🇳🇱 Maastricht's Crown Jewel: The Oldest Church in the Netherlands!

⛪ Step into 1,700 years of history at Basilica of Saint Servatius 📍 Basilica of Saint Servatius 📍 Location: Vrijthof Square, Maastricht's historic heart A Living Timeline 📜 Founded in 530 AD on the tomb of St. Servatius (Maastricht's first bishop, buried here in 384 AD) 🏛️ Architectural evolution: • Romanesque (1000-1250) • Gothic additions (1324-1556) • Major restoration (1828-1921) 😱 Dark chapter: Used as a French military stable in 1797, stripped bare 3 Must-See Marvels 1️⃣ Western Portal: Stunning Romanesque-Gothic carved arches 2️⃣ "Grameer" Bell: 70-ton giant (the Netherlands' heaviest!) 🛎 3️⃣ Sacred Treasures: ✝️ St. Servatius's reliquary bust 🏺 Medieval chalices and crosses 🌈 Breathtaking stained glass Hidden Delights 🌿 Cloister Garden: Peaceful oasis with ancient herbs ✨ Ceiling Magic: White vaults bathed in colored light Visitor Tips ⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (Sunday services at 11:00) 📸 Photography: Don't miss the play of light through rose windows 🚶 Free guided tours Wednesdays at 14:00 #HiddenEurope #Maastricht #SacredTravel #RomanesqueArchitecture