Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Jasov

In the small village of Jasov, which administratively belongs to the Košice – okolie district, you will find a wonderful historical monument visited every year by a huge number of pilgrims and tourists. Premonštrátsky kláštor (Premonstratensian Monastery) is the largest Late Baroque building in Slovakia. Its history began back in 1228. Did you know that its premises house one of the most valuable libraries in Slovakia, containing approximately eighty thousand book volumes?

The sacred complex, dominated by Chrám sv. Jána Krstiteľa, together with the monastery garden, belongs among the most valuable monuments of historical and spiritual significance in Slovakia. Two symmetrically positioned monastery buildings stand on square footprints, between which is the structure of a single-nave church with two towers. Both wings of the monastery enclose courtyards with cloister gardens. The monastery has a symbolic 365 windows, matching the number of days in a year, 12 chimneys, symbolizing the twelve months, and 4 entrance gates, expressing the four seasons.

Among the most valuable parts of the interior of Kostol sv. Jána Krstiteľa is a collection of seven altars located along its perimeter. All the altarpieces came from the hands of the famous Austrian painter Johann Lucas Kracker. The main altar is dedicated to the patron saint of the church, and the altarpiece depicts the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The ceilings of the sanctuary are decorated with beautiful frescoes featuring scenes from the Bible. The largest painting in terms of dimensions fills the third vaulted bay. Its subject, Preaching in the Desert, depicts the preaching activities of Saint John.

The valuable library is located in the northern extended part of the church. Today, its library collection consists of a summary of theological, natural science, philosophical, geographical, historical, and fiction books written mainly in Latin, Hungarian, and German. Part of the original collection is located in Slovenská národná galéria, Matica slovenská, and Slovenské technické múzeum.

The monastery also includes an extensive monastery garden, which is one of Slovakia's unique features. In the past, it served as a place for meditation. From a historical perspective, since 1802, Opátstvo Rádu Premonštrátov has been the only living abbey of old religious orders in Slovakia. The Premonstratensians have lived in Jasov for almost 850 years. In 1970, the monastery complex was declared a national cultural monument.

Currently, Holy Masses are regularly celebrated in Chrám sv. Jána Krstiteľa, and in the summer season, during set hours, you can also take a guided tour. During the off-season, it is necessary to arrange your visit in advance by phone. The Premonstratensian Order is currently working on opening the historical library to the public. After the tour, you can take a pleasant walk to the ruins of Jasovský hrad castle and to Jasovská jaskyňa cave, which is the oldest accessible cave in Slovakia.

After a day spent exploring Slovenský kras, relax in a cozy apartment. Just one click on the page accommodation in Jasov will display the full range of accommodation near Premonštrátsky kláštor. Over the following days, take a trip to the historical center of Košice and get to know the attractions hidden in the capital of Eastern Slovakia.

The village of Lúčka in the Rožňava district lies in the valley of the Čremošná stream. It is known for hosting the annual Christmas wafer baking event. Or also for the fact that in such a small village, home to only 180 residents, there are as many as 3 churches. During a visit to the village, you can drop by Rímskokatolícky kostol sv. Jána or a simple single-nave reformed church. However, the most sought-after by tourists is Husitský kostol narodenia Panny Márie. Does it seem strange to you as well that the Hussites would name a church this way? Today's name has a bit of a historical background.

The Hussite church was built on a hill above the village at the beginning of the 13th century. Today a ruin, the medieval church was built in the Gothic style using laid stone. The building has a rectangular floor plan. It is single-nave, originally without a tower. The presbytery has a rectangular termination, the sacristy is built on the northern side, and a projecting vestibule is located on the western side. The church received its current name due to being occupied by the Bratríci (Brethren). These armies under the command of Ján Jiskra of Brandýs included a large number of Hussite warriors. During this period, the church was fortified with a stone protective wall, and a tower was added to it. Unfortunately, the church burned down during World War I. Instead, local residents built a new church directly in the village in 1926. Since then, the old church was gradually dismantled, and its parts were used as building material. World War II finished off the work of destruction.

Since 1978, archaeological research has taken place at the site. Since then, the masonry has been successfully restored and preserved. Unfortunately, the remaining fragments of the church's fresco decoration could not be saved. However, the watchtower next to the church was successfully restored and roofed. Today, the area of the Hussite church is used for organizing various cultural events. It is covered with a well-maintained lawn, and you can hide from the scorching sun under the crown of an old pear tree. The stone walls with remnants of sandstone portals complete a unique atmosphere, which, along with beautiful views of the surrounding nature, you too can enjoy to your heart's content if you visit this interesting place.

You can also walk to other interesting places in the surroundings. Popular technical monuments include Vodný mlyn v Kováčovej. You can enjoy a walk if you head to Hrhovský vodopád. The once famous Andrássy family used to live in this region. That is also why you can visit, for example, Mauzóleum Andrássyovcov or Andrássyho obrazáreň. You can regenerate your body with a massage or other procedure if you visit Kúpele Štós. Cyclists and hikers will be pleased with the marked trails leading through Národný park Slovenský kras.

In case you stay here for a longer time, we recommend booking accommodation near Husitský kostolík v Lúčke. The offer in this village includes various cabins and cottages, but you can also choose from cozy apartments Lúčka. Couples in love often choose private accommodation in Lúčka as their haven for the night. We will gladly help you select the highest quality accommodation.