Basilica of Our Lady image

Basilica of Our Lady

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church Basilica

One of the Top rated Tourist attractions in Maastricht


Address

Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 7, 6211 HD Maastricht, Netherlands

Website

www.sterre-der-zee.nl

Contact

+31 43 321 3854

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (44) beautiful (18) Maastricht (18) visit (14) dark (14) basilica (14) kerk (14) Beautiful (13) city (7) nice (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Anas amir el i. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful and peaceful place ! The scent inside is something that will last long in my memory
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucas K. 2 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed my visit to this church, mainly because of the dark and a bit creepy atmosphere. It made it a bit original compared to many other churches. Don’t misunderstand me, the church inside is beautiful, but I felt like I went back in time because of the atmosphere. The entrance was free and not too much people was in there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John N. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing Beautiful Church with old-world charm. The craftsmanship and detail of the architecture is true to the period and a sight to see, the shrine to the blessed mother is moving and left me without words.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew E. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful old basilica, projected in low light with abundant stained glass windows, statuary and architectural details. You can feel a certain gravity when you enter that sets a somber mood. I felt strong emotional pulls from the shrine to the Virgin as well as a carved wooden statue of Mary holding Jesus after he died on the cross. Be quiet, respectful and humble and enjoy the history and gravitas. Highly recommended!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Smooth old stone romanesque basilica has very eerie feeling when you come from sunny day...dark medieval chilling air will makes you feel humble under those higher ceilings made in 11th centuries ago....striking simplicity yet made you wonder about its purpose in time....
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G.J. van den T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful, old church on the beautiful Onze Lieve Vrouwe Square. (Original) Prachtige, oude kerk aan het mooie Onze Lieve Vrouwe Plein.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ishita M. 9 months ago on Google
    According to some people this is the oldest church in Netherlands. Definitely worth to visit such a historic place. Free entry. Highly recommended to visit if you are in Maastricht. It’s situated in the heart of city centre.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashutosh V. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it, very spiritual place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 arvin p. 1 year ago on Google
    Serene place. Called as "Star of the Sea". Dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Margo S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A really beautiful church! You really know how old the church is! And I also love that dark: it really gives a nice, pleasant, calm atmosphere! (Original) Echt een prachtige kerk! Je zit echt hoe oud de kerk is! En ik hou ook van dat donkere: dat geeft echt een mooie, fijne, rustige sfeer!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xandra M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In this ancient church I attended a special ritual: Our Lady of Heaven Assumption. This celebration dates back to pagan times, when the great Goddess was thanked for the harvest. The famous Madonna statue was taken from her shrine and carried around, followed by a procession of church officials, beautifully dressed. Candlelight creates Rembrandt-like shadows. There was also very beautiful mucisation. In the photo you can see the handing out of the 'herbal wis': a bunch of field herbs blessed with holy water. How mystical can be close ... (Original) In deze oeroude kerk woonde ik een bijzonder ritueel bij: Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemel Opneming. Deze viering gaat terug tot in heidense tijden, waarin de grote Godin bedankt werd voor de oogst. Het beroemde Madonnabeeld werd uit haar schrijn gehaald en rondgedragen, gevolgd door een stoet kerkfunctionarissen, prachtig gekleed. Kaarslicht zorgt voor Rembrandt-achtige schaduwen. Ook werd er heel erg mooi gemuciseerd. Op de foto zie je het uitdelen van de 'kruidenwis' : een met wijwater gezegend bosje veldkruiden. Wat kan mystiek toch dichtbij zijn...

  • 5/5 Lachlan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautifully kept church with simple construction and layout. In the heart of Maastricht so very simple to access. During my visit they were carrying out renovation of the plaques in the entrance area.

  • 5/5 Simone M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place, recommended !!!! (Original) Wunderschöner Ort, zu empfehlen!!!!

  • 5/5 Yousef A. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Mark de L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Hidden gem if you ask me. We walked by and went to have a look. Pleasantly surprised at the beauty of this basilica. (Original) Verborgen schat als je het mij vraagt. We liepen er langs en gingen even kijken. Blij verrast over de schoonheid van deze basiliek.

