Oirschot: on Thursday the basilica can only be seen from outside
The Sint-Petrusbasiliek tells the history of the village. In October, limited weekend hours apply for visiting the interior.
The Sint-Petrusbasiliek stands on the Markt in Oirschot. According to Visit Oirschot, the place was an early spiritual centre with a chapter of eleven canons. The first Sint-Petruskerk was built in 1268; the present church building was completed around 1515.
A fire in 1623 destroyed the houses around the church. Rebuilding on that spot was not permitted, which, according to the tourism site, gave rise to the Markt. The church was shelled by the Allies on 2 October 1944. Several centuries of history thus lie around the same square.
According to Visit Oirschot, the building is 86 metres long and built of brick with bands of tufa, a form of Kempen Gothic. The tower is 72 metres high and has a carillon of fifty bells. In 2013 the church received the honorary title of basilica.
The parish announces opening on Saturdays and Sundays from 13:30 to 16:15 for 5 September to 1 November 2026. Thursday 15 October is therefore not a regular visiting day for the interior. According to Visit Oirschot, the porch is open daily.
For Friday, the public calendars differ: the parish mentions only the weekend, Visit Oirschot also Friday. The parish calendar shows that the basilica is closed on Saturday 31 October for preparations.
The basilica is at Markt 2; the tourist information point is also on the Markt, at number 1. According to the parish, the tower can be climbed with a guide. Times and rates for a tower visit have not been published.