In St George

"Sint Joris" can be found here at Maastrichter Brugstraat 12. Although the original facade dates from 1734, the windows and facade have been changed over time. The gablestone is possibly original, but the caption, which was heavily damaged, has been renewed.
The figure of St. George is known in many countries under different names. According to the legend, St. George was a Roman warrior under Emperor Diocletian, who on his way to Syria stopped at the town of Beyruth. At that time, this place was threatened by a dragon, which had already devoured almost all the virgins offered to him as a peace offering. When Joris arrived, the undoubtedly beautiful king's daughter Cleodolinde was on her way to the dragon, but that was too much for our bold knight. A dramatic fight ensued in which Joris managed to pin down the dragon with his lance. Of course, he was the big hero and en passant managed to convert the whole town to the true faith. Later on, Joris was canonised andbecause of his glorious deed wasmade the patron saint of all knights and archers.
Of course, there are those who say that Joris never existed, but that he is a re-enactment of the archangel Michael or possibly even a christian version of the myth of Perseus. The following poem speaks for itself:

         
St. George has, as it is reported
brought down a fierce dragon.
A virgin redeemed from its violence,
that brave St. George.

           But many - how sad -
now create their doubts, bad amusement 
and say: St. George and the dragon
are none of them historical.

            There has never been such a beast on earth
nor such a Saint.
We hope at least, my friends, 
that  one may still find a virgin there.

In Maastricht, too, St. George has been a well-known figure. Not only was there a chapel dedicated to him in Grote Staat, but that street used to be called St. Jorisstraat. In 1748 a house opposite the chapel was named after this saint as well, and it must have had a wooden St. George on top of the roof.

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