  • 5/5 RW J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Free entry and definitely worth at least a short visit! It's very dark inside, with only very weak illumination - but that's exactly what makes this basilica so attractive! The Basilica of Our Lady is a Catholic church in the center of Maastricht. Especially the extremely high westwork from the 1st century. is architecturally interesting and this attracts a lot of visitors. Already at the time of the Roman place, Castrum, is said to be in the 5th century. a church stood here. The church is so massive that it was the center of the city until the city walls and moats were built in 1229, and otherwise there was hardly any protection from intruders. From 1558 to 1559 a very beautiful late Gothic cloister was added. As an anecdote: During the French occupation in 1794, the church was temporarily used as a horse stable. It was not until 1933 that Pope Pius XI opened the church. appointed "Basilica minor". The historic organ is impressive, both in terms of sound and design. (Original) Eintritt frei und definitiv zumindest einen kurzen Besuch wert! Sie ist sehr dunkel drinnen, mit nur ganz schwacher Ausleuchtung – Genau das macht aber eine guten Teil des Reizes dieser Basilika aus! Die Liebfrauenbasilika ist eine katholische Kirche im Zentrum von Maastricht. Besonders das enorm hoch erbaute Westwerk aus dem 1. Jhdt. ist architektonisch interessant, und dieses zieht viele Besucher an. Bereits zu Zeiten des römischen Orts, Castrum, soll im 5. Jhdt. hier eine Kirche gestanden haben. Die Kirche ist so massiv gebaut, da sie bis zum Bau von Stadtmauer und Gräben in Jahr 1229 das Zentrum der Stadt war, und sonst kaum Schutz vor Eindringlingen bestand. 1558 bis 1559 wurde ein sehr schöner spätgotischer Kreuzgang angefügt. Als Anekdote: Während der französischen Besetzung 1794 wurde die Kirche zeitweilig als Pferdestall genutzt. Erst 1933 wurde die Kirche von Papst Pius XI. zur „Basilica minor“ ernannt. Die historische Orgel ist eindrucksvoll, sowohl vom Klang wie auch vom Design her.

  • 5/5 Anna-Eva 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) What an impressive church !! Incredibly beautiful. (Original) Wat een indrukwekkende kerk!! Waanzinnig mooi.

  • 5/5 J.F.TIRADOR 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful basilica (Original) Mooie basiliek

  • 5/5 Skip V. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful to see (Original) Erg mooi om te zien

  • 4/5 Marcel C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Had a nice lunch (if you can ignore the wasps and bit ....) (Original) Lekkere lunch gehad (als je de wespen en beetje kunt negeren....)

  • 5/5 Richard J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A great moment to take a break and reflect on your loved one. Candle (s) ok to light before they are no longer with you. (Original) Mooi moment om even de rust te nemen en stil te staan bij je dierbare. Kaarsje(s) ok te steken voor die niet meer bij je zijn.

  • 5/5 Rico van G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful Romanesque church that looks imposing, exactly what a church building is intended for (Original) Prachtige Romaanse kerk die er imposant uitziet, precies waar een kerkgebouw voor bedoeld is

  • 4/5 Luz Clarena C. 2 years ago on Google
    Impressive Basilica. Nice candles 🕯 area. A must place to be visited by believers and for pray. Powerful ambiance.

  • 5/5 çağdaş b. 2 years ago on Google
    The outside of the basilica is not so charming, however, the inside is quite the opposite, it has a fascinating ambience.

  • 5/5 Philip S. 2 years ago on Google
    In the old dark building, light comes from within. Visit especially when the organ is played during a concert. Although looking small, it has an immense sound in de deep octave.

