In Boxmeer, religious history meets trails through a nearby cultural landscape. The focus is on the Sint-Petrusbasiliek and the procession tradition; the Maasheggen landscape lies nearby. When planning your stay, you can choose between local history, a circular hike and longer routes on foot or by bike.

Basilica and Pilgrimage Tradition

The Sint-Petrusbasiliek stands at the heart of Boxmeer. It was originally built of wood in the 4th century; a stone church was built in the 12th century, forming the basis of the present-day building. The Bloedwonder took place in the basilica around 1400. Boxmeer then became a place of pilgrimage, where a procession winds through the streets every year on the second Sunday after Pentecost. As the date depends on Pentecost, check the exact date before your trip.

The relic in the 1656 carrying shrine is permanently on display for veneration in the Bloedkapel. Check access arrangements before your visit. Another tradition is the Boxmeerse Vaart: it originated in the early 15th century and is a blood procession of great socio-cultural significance. The cloth associated with it is kept in a silver reliquary and carried in the procession.

Castle and Local History

Kasteel Boxmeer is a Dutch Rijksmonument, a nationally protected monument. In 1896, the Sisters of Julie Postel began using the castle as a hospital; it later served as a nursing home. The Kasteelmuseum Julie Postel is located in the castle’s basement. The silver industry is also part of the town’s history: in the 17th and 18th centuries, Boxmeer had a thriving industry with more than 200 silversmith families. This history adds an important craft tradition to the story of the basilica and religious customs.

Trails Through Boxmeer and the Surrounding Area

The “Langs heilige huisjes: Boxmeer” route starts at the Karmelklooster, Steenstraat 39, and is a 4.1-kilometre circular walk. A weekly guided walk with a Groeter also offers a chance to get to know Boxmeer. The Boxmeer walking route runs through Steenstraat, where you can use the Time Travel Steenstraat app to step back in time. As the app’s availability may change, check before your trip.

The “Rondje Kasteel Boxmeer” walk starts at the entrance to Kasteel Boxmeer. The Vaartbeeldenroute features six sculptures in the town centre, situated along the route taken once a year by the Boxmeerse Vaart. One route starts at the castle, while the other connects the procession tradition with art in the town centre.

For a longer bike ride, an approximately 65-kilometre route follows the old Roman road via Cuijk and Boxmeer. It follows signposted cycling junctions. Roman standards, information boards and helmets embedded in the road mark the stretch of Roman road. As signposting may change, check it in advance.

The Maasheggen landscape of the Oeffelter Meent lies near Boxmeer and has changed little over time. The Maasheggen is considered the oldest cultural landscape in the Netherlands and can be explored on foot or by bike. The Oeffelter Meent provides birds with plenty of food, nesting opportunities and shelter. This landscape adds a different focus to the town’s history: here, the emphasis is on the landscape and bird habitats rather than buildings and processions.

An Event Linked to Cycling

The history of the “Daags na de Tour” event in Boxmeer dates back to 1978. It is associated with the day after the Tour de France finishes in Paris. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the latest event dates.

Discover more destinations: Vierlingsbeek, Sambeek, Maashees, Overloon, Vortum Mullem, Oeffelt, Groeningen.

Return to the main travel overview: Boxmeer.