Henric van Veldeke Square

Henric van Veldekeplein is situated in Maastricht’s city centre. The square borders the Basilica of St Servatius and St John’s Church and lies right next to the Vrijthof. Whilst the Vrijthof is best known for its terraces, events and lively atmosphere, Henric van Veldekeplein offers a place of space and tranquillity.

Henric van Veldeke
The square is named after Henric van Veldeke, a 12th-century poet regarded as the first author from the Low Countries to be known by name. Among other works, he wrote the Legend of Saint Servatius, which describes the life of Saint Servatius. With this work, he made the life story of Maastricht’s patron saint accessible to a wider audience by writing it in the vernacular rather than in Latin.

In the centre of the square stands a bronze statue of Henric van Veldeke. The statue was created in 1934 by the Maastricht sculptor Charles Vos and pays tribute to the poet and his contribution to Dutch, Limburgish and German literature. It is striking that the statue faces St Servatius Basilica, as a reference to the legend of St Servatius.

What’s there to see?
Henric van Veldeke Square is surrounded by some of Maastricht’s most important monuments. In addition to St Servatius Basilica, St John’s Church and the bronze statue of Henric van Veldeke, the square is also surrounded by historic buildings, including former canons’ houses where members of the chapter of St Servatius once lived.

You can climb the tower of St John’s Church, which offers views over the city. The Jeker Quarter, the Vrijthof and the shopping streets are all within easy reach of the square.

Fun fact
Until 1911, Henric van Veldekeplein was known as Vredeplein. That year, the square was given its current name, in honour of the 12th-century poet Henric van Veldeke.