Zuidoostzijde van de Sint-Servaasbasiliek te Maastricht 1893

This photograph depicts the south-east side of the Sint-Servaasbasiliek in Maastricht. It was made using photographic methods. The cultural and political significance of religious architecture is embedded in its visual codes. The photograph is from the collection of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands. The Sint-Servaasbasiliek is a prominent landmark in Maastricht, Netherlands, and it is rich with layers of social and institutional history. Constructed over centuries, the basilica has been a site of religious worship. Its visual characteristics have been shaped by various historical periods, including the Romanesque and Gothic eras. Looking at the Basilica through photographs offers insights into how Dutch cultural heritage is institutionalized. The Basilica, and the way it is represented in this image, reflects the complex interplay between religious, political, and cultural forces. The construction of collective identity is a product of this interplay. By examining archival sources, architectural plans, and historical documents we can gain a deeper understanding of the Basilica.