  • 4/5 Robin I. 3 years ago on Google
    Until the 12th century, documentation on the Basilica of Our Lady is very limited, as the church's archives were lost in French times. It is generally believed that the present church had at least one pastor, probably several. The first of these could have been the oldest church in Maastricht - and therefore in the Netherlands. The first church may have been built by one of the bishops of Tongeren-Maastricht within the walls of the late Roman castellum, perhaps as a replacement for a pagan sanctuary. It is possible that this church served as the cathedral of the Diocese of Maastricht (4th / 5th / 6th - 8th century) On February 20, 1933, the church was elevated to basilica minor by Pope Pius IX. As basilica minor, the church obtained the right to bear three decorations: the conopeum, the tintinnabulum and the papal coat of arms. The decorations are normally on the choir, except during Holy Week: after the Mass on Maundy Thursday, these ecclesiastical attributes are put away during the liturgy of the "altar exposing". During the Great City Procession (annually around May 15), the decorations are carried along.

  • 5/5 ong M. 4 years ago on Google
    One ofThe most beautiful basilica I have come across in europe. Candles going at 95cents for a tall candle and half for the smaller ones that u can lit n pray. Inside the church is beautiful. Tall high ceilings w natural lighting gives u a serene and holy feel to it

  • 5/5 david a. 1 year ago on Google
    a Gothic church with beautiful architecture and a shrine for the Holy Mary star of the seas where you can lit candles and pray in english, german or holland. the walls are dark and you can feel it is been burned and kept this way, cafes and restaurants are in the yard facing.

  • 5/5 P B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautyfull temple worth visiting. Dark interior with many interesting details.

  • 5/5 sebastian r. 1 year ago on Google
    Basilica of Our Lady is the epitome of Gothic architecture. With its dome shaped ceiling, intricately carved pillar and wall designs, and larger than life altar, this holy site is a must visit during a visit to Maastricht.

  • 5/5 Yin A. 1 year ago on Google
    A magnificent church. Didn't take photos inside though out of respect.

  • 5/5 Jean-Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very peaceful place. Nice to visite the basilique.

  • 5/5 Nikolas K. 9 months ago on Google
    Surely one must - see places when you visit Maastricht. It's really outstanding. Very old church with lots of history and beautifully decorated. I really liked it.

  • 5/5 Sharon W. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful, peaceful, historic building, the detail of the structure is incredible, shows the wealth of the Catholic church. Elaborate and fabulous statues throughout the building. nestled in a beautiful town square. Visited twice on our trip & would highly recommend. No tickets. Free entry. Donation boxes for candle purchases if desired.

  • 5/5 Marek S. 5 months ago on Google
    Very beautifull church in the city center, it is not allowed to make a photos... but it was georgeous, big, with nice interior, when we can, we love to enter the churches, sit for a while and think about ourselves

  • 5/5 A Wayfarer's Tale, D. 5 months ago on Google
    This old church in Maastricht is special. It's a Romanesque Catholic church found in the city's historic center. It's quite ancient, built around a thousand years ago, in the 11th and 12th centuries. Inside, you'll see beautiful stained-glass windows. The best part? It doesn't cost anything to go inside. So, if you're in Maastricht, make sure to check it out!

  • 5/5 Dan M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful church, which adds great historical value to the state of Maastricht. Great quiet place, well maintained and authentically preserved. A bit dark inside and on a cloudy day it is completely dark. Work is underway on the exterior facade, but visit without appointment is possible. (Original) Erg erg mooie kerk, die een grote historische waarde toe voegt aan de staat Maastricht. Geweldig rustige plek, goed onderhouden en authentiek bewaard. Wel een beetje donker binnen in en met een bewolkte dag is helemaal donker. Wordt aan het buitengevel gewerkt maar bezoek zonder afspraak is Mogelijk.

  • 4/5 Fernando V. 3 years ago on Google
    The city is amazingly charming. Go for a diner near the Basilica.

  • 5/5 Blue T. 3 years ago on Google
    A little bit dark, but cool

  • 5/5 Nicole T. 4 years ago on Google
    The cathedral is located right in the middle of cobblestone alleys complete with shops and restaurants. The statue of Mother Mary holding her son made me cry. It is a must visit if you want to feel connected to God.

