Koepelkerk (Dome Church), Maastricht

The Dome Church (Koepelkerk), officially known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, is a monumental domed church in Maastricht, Netherlands. Located in the Wyckerpoort district, near Maastricht Station, the church has been a significant religious and architectural landmark since its construction in the early 20th century.

The church was designed by a young architect, Alphons Boosten, assisted by Jos Ritzen. The construction, awarded to the Internationale Betonmij, began in 1921 with the laying of the foundation stone by Mgr. Mannens of the Diocese of Roermond. The church was consecrated on December 23, 1923, but only reached its current form in 1953. Notably, the original design included two monumental towers flanking the entrance, which were never built.

The Dome Church is notable for its modernist use of reinforced concrete, an unconventional material for church construction at the time. The octagonal central structure is surrounded by rectangular annexes. A double concrete dome, supported by eight obliquely positioned pillars, dominates the design. The church’s exterior combines black basalt lava, Kunrader stone, and limestone from the Eifel. Over time, the weathering of the limestone led to the use of hard tuff in later additions. The dome itself is covered in copper, which has developed a green patina.

Inside, the church features an open-plan octagonal nave, with a soaring dome vault measuring 29 meters in height and 24 meters in diameter. The raw concrete surfaces contrast with elements of marble, including green-grey Cipollino marble paneling. The side chapels feature concrete coffered ceilings, and the space accommodates 1,200 worshippers. The church houses an extensive collection of ecclesiastical art from the early 20th century.

In 1997, the church was designated a national monument, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.