetz prevented that the city would join te Belgium Revolt.

With the border arrangement of 1839 Maastricht remained the capital of the divided province Limburg.

What is worth seeing and how to get there

First there is the town hall. Afterwards you can go via the Muntsraat to the Dinghuis were the Tourist office is.

Via the Kleine straat and the M.Brugstraat you arrive at the Saint-Servatius-castle were you can also see the Maas. Then you go back via the Kesselskade through the Eikelstraat to the Stockstraat. There you can see the main fronts.

After that via the Stockstraat to the right at the OLV-square, there you can see the beautiful church. Then you can go via the square to the Graanmarkt, then to the right to the OLV-bank; you can see the residenceworks. Then turn to the right in the Begijnstraat, then Lang Grachtje, Klein Grachtje. Via the Vervehoek you can get to the Lenculenstraat where you turn to the right and so you arrive in the Bouillonstraat and finally via the St. Servatius Cloister to the St. Servatius Basilica.

Enjoy the sightseeing!