Basilica of Our Lady

The Basilica of Our Lady, Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek in Dutch, is one of the oldest and most atmospheric churches in Maastricht, and it stands on the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein in the Stokstraat quarter, a district of narrow streets, small shops and restaurants. The building is a fortress-like Romanesque church, with thick walls of local stone, rounded arches and a massive westwork, the tower-like front that is typical of the style. The square in front of it is a lively place with cafes, and the contrast between the quiet interior and the busy square is part of the charm.

The site has a very long history. It is believed that there was a place of worship here from late Roman or early medieval times, and the church is built on the foundations of the Roman fort that once guarded the crossing of the Maas, the origin of Maastricht. Parts of Roman masonry can still be seen at the base of the building, and the oldest parts of the present structure date from the eleventh and twelfth centuries, with later additions in the Gothic style. The church has been a centre of devotion for centuries, and it was a collegiate church, run by a community of canons, until the French Revolution.

Inside, the atmosphere is dim, hushed and heavy with age. The thick pillars, the rounded arches and the small windows create a very different feeling from the soaring Gothic cathedrals found elsewhere, and the sense of solidity is striking. The best known object is the statue of Mary known as the Star of the Sea, Sterre der Zee, a medieval image that is a focus of pilgrimage and a symbol of the city's devotion, and candles burn in front of it throughout the day. The church also has a treasury with religious art, relics and liturgical objects, and a cloister with a quiet courtyard.

The basilica is usually open daily during the day, and entry to the church is free, though donations are welcomed and the treasury may charge a small fee. It remains an active place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly and keep quiet during services. The nearby Basilica of Saint Servatius, with its own famous treasury, makes a natural pair, and the Treasures of Saint Servatius, the Bonnefanten Museum, the bridges over the Maas and Fort Sint Pieter are all within reach.

The basilica suits history lovers, architecture fans, pilgrims and anyone who wants a calm break from sightseeing. Allow thirty to forty-five minutes, and combine it with a walk through the Stokstraat quarter.