Discover Boxmeer: Basilica, pilgrimage and castle history

Boxmeer combines a strong pilgrimage tradition with a history of castles and craftsmanship. Walking routes lead through the town, and the Maasheggen landscape is nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Boxmeer, these different themes can help you plan your trip: sacred history, local traditions, or time spent on walking routes in the town and surrounding area. The following destinations and routes offer specific starting points for exploring them.

Basilica and pilgrimage tradition

The Sint-Petrusbasiliek stands at the heart of Boxmeer. Its history stretches back a long way: it was originally built of wood in the 4th century; the stone church that gave rise to today’s building was constructed in the 12th century. Around 1400, the Bloedwonder took place in the basilica. Boxmeer then became a place of pilgrimage. Every year, a procession passes through the streets on the second Sunday after Pentecost. As its date depends on the Pentecost holiday, check the exact date for your travel year.

In the Bloedkapel, the relic is permanently displayed for veneration in a portable shrine dating from 1656. Check the access arrangements before visiting. The Boxmeerse Vaart is also part of local tradition: it originated in the early 15th century and is a blood procession of great sociocultural significance. The cloth associated with it is kept in a silver reliquary and carried in the procession.

Castle and the town’s history

Kasteel Boxmeer is a Dutch Rijksmonument, meaning it is a nationally protected monument. The Sisters of Julie Postel used the castle as a hospital from 1896 and later as a nursing home. The Kasteelmuseum Julie Postel is located in the castle’s basement. The building, its former use and local history can therefore be explored as distinct themes, without conflating them into a single story.

Craftsmanship also shaped Boxmeer: in the 17th and 18th centuries, a silver industry flourished here, with more than 200 silversmithing families. The Nepomukkapel stands at the entrance to Kasteel Boxmeer. It is named after the Czech saint John of Nepomuk, who is regarded as a protector against the dangers of water.

Walking and cycling routes

“Langs heilige huisjes: Boxmeer” is a 4.1-kilometre circular walk. It starts at Karmelklooster, Steenstraat 39. Another route, “Rondje Kasteel Boxmeer”, starts at the entrance to Kasteel Boxmeer. Boxmeer also offers a weekly Groeter walk, where you can get to know the town.

The Boxmeer walking route passes through Steenstraat. There, you can use the Time Travel Steenstraat app to journey into the past. As the app’s availability may change, check before setting out. In the town centre, the Vaartbeeldenroute includes six sculptures along the route taken by the Boxmeerse Vaart once a year.

For a longer cycling trip, 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 set into the road surface mark the stretch of the Roman road. As the signposting may change, check the current route before setting out.

Maasheggen and a travel date

The Oeffelter Meent lies near Boxmeer in the Maasheggen landscape, which has changed little over time. The Oeffelter Meent offers birds plentiful food, nesting opportunities and shelter. The Maasheggen is described as the Netherlands’ oldest cultural landscape and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. This makes it possible to combine the town’s history with a trip through the nearby countryside.

The “Daags na de Tour” event may also be relevant when planning your trip. It takes place in Boxmeer in connection with the day after the Tour de France finishes in Paris and has been held there since 1978. Check the exact date for your travel year.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Boxmeer.