Description
St Servaaskerk (R.C.), a Romanesque cruciform basilica, is the oldest church in the Netherlands, originally built in the sixth century over the grave of St Servatius, first bishop of Maastricht. The oldest part of the present church dates from the year 1000. The aisled nave was built first, followed by the transepts, the choir and new crypts. The porch at the west end is thought to be Carolingian. The west crypt and the transepts date from the early 11th century, the new east crypt under the crossing, the east choir and the towers over the choir from 1171. Around 1087 St Servaaskerk was given the status of an imperial church and became the seat of the imperial chancellery. An imperial throne was set up in the west choir as the emblem of secular power.
Hobbies & Activities category: Architecture - Romanesque;  Christian sites
Attractions within St Servaaskerk

Crypt in St Servaaskerk

In the older crypt is the tomb of Charles of Lorraine. At the west end of the nave is a statue of Charlemagne (1843), with the remains of a 12th century altar of the Virgin on its base. In the
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Imperial Hall

On the upper floor of the west choir are the famous Keizerzaal (Imperial Hall; 1165-77) and the Imperial Gallery. During the 13th century work continued at this end of the church but was not
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Restoration of St Servaaskerk

During restoration work directed by P. J. H. Cuypers in 1869 St Servaaskerk underwent considerable alteration in accordance with the taste of the time; the Baroque tower over the west choir was
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Treasures of St Servaaskerk

The church has a rich treasury containing a variety of sacred objects, pictures, statues and above all the Late Romanesque chest reliquary which houses the remains of St Servatius (d. 384). This
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Do-It-Yourself Tours
Hours
December 1 to March 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Closed16:0016:0016:0016:0016:0016:0016:00
April 1 to June 30
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Closed17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
July 1 to August 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Closed18:0018:0018:0018:0018:0018:0018:00
September 1 to November 30
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Closed17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
Cost
AdultAdmission Cost
All values are in local currency (Guilder).
Attractions Near St Servaaskerk, Maastricht