Basilica of Sint-Servas is the oldest church in Holland, which was built over the tomb of Saint Servas in the city of Maastricht.
Saint Servas was the first bishop under whose jurisdiction these lands fell. He arrived in Maastricht back in 380, while the church dedicated to him was first built only in the 10th century. Then it was just a majestic structure in the form of a stone cross, but later the structure was expanded. This happened in the 14-15th centuries, when the southern portal was built, as well as the entrance to the covered arcade, decorated with amazing engravings and exquisite statues.
The magnificent interior decoration is designed in the Romanesque style, although the latest restorations have removed the previous glitter and gave the new basilica a calm wisdom, special restraint, focusing on very simple, but no less beautiful vaults and arches.
This church houses a large statue of the Emperor of the West, Charlemagne, as well as a tomb containing the relics of Saint Servas.
Years passed, and people continued to bring gifts to the holy bishop. Nowadays, a huge collection has accumulated, which is now kept in the treasury of the temple. Among the offerings, you will be able to see objects of amazing beauty. Some of the most impressive in this collection are the special tombs of Saints Servas and Thomas, which are called "cancer". They are made of pure gold as early as the 12th century by local goldsmiths.
Another asset of this church is the largest Dutch bell. It is located in one of the towers of the western wall of the Sint-Servas Basilica and is one of the main symbols of the city of Maastricht.
In the summertime, live music is played every day in the Basilica of Saint Servas, as a rule, these concerts begin at half past nine and last about an hour.
