Parking near Virga Jesse Basilica

The Virga Jesse Basilica is situated in Hasselt’s historic city centre and has a history dating back to the fourteenth century. A chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built on this site in 1334. After the original chapel was replaced in the eighteenth century, the present church was built in an elegant blend of late Baroque and early Neoclassical architecture. It has officially held the title of basilica since 1998.

Inside, the 14th-century Virga Jesse statue is the undisputed centrepiece of the basilica. This Gothic oak statue of the Virgin Mary survived both the Iconoclastic Fury and the destruction caused by a V1 flying bomb during the Second World War. In addition, the basilica houses valuable works of art, including an impressive Baroque altar and historic funerary monuments from the former Herkenrode Abbey.

The basilica is also closely linked to the famous Virga Jesse Festivals, which attract thousands of visitors to Hasselt every seven years. Even outside the festival period, the basilica offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Hasselt’s bustling city centre and is a favourite destination for lovers of history, architecture and religious heritage.

Combine your visit with a stroll around the Grote Markt, discover the history of Hasselt at Stadsmus, where part of the basilica's treasures is on display, or be inspired by fashion and design at the Fashion Museum Hasselt.