Proosdij van Sint-Servaas, Medieval monastery and provost in Binnenstad, Netherlands.
The Proosdij van Sint-Servaas is a building complex in Binnenstad connected to Sint Servatius Basilica through 13th-century stone arches that span the street between them. The structure comprises multiple interconnected wings that once housed residential and administrative spaces.
In 1232, Provost Otto van Everstein formalized the division of assets and established the foundation of the provost position with its own resources and authority. After French forces captured Maastricht in 1794, the last provost was deported and the building fell under state control.
The building served as the residence of canons who managed administrative affairs and oversaw the connected Basilica. The spaces still reflect this dual role, where religious and practical governance occurred together.
The complex sits directly in the historic center next to the Basilica and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors can explore the interior during guided tours, which are often arranged together with visits to the connected Basilica.
After the French occupation in 1794, the building became the administrative headquarters for confiscated church properties under French state control. This unexpected transformation into a government office during the revolutionary period shows how sacred spaces were repurposed for completely different functions.
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