  • 5/5 Hannah van den B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very serene and tranquil feeling everytime I walk in there. The basilica has a Holey mother Mary shrine where you can burn a candle for your loved ones. Candles are 0.50 to 0.90 eurocent depending on size. The basilica gives organconcerts for free too on certain days. All in all the basilica is a must see when in Maastricht

  • 5/5 Kent M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful!

  • 5/5 Danny KidSuper L. 6 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church and the surrounding Plaza especially at night when all the lights on the trees came alive.

  • 5/5 Tim R. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning old church that fits right into Maastricht’s medieval-chic aesthetic, though obviously more toward the former. Entry is free whenever there’s not a service going on, with a number of donation-accepting kiosks set up inside for the more charitable to help keep the place running. Very dark inside, which helps offset the slight sensation that wandering around inside is intruding a little on a place of quiet reflection. Indeed, the rules for tourists entering include maintaining a silent atmosphere and refraining from photography.

  • 5/5 Maciej S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Impressive building that is definitely worth a visit! (Original) Indrukwekkende bouwwerk die zeker bezoek waard is !

  • 3/5 Ton H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Had a date appointment (Original) Had een date afspraak

  • 5/5 Carla De L. 3 years ago on Google
    A perfect place to meet God

  • 5/5 Frank N. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is always nice to come here for a moment to reflect. (Original) Altijd fijn om hier even rustig tot bezinning te komen.

  • 5/5 Charlotte O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Most beautiful church in Maastricht (Original) Mooiste kerk van Maastricht

  • 5/5 Amh T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Awesome (Original) Geweldig

  • 5/5 Hans M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Perhaps the most beautiful church in Maastricht, but you have to love the dark. Just beautiful and very old. (Original) Misschien wel de mooiste kerk van Maastricht maar je moet wel van het donker houden. Gewoon prachtig en bijzonder oud.

  • 5/5 Cristina-Gabriela M. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting combination between Catholic and Orthodox (the paintings on the altar ceiling). Quiet, beautiful, for believers, a good place to charge ones batteries.

  • 5/5 Javier M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice peace of Duth history.

  • 5/5 Floris de N. 3 years ago on Google
    Well worth a (short) visit. Serene.

  • 4/5 Michel B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Pretty old basilica in the center. But very dark. (Original) Pen gammel basiliek in centrum. Men veldig mørk.

  • 4/5 Remco H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) What a beautiful church. Well worth a visit. For beauty or otherwise for comfort or support. Be sure to visit the treasury. (Original) Wat een mooie kerk. Zeker een bezoek waard. Voor de schoonheid of anders voor troost of steun. Toch ook zeker de schatkamer bezoeken.

  • 4/5 Anneken f. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice church. (Original) Sehr schöne Kirche.

  • 5/5 Desiree O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful church building (Original) Prachtig kerkgebouw

  • 5/5 Monique S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A serene tranquility in the hectic pace of the city. Let your thoughts run free. (Original) In de hectiek van de stad een serene rust. Even je gedachten de vrije loop laten.

  • 4/5 GeertJan G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice church. Special sights (Original) Mooie kerk. Bijzondere bezienswaardigheden

  • 3/5 Leo P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful historic basilica (Original) Mooie historische basiliek

  • 5/5 Xander De V. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Magnificent! (Original) Prachtig!

  • 5/5 Domeniek 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice church in a nice square. Always nice to light a candle for someone (Original) Mooie kerk op een mooi plein. Altijd fijn om een kaarsje voor iemand aan te steken

  • 3/5 Carmen van A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Big dark church. (Original) Grote donkere kerk.

  • 5/5 Rudie C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Romanesque church of origin. Pretty dark. Yet gripping. (Original) Romaanse kerk van oorsprong. Vrij donker. Doch aangrijpend.

  • 5/5 Roelof K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful monument (Original) Schitterend monument

  • 5/5 Frank F B. 4 years ago on Google
    The most peaceful place in the city to get chill and pray. Spiritually very positive and interesting church.

  • 3/5 Maurice N. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Dark and not restored (Original) Donker en niet gerestaureerd


Call +31 43 321 3854 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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