Sint-Janskerk

In the heart of Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, stands the imposing and historically rich Sint-Janskerk. This Gothic church, dedicated to John the Baptist, is a striking landmark with its distinctive red tower that has become a symbol of the city. Nestled alongside the Roman Catholic Basilica of Saint Servatius on the Vrijthof square, Sint-Janskerk forms an exceptional twin church ensemble, unique in the Netherlands.

The History of Sint-Janskerk

Sint-Janskerk has a storied past that dates back to the early 13th century. It was established around 1200 by the chapter of Saint Servatius to serve as a baptismal and parish church, relieving the Basilica of Saint Servatius of these duties so it could focus solely on its role as a chapter and pilgrimage church. The first mention of Sint-Janskerk in historical documents dates back to 1218.

The current structure of the church primarily dates from the 14th and early 15th centuries. A significant addition to the church was the Gothic baptistery, completed in 1414. The original tower of Sint-Janskerk, however, collapsed during a severe storm in 1366. The reconstruction of the tower was a lengthy process, culminating in its completion in the second half of the 15th century with the addition of the high lantern.

In 1632, following the capture of Maastricht by Frederick Henry, the church definitively came under Protestant control, having previously been claimed temporarily by Protestants. From the end of 1633, it became the main church for the Dutch Reformed congregation in Maastricht. Over the centuries, the church underwent several restorations, the most notable being led by the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers in the late 19th century, which included the restoration of the tower’s roof.

Exploring Sint-Janskerk

Visitors to Sint-Janskerk are immediately struck by its vibrant red tower, which stands 79 meters tall and is the highest in Maastricht. The tower's unique color has not always been red; historical records indicate it was painted yellow in the early 18th century and white in the early 19th century. The current red hue was restored during the 1983 renovation.

The church itself is a fine example of Maas Gothic architecture, constructed from marlstone on a substructure of coal sandstone and limestone. Its interior is equally impressive, featuring a cross-ribbed vault supported by eight round, hardstone columns adorned with stylized leaf-motif capitals. The polychromed corbels, depicting the twelve apostles, bishops, and angels, are particularly noteworthy.

Remnants of the church’s Catholic past can be seen in the wall paintings that were uncovered during the early 20th-century restoration. These include a depiction of the Lamb of God with a cross banner in the choir and an image of Christ as Salvator Mundi on a column. The church also houses several sculpted marble tomb monuments and approximately 90 hardstone gravestones, the oldest dating back to 1354.

The Tower Climb

One of the highlights of visiting Sint-Janskerk is the opportunity to climb its towering spire. The climb is not for the faint-hearted, but those who make the ascent are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Maastricht and the surrounding Limburg countryside. The tower houses a 15th-century wooden bell chair and a bell cast in 1687 by Johannes and Josephus Plumere from Huy. Although the original small bell used for opening and closing the city gates was stolen during World War II, the tower was fitted with a new clock in 1997.

Current Use and Events

Today, Sint-Janskerk serves as the church for the Protestant congregation of Maastricht-Heuvelland, part of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN). The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural venue, hosting concerts and events such as the annual Musica Sacra festival of religious music. Additionally, the church is part of the celebration of the dies natalis of Maastricht University in January and hosts an antique book and print fair during the international art fair TEFAF in March.

The church is open to visitors daily from Easter to the end of the autumn holidays, except on Sundays when services are held. This accessibility allows tourists to explore its historical and architectural splendor and experience a piece of Maastricht's rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Sint-Janskerk is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to Maastricht's diverse religious and cultural history. Its towering red spire, Gothic architecture, and rich interior decorations make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this ancient city. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Sint-Janskerk offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a striking presence in the present-day cityscape of Maastricht.