Be a Bridge Builder
The Pilgrimage Of Relics Maastricht must be experienced once in a lifetime. This cultural-historical event takes place once every seven years and it attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Maastricht. The festivities surrounding the Pilgrimage Of Relics are dedicated to honouring the city saint Saint Servatius. This year, the event will take place from 12 to 22 June and the theme is 'Be a Bridge Builder'.
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Pilgrimage Of Relics Maastricht 2025
Pilgrimage Of Relics Maastricht 2025
Maastricht is gearing up for the celebration of the 56th Pilgrimage Of Relics. It will take place on 12 June 2025. Each edition of the Pilgrimage Of Relics has a theme that highlights and promotes a particular aspect of the faith. More info on Pilgrimage Of Relics Maastricht 2025
until 22 June
The circumambulations
Sunday 15 June 2025 - First Circumambulation
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 Circumambulation
From 19:00 to 22:30
The route:
19:00: departure of the first boat from the ENCI → 20:00: departure from the Kesselskade → Het Bat → Stadspark (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
The programme
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First Great Circumambulation Sanctuary 2025
First Great Circumambulation Sanctuary 2025
Sunday 15 June
Metropolitan event
A multi-coloured procession depicts the theme of the Pilgrimage Of Relics and displays the relics of Saint Servatius (Reliquary, bust), the other...
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The Emperor of Maastricht
The Emperor of Maastricht
Sunday 15 June
Theatre and Drama
Exclusive performances in the Koepelkerk church. Frank Lammers The Emperor of Maastricht, a musical location theatre about Joshua Norton: an eccentric...
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Wonders - Exhibition Hans van der Weijden
Wonders - Exhibition Hans van der Weijden
until 6 July
Exhibitions
Artichoque Art Gallery presents the exhibition Wonderlijkheden van Hans van der Weijden, which takes place as part of the Pilgrimage Of Relics...
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Busts of Roman Emperors by Wil van der Laan
Busts of Roman Emperors by Wil van der Laan
until 22 June
Exhibitions
Admire the busts of Roman emperors by Wil van der Laan in the Emperor Hall.
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The key to Saint Servatius
The key to Saint Servatius
until 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 Heaven / Garden of Mary
Bridges to Heaven / Garden of Mary
until 10 August
Exhibitions
Sanctuary theme elaborated with unfamiliar and unusual artefacts from the Basilica of Our Lady, exhibited in the Crucifix...
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Pilgrimage to Maastricht
Pilgrimage to Maastricht
until 31 August
Exhibitions
Maastricht Museum presents 'Pilgrimage to Maastricht' during this exhibition visitors will discover the unique heritage and contemporary be...
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Icons - Mary, bridge between God and people
Icons - Mary, bridge between God and people
15 June, 17 June and 5 more days
Exhibitions
Discover beautiful Marian icons in the Crypt of the Basilica of Our Lady.
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Eye-catching Heritage in Silk and Velvet
Eye-catching Heritage in Silk and Velvet
15 June, 18 June and 4 more days
Exhibitions
This exhibition delves into the rich forms of Limburg banners and flags. Banners and flags served not only as symbols of identi...
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Atelier Sanctuary at Centre Ceramique
Atelier Sanctuary at Centre Ceramique
until 29 June
Exhibitions
Atelier Pilgrimage Of Relics on the 3rd floor of Centre Céramique presents a picture of Maastricht's Pilgrimage Of Relics from around 1400, using v...
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Book an overnight stay stay
Book your stayMake the Pilgrimage Of Relics an unforgettable experience! Book your multi-day stay so you don't miss a thing.
Religious tradition
The Pilgrimage Of Relics 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 Pilgrimage Of Relics 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 Pilgrimage Of Relics. At that time, the relics were displayed from the colonnade of St Servatius.
Reliquary
The highlight of the processions and circumambulations during the Pilgrimage Of Relics is the Reliquary. This chest from the 12th century is a kind of treasure chest in which the remains of Saint Servatius and other bishops of Tongeren 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 treasure room of Basilica Of Saint Servatius, but during the Pilgrimage Of Relics it is carried through the city.
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Basilica Of Saint Servatius
Basilica Of Saint Servatius
This oldest basilica in the Netherlands has one of the richest treasuries in Europe. More info on Saint Servatius Basilica
Veneration of Saint Servatius
Saint Servatius 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 Servatius 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 Pilgrimage Of Relics, 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.
