A medieval find in the heart of Brunssum
During the excavation of the oldest St. Gregory's Church in 1992, an exceptionally large skeleton was found, measuring nearly two meters long! Remarkable for a time when people were generally much smaller. Consequently, the skeleton was dubbed the ‘Giant of Brunssum’ by the archaeologists. This find marks a historical site full of secrets, legends, and stories.
St. Gregory's Church: a recognizable focal point
St. Gregory's Church has a construction history dating back at least to the 12th century. The fourth church building now stands at the intersection. The first church stood on the site of Het Blazoen for more than 700 years before it was demolished in 1840. In 1919, it was transformed into the Unitas community center. The third church stood on the site where De Drossaard is now located. Due to mining damage, it had to be demolished again in 1962. The current (fourth) church, designed by the famous architect Gottfried Böhm, is inspired by a Roman basilica in which the Book of Exodus is narrated. The church tower is visible from the surrounding area and marks the heart of Catholic Brunssum.
Tradition of foot washing
The church features a baptismal chapel separate from the main building, as people in the Middle Ages were baptized before being admitted into the church community. The statue of the foot washing in front of the church recalls a biblical tradition: out of respect and hospitality, people washed the guest's hands and feet before they entered the house. Saint Gregory the Great, a 6th-century pope and Church Father, is the patron saint of Brunssum. Saint Brigid, the patron saint of livestock, was also venerated, and until the 1960s, pilgrims came here for a pilgrimage. Roman Influences
The oldest St. Gregory's Church was founded in the vicinity of the Roman road that ran from Heerlen to Xanten (Via Traiana). Traces of Roman civilization have been found around this site: stone ash chests, once used for the cremation remains of prominent individuals, and rubble from a large Roman structure near the Bronspot. Roman roof tile rubble has been incorporated into the foundation remains of the 12th-century St. Gregory's Church. As previously mentioned, the current church is inspired by the Roman basilica. This is a large rectangular space that was used for trade and the administration of justice during that period.
Noble Families
Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the noble Vos family had their own burial crypt in the church. In the 17th century, the De Negri brothers took over the estate by marrying into the Vos family. In the 19th century, some of their descendants became mayors of Brunssum. The Bex and Van Weerst families also left their mark on the town.
Experience It Yourself!
Use the Archeo Route app to explore the unique stories of the virtual archaeologist. From the Giant of Brunssum to the impressive St. Gregory’s Church—discover the history of this remarkable place for yourself!
PLEASE NOTE: The location of the spear is at the intersection Dorpstraat/kerkstraat, near the St. Gregory's Church.
Find also other Archeo Route Limburg locations