Minderbroederskerk

Minderbroederskerk

Old Minderbroederskerk, also called First Franciscan Church, is a former Franciscan church in the Jekerkwartier in Maastricht. The aisled marl stone monastery in early Maas Gothic style dates from the late 13th, early 14th century.

History

The Franciscans have a checkered history in Maastricht. The oldest existing church was already built at the end of the 13th century, just inside the former city wall. A wing of the 14th- century monastery has been preserved. Around 1470 donated the nobleman Nicolaus van Harlaer at its entrance a statue of Mary, which quickly called Star of the Sea had a great appeal to Mary-worshipers.

After Betrayal of Maastricht in 1638, which include the Franciscan Father Vink was involved, the Minderbroeders had to leave the city. Some monks settled in the monastery of the Observers on the Sint-Pietersberg, just outside the city. The image of the Star of the Sea moved along. The church and monastery in the city were put to use by the Maastricht garrison as barracks and military depot.

After the Siege of Maastricht (1673), the French occupiers allowed the Franciscans to re-establish in the city.The monks were not allowed to retrun to the old monastery. On Minderbroedersberg a new monastery was established. The old church and monastery steyed in use by the garrison, a situation that persisted after the French Time (1795-1814).

In 1884, church and monastery were restored and furnished as State Archives of Limburg. From 1939 to 1942 a major restoration took place again, where the dilapidated monastery was demolished. A monastery wing was rebuilt in historical style. In 1995 the building commissioned by the Government Buildings Agency was to a design by architect M. van Roosmalen again substantially restored, which include an underground repository was achieved. During the work remains of the first medieval city wall from ± 1230 were excavated and made visible. The church now serves as a reading room and exhibition area of the Regional Historic Centre Limburg (RHCL).

See: wikipedia