St. Martin's Church Geulle

Of this church dedicated to St. Martin in Geulle aan de Maas, 1250 is generally considered to be the year of foundation. Against my better judgement, because as is usually the case, the history of this historic church in this village also has a history. After all, it is certain that in 1298 the abbot of Kornelimünster appointed a parish priest in Geul (old name for Geulle).

It is also certain that in 1307 Geul was an 'ecclesia integra' (a mature church community that can support itself) of the deanery of Suestra (Susteren). From the fact that these 'mature' churches were usually the oldest, it can be deduced that the parish of St. Martin must have existed long before 1250 and had a church or chapel.

Over the centuries, the church has been rebuilt, expanded and restored. In front of the church there is a sign with interesting facts about the church.
The dome was painted by Eugène Laudy, an artist who belonged to the Limburg School. A group of artists who were inspired by Charles Eijck. The paintings depict the 12 apostles. The priest who commissioned the painting at the time wanted to see not 12 but 11 apostles depicted. Judas was not one of them, according to him. Nevertheless, 12 figures are depicted. 11 apostles and a figure with a pipe? That's Eugène Laudy himself!

Tourist Board South Limburg (Visit Zuid-Limburg)