The central section of the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament was built around 800 in the Romanesque style by Charlemagne; in 1938, Pope Pius XI elevated the church to the status of a basilica. It is also known as a “masterpiece of Meuse Gothic.” These milestones tell different chapters of its story: its early construction and its later ecclesiastical distinction.
The Basilica and Its Architectural Styles
The basilica is a three-aisled cruciform church built of marl. Its distinctive features include the crossing tower, the choir with its five-sided apse, and the Neo-Gothic burial chapel of the Regout family. The richly furnished interior features a nine-tiered sacrament tower dating from the 16th century. Here, different forms and periods come together in one building: from the Romanesque history of the central section to a work of art created several centuries later.
Traces of local history can also be found beyond the basilica. In Proosdij Park, a bridge folly is part of the English landscape garden design. Some of the materials used to build it came from the former basilica tower. The Oliemolen, meanwhile, is a former watermill complex dating back to the 18th century. On the Geul, the Groote Molen is considered likely to be one of Limburg’s oldest mills; it is already mentioned in a deed of gift from Queen Gerberga dated 968.
In Raar, the wayside chapel opposite Raar 52 dates from 1909 and is part of the hamlet’s historic row of buildings. Hoeve Rahr is part of the former agricultural buildings of Huize Rahr and is notable for its double courtyard. The Leopoldskerkje tells another story: King Leopold I of Belgium donated a small church to the Protestants, and it was named after him.
Forests, Water and Landscape
De Dellen lies between the Geul and the Curfsgroeve quarry. There, steep hillside forests rise from the valley to quieter plateau forests. Below De Dellen lies the Schenkgroeve, the only underground marl quarry in the municipality of Meerssen. The hillside, plateau and quarry give this landscape several distinct aspects.
The historic Proosdij Park features a pond, centuries-old trees and space for walking. The course of the Watervalderbeek is also part of its distinctive landscape: the stream resurfaces in the park, flows through it, then disappears underground again at the other end. South of Meerssen, it flows into the Geul. Numerous springs, babbling brooks and hidden pools shape the natural environment of Bunderbos. The rare fire salamander also lives there.
Via Belgica and Hands-on Activities
The Via Belgica “Goddess Minerva” walk begins at Boscafé De Nachtegaal, Gemeentebroek 6, in Meerssen. A free app provides GPS guidance. The walk leads to “Marsna,” a bronze relief by Wil van der Laan opposite the basilica. Via Belgica also offers free audio walks in Meerssen: historical figures guide visitors through the region’s Roman past, stopping at archaeological sites along the way. The audio walks are available in Dutch, German, French and English.
At BC mOERveld, you can learn about the time of the first farmers around 7,000 years ago, bake your own bread and practise archery. Active programmes, projects and workshops focus on heritage, nature and sustainability. Volunteers, schools and groups can sign up.
Local Produce and Getting There
Wijngaard Raarberg has 7,000 vines of the classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. The vineyard produces exclusively sparkling wines using the MĂ©thode Traditionnelle. In Moorveld, MwĂłrveld Distillery makes whisky, gin, graanjenever, vodka and eau-de-vie. Fresh vegetables, fruit and fish are sold at the Meerssen weekly market on Thursdays.
The municipality of Meerssen can be reached via the A2 and A79 motorways. If travelling by train, there are NS railway stations in Meerssen and Bunde. A ferry for cyclists and passengers crosses the Meuse to Belgium at Geulle aan de Maas; check the timetable before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Meerssen, Bunde, Geulle, Nuth, Margraten, Roermond, Maastricht, Beesel.
Return to the main travel overview: Limburg.
