Sint-Mauritius Church, Bilzen

There was a wooden hall church here as early as the 8th or 9th century. Later this was transformed into a primitive stone church. Silex chunks, Roman roof tiles and chunks of iron sandstone were used. Subsequently, a Romanesque church in flint was built, the side aisles of which were extended in the 12th century. In the 15th century this church was replaced by a Gothic building. The choir was preserved. In 1636 the church was set on fire by Croatian troops led by Jan van Werth, and in 1654 it was plundered by Lorraine troops. However, the church was rebuilt and the tower was completed in 1667. The church became dilapidated and in 1845 reconstruction and restoration took place in neo-Gothic style, architected by Joseph Dumont. In 1893, a chapel in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes was built on the north side by Mathieu Christiaens, and in 1904 the side aisles were demolished and the current church was built, also architected by Mathieu Christiaens. The choir and tower of the original church were preserved, and the arches of the mid-19th century neo-Gothic church were retained.

The St. Mauritius Church is the parish church of Bilzen, which is located on the Markt there. It is one of the rare examples of a hall church in the region. The church is dedicated to Saint Mauritius.

Church Bilzen...