Ever been to the Vrijthof square in Maastricht and noticed that red church tower sticking out like a sore thumb?
That striking red tower is Sint Janskerk or Saint John’s Church.
In the Middle Ages, Sint Janskerk was a parish church connected to Sint Servaas (English: Saint Servatius) next to it. The church was built with marl blocks from early 14th century, while the rest of the tower is from the mid-15th century.
Since 1633, it became a Protestant church complete with its own late-medieval red Gothic tower. Sint Janskerk is named after Saint John the Baptist.
Why is the tower red?
Because marl is a fairly soft and porous material, to protect it somewhat against weather influences, a layer of paint was applied. A practice that was done since the Middle Ages.
In the early 18th century, the colour of the tower was yellow. It was white in the early 19th century. During the restoration in 1985, the original ox-blood-colored paint was found on parts of the Sint Servaas. The Sint Janskerk’s church tower was repainted in red, just like it was in the Middle Ages.
The entry to the church is FREE. A stroll inside the church is like travelling back in time. Take a seat and just contemplate quietly.
At the information desk, you can find an English explanation for a self-guided walking tour. It has a floor plan with 17 significant references of curiosities. Walk in and look up behind you towards the impressive organ that first echoed through the church in 1678. The pulpit with beautiful carvings was manufactured by Coenraad Pierkens in 1779. Check out the cross-ribbed vault ceiling! Find twelve corbels depicting the apostles supporting the window sills in the choir.
Then, climb the church tower!
The 79-metre historic tower was built on the preserved substructure, restored by architect P.J.H. Cuypers in 1890. Rise to the first gallery at 43 meters, in 218 steps and enjoy a magnificent view over Maastricht and its surroundings! The second gallery at 56 meters high is not accessible to visitors.
Climbing the tower requires nominal fees. Do it at your own risk. I suggest leaving your backpack with the reception before your ascent. Beware that it is a tight circumference with uneven steps and one spiral winding stairs going up and down both ways for visitors. You might encounter awkward moments hanging on to dear life via a thin metal handrail while strangers trying to pass you. All part of the tower climbing experience, of course!
Taking photos or videos are permitted. You may spend as much time as you like admiring the panoramic city view at the top. There are explanatory panels (in Dutch and English) around the balcony replicating your viewpoint, introducing key buildings of Maastricht‘s skyline. It was well worth the effort and interesting!
FYI, Sint Janskerk tower is listed as the 22nd highest church tower in the Netherlands.
đź“ŤVrijthof 24. 6211 LE Maastricht.
Note: The Sint Janskerk opens from 31 March to 8 November 2025.
Website: http://www.stjanskerkmaastricht.nl/bezoekersinfo/ (Dutch only)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat from 1000 hrs – 1600 hrs.
Church Entrance Fees : FREE
Tower Climbing Fees: €4.00 for adults and €2.00 age 6 – 12 yrs old.
