Be a Bridge Builder
The Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht must be experienced once in a lifetime. This cultural-historical event takes place once every seven years and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Maastricht. The festivities surrounding the Heiligdomsvaart are dedicated to honouring the city saint Saint Servatius. This year it takes place from 12 to 22 June and the theme is 'Be a Bridge Builder'.
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Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025
Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025
Maastricht is gearing up for the celebration of the 56th Heiligdomsvaart. It will take place on 12 June 2025. Each edition of the Heiligdomsvaart has a theme that highlights and promotes a particular aspect of the faith. More info on Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025
12 to 22 June
The circumambulations
Sunday 15 June 2025 - First Ommegang
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The route:
Sint Maartenslaan → Lage Barakken → Wycker Brugstraat → Servaasbrug → Kesselskade → Hoenderstraat → Markt (north side) → Nieuwstraat → Grote Staat → Vrijthof North (up to the theatre) → Vrijthof → Vagevuur (dissolution of the procession)
Sunday 22 June 2025 - Second Ommegang
From 19:00 to 22:00
The route:
19:00: departure of the first boat from the ENCI → 20:00: departure from the Kesselskade → Het Bat → City Park ("under the trees") → Begijnenstraat → Pieterstraat → Kleine Looiersstraat → Achter de Molens → Kapoenstraat → Sint Jacobsstraat → Vrijthof South → Vrijthof → Vrijthof North (up to the theatre) → Closing ceremony at the absis
Grandstands
A large grandstand will once again be set up on the Vrijthof Square. Tickets cost €20, and sales information will be announced later. Further detailed information will follow.
The programme
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Pilgrimage to Maastricht
Pilgrimage to Maastricht
until 31 August
Exhibitions
Discover the rich tradition of the Sanctuary in a unique exhibition full of historical masterpieces and modern pilgrimage.
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Opmaat Concert with Mozart programme
Opmaat Concert with Mozart programme
Saturday 3 May
Concert
Enjoy the Heiligdomsvaart Opmaat Concert with a beautiful Mozart programme by the Cappella Sancti Servatii!
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Source procession St. Servaas
Source procession St. Servaas
Sunday 11 May
Attraction visits
Celebrate the start of Saint Servatius Week with the spring procession and Holy Mass in Biesland!
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Servaas week closing concert - MUSA & Marcel Verheggen
Servaas week closing concert - MUSA & Marcel Verheggen
Saturday 17 May
Concert
Experience the magic of French masterpieces with Vocal Ensemble MUSA and organist Marcel Verheggen.
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City procession
City procession
Sunday 18 May
Metropolitan event
Experience the centuries-old Saint Servatius procession in Maastricht, a symbolic journey with Jesus.
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Bridges to Heaven / Garden of Mary
Bridges to Heaven / Garden of Mary
23 May to 15 August
Exhibitions
Discover the symbolic connection between heaven and earth in the exhibition 'Bridges to Heaven / Garden of Mary'.
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Upbeat concert Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025: Chanting To Paradise
Upbeat concert Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025: Chanting To Paradise
Sunday 25 May
Concert
Get carried away by the music during 'Chanting to Paradise' and prepare for the Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025!
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Mestreech Dictation to mark Heiligdomsvaart
Mestreech Dictation to mark Heiligdomsvaart
Sunday 1 June
Attraction visits
Test your language skills at the Mestreech Dictation, this year dedicated to the Heiligdomsvaart.
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Opening event exhibition and booklet of Charters
Opening event exhibition and booklet of Charters
Wednesday 4 June
Attraction visits
Visit the opening event of the exhibition and book 'Charters' for a unique historical experience.
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The Emperor in Maastricht
The Emperor in Maastricht
Thursday 5 June
Theatre and Drama
Experience 'The Emperor of Maastricht' with Toneelgroep Maastricht and the Limburg Youth Symphony Orchestra.
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Busts of Roman Emperors by Wil van der Laan
Busts of Roman Emperors by Wil van der Laan
12 to 22 June
Exhibitions
Admire the busts of Roman emperors by Wil van der Laan in the Emperor Hall.
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Icons - Mary, bridge between God and people
Icons - Mary, bridge between God and people
12 June, 13 June and 8 more days
Exhibitions
Discover beautiful Marian icons in the Crypt of the Basilica of Our Lady.
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The key to Saint Servatius
The key to Saint Servatius
12 June to 16 November
Exhibitions
Discover the symbolism surrounding the historical key of Saint Servatius in the fascinating exhibition at Bonnefanten.
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Bridges to Humanism and Modern Europe
Bridges to Humanism and Modern Europe
Friday 13 June
Lecture/Debate
Discover how the Maastricht Sanctuary Pilgrimage contributed to humanism and modern Europe.
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Studium Chorale - Somnium al Salaam
Studium Chorale - Somnium al Salaam
Friday 13 June
Concert
A musical bridge between East and West, full of powerful harmonies and felt melodies.
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Great Way of Prayer with statue of grace of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Great Way of Prayer with statue of grace of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Wednesday 18 June
Attraction visits
A solemn journey with the statue of grace of Our Lady Star of the Sea.
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Film evening Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht
Film evening Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht
Thursday 19 June
Film
An atmospheric movie night under the stars in the square of St Peter's Lower Church.
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Marian Concert
Marian Concert
Friday 20 June
Concert
Be enchanted by the Marian Concert in the atmospheric pawn garden of the Basilica of Our Lady.
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Book an overnight stay stay
Book your stayMake the Heiligdomsvaart an unforgettable experience! Book your multi-day stay so you don't miss a thing.
Religious tradition
The Heiligdomsvaart is a religious tradition from the 14th century that still lives in the hearts of many Maastricht people. During this period, the city boasts cultural activities, pilgrimages, celebrations and circumambulations to honour Saint Servatius. There is much to see during the processions and circumambulations: relics from Saint Servatius' treasury, clergy and marching bands. This 'modern version' of the Heiligdomsvaart with processions and other activities in the city was first held 1874. Before that, all pilgrims came from far and wide to the Vrijthof during the Heiligdomsvaart. At that time, the relics were displayed from the colonnade of St Servatius.
Emergency box
The highlight of the processions and circumambulations during the Heiligdomsvaart is the Emergency Chest. This chest from the 12th century is a kind of treasure chest in which the remains of Saint Servatius and other bishops of Tongres and Maastricht are kept. When Maastricht was in great distress, this richly decorated chest was carried through the city in the hope of averting danger. Normally, this reliquary can be viewed in the treasury of Saint Servatius' Basilica, but during the Heiligdomsvaart it is carried through the city.
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Sint-Servaasbasiliek
Sint-Servaasbasiliek
This oldest basilica in the Netherlands has one of the richest treasuries in Europe. More info on Sint-Servaasbasiliek
Veneration of Saint Servatius
Saint Servaas was the first bishop of Maastricht and, it is believed, also one of the first bishops of the Netherlands. His grave had been venerated since the early Middle Ages, and at the end of the 6th century he was canonised by one of his successors. From then on, the Servaas legend emerged, a biography full of miracles surrounding the city saint. More and more pilgrims came to his grave in Maastricht and so the foundations were laid for the first Heiligdomsvaart, during which the relics of Saint Servatius were shown to all pilgrims.
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Divergent opening hours
View the opening hoursSunday, 15 June: shops closed during the day.
Sunday, 22 June: shops open from 12:00 to 17:00This information is subject to change.
