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Schatkamer Sint-Servaasbasiliek in Maastricht
Photo: Kleon3 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Schatkamer Sint-Servaasbasiliek

Church treasury of the Sint-Servaasbasiliek in Maastricht with reliquaries, goldsmith's work and medieval textiles centered on Saint Servatius.

Opening hoursAdmission from €7.50

Current exhibitions

Special exhibition

De herschepping van de Boog van Einhard

Reconstructions of the silver reliquary in the shape of a triumphal arch, donated by Einhard around 825 and lost in the 18th century, shown in the cloister.

About the museum

The roots of the treasury go back to Saint Servatius, the last bishop of Tongeren, who according to tradition died in Maastricht in 384. From the 6th century onward, memorial churches were built over his grave, from which today's basilica developed. Over the centuries, pilgrims, donations and the chapter of canons built up a rich collection of relics, reliquaries and liturgical objects.

In the 19th century the church treasury was researched by scholars and reorganized; in 1872 a fundamental publication appeared, supported by the industrialist Petrus Regout. The collection was then moved several times within the church complex before returning in 1982 to the restored 11th-century Romanesque double chapel where the medieval chapter had already kept its treasures.

Among the most important pieces are the objects associated with Servatius, including the so-called Key of Saint Servatius and a pectoral cross, as well as the saint's reliquary bust, which has held part of his skull since 1403; the shoulders and miter were made anew after the plundering of 1579. The Shrine of Saint Servatius, the "Noodkist", made around 1170–1195, is considered a masterpiece of Mosan goldsmith's work and now stands in the north transept of the basilica. The collection of very old textile fragments is also internationally renowned.

The treasury is run by the Stichting Schatkamer Sint Servaas, which cares for the parish's art holdings and presents changing exhibitions in the cloister. Admission fees go toward the upkeep of the basilica and the collection.

Highlights

  • Reliquary bust of Saint Servatius with skull relic
  • Shrine of Saint Servatius ("Noodkist", around 1170–1195), a masterpiece of Mosan goldsmith's work
  • "Servatiana": Key of Saint Servatius and pectoral cross
  • Important collection of early textile fragments
  • 11th-century Romanesque double chapel as exhibition space
Operated by
Stichting Schatkamer Sint Servaas

Admission & discounts

Adults€7.50
Reduced€4Students
Children & teensfreefree up to age 17 · Children and young people up to and including age 17 free when accompanied
Seniors–No senior discount mentioned
Students & apprentices€4
Guided tour (surcharge)€7.50Per person plus admission, minimum €30 and maximum €100 per group (max. 20 people)

The Museumkaart is not accepted. Admission covers the basilica and the treasury.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

By public transit

Vrijthof

From Maastricht train station, almost all city buses run toward the Vrijthof and the Markt.

By car

Paid parking

Q-Park garages under the Vrijthof and Mosae Forum (paid); expect crowds on Saturdays, shopping Sundays and public holidays.

The basilica is on the Vrijthof in the old town, about 10 minutes from the train station on foot or by bus.

Get directions

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit

Guided toursyes
Good to knowGuided tours of the basilica and treasury on request via a form from the parish office, at least 7 days in advance. Dogs not allowed.

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