Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Košický kraj

Dóm svätej Alžbety is an impressive structure that represents the city of Košice. This church is preeminent not only because it is the largest in Slovakia, but certainly also one of the most beautiful. Many a tourist, young or old, gazes at the Gothic cathedral in silent awe.

Dóm svätej Alžbety is a Roman Catholic church and serves as the parish church of the Farnosť svätej Alžbety in Košice. You will find it on Hlavná ulica in Slovakia's second-largest city, right in the old town of Košice. Its area covers a respectable 1,200 m². Construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 14th century and was completed at the beginning of the 15th century.

The church is dedicated to St. Elizabeth as the patron saint of the city of Košice. However, the original church that stood on this site, mentioned as early as the 11th century, was dedicated to St. Michael. It was rededicated to Elizabeth only after German settlement in Košice. Following the church's first fire in 1380, the decision was made to build a magnificent cathedral worthy of the medieval city at that time. The church is built in the Gothic style, but elements of the original Romanesque style can also be found here.

The medieval merchants and craftsmen of Košice not only contributed to the construction but also donated to it financially on a regular basis. The cathedral was built with the support of the ruler of the time, Sigismund of Luxembourg, and the Papal Curia. Over the centuries, it underwent several restorations due to war and fires. Today, Dóm svätej Alžbety has an outer length of 60 meters and a width of 36 meters. The main tower, also nicknamed Žigmundova veža, measures more than 59 meters. The tower houses bells and the mechanism of the large church clock.

Inside Dóm svätej Alžbety, you will find several altars. However, the most beautiful and precious one is unequivocally the main altar of St. Elizabeth. It is the only surviving medieval altar with two pairs of wings and a triple composition cycle of Gothic paintings, totaling 48 panel paintings. The church earned another "first" with its double spiral staircase, which is the oldest surviving one in Europe. It is assumed to have had a purely decorative character, as it is very narrow.

Dóm svätej Alžbety is open to the public. Masses are held here in Slovak and Hungarian, as well as in Latin. Guided tours of certain parts of the church, such as Žigmundova veža, Kaplnka svätého Michala, or Rákociho krypta, are available for a fee. Visiting the church when a concert by the Štátna filharmónia Košice or the Medzinárodný orgánový festival occasionally takes place is a truly unique experience.

In addition to its magnificent cathedral, Košice attracts visitors with other sights. We have prepared tips for trips in Košice on our portal. You will see for yourself that it is worth staying here longer. We offer accommodation in the center of Košice and accommodation near Dóm svätej Alžbety on our website. Whether you choose to spend your vacation in a luxury hotel or a comfortable apartment, you will surely find your pick with us.

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.

On Radničné námestie in Spišská Nová Ves stands a charming historical building of the Evanjelický kostol. The main altar, featuring a beautiful painting of Jesus Christ praying on the Mount of Olives, serves as the church's centerpiece. Additionally, the church boasts the oldest preserved library in the Spiš region, located on the choir loft.

The Evanjelický kostol in Spišská Nová Ves was built under the Patent of Toleration from 1781 and, according to the rules of the time, had to be constructed without a tower. Historians have discovered plans for the addition of a tower, but its construction never took place due to a lack of funds. The church will captivate you with its exquisite exterior architecture. It is built in the Neoclassical style, and the floor plan itself takes the shape of a Greek cross. Its builder was master mason František Bartelom, who also drew up the plan for the building. Construction began on March 29, 1790, and the consecration of the church took place six years later, on October 9, 1796.

In addition to the stunning altar and painting of Christ, you will also see an alabaster relief depicting Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Another valuable treasure is the baptismal font, which originates from a wooden prayer house dating back to the times before the current church was built. The wooden pews are made of larch wood and were crafted by master carpenter Thomas Thern. The organ was built by the Viennese master Friedrich Deutschmann between 1882 and 1883. The church features excellent acoustics, thanks to which it is still used today to host concerts and festivals of organ and classical music.

Since 2013, you can also admire the restored original statues of the four Evangelists, St. John, St. Luke, St. Matthew, and St. Mark. The choir loft houses a rare library belonging to the former Evangelical Gymnasium. On October 15, 1963, the Evanjelický kostol in Spišská Nová Ves was listed in the Register of Cultural Monuments in Slovakia.

Discover other magical places in Spišská Nová Ves as well. Delight your children and take them to the zoo or to the large indoor children's center Alex Park. The impressive Kaštieľ v Markušovciach manor house is also well worth a visit, where you will see a unique exhibition of keyboard musical instruments and historical furniture. Spend your vacation in the Spiš region and book your stay today. You can find the full range of accommodation around the Evanjelický kostol in Spišská Nová Ves on our accommodation Spišská Nová Ves subpage. You can choose from a variety of cozy cottages, stylish guesthouses, and apartments.

If you are planning a day in nature where you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, head towards the thousand-year-old chapel. The summer house or also Kaplnka Sans Souci is located in a small forest near Iliašovce.

The village of Iliašovce is a sought-after location in eastern Slovakia because it is situated near the Národný park Slovenský raj. You do not have to immediately set out on a hike through this park. A light walk along the marked trail to the millennium chapel will be quite enough for you. Directly from Iliašovce, this activity will take you approximately 20 minutes on foot, but you can also choose other surrounding villages as your starting point. From the villages of Smižany and Harichovce, the route is approximately 4 km long, and from Spišská Nová Ves, it is roughly 4.5 km.

Many tourists and cyclists, not only from surrounding villages, come to admire the reconstructed Kaplnka Sans Souci with their own eyes. Count Štefan Csáky had the chapel built in 1773. In addition to the chapel, an extensive complex was built here, which was appropriately complemented by buildings and a park. The place became famous mainly because grand balls and festivities were held here in the past. Unfortunately, an expensive lifestyle pushed the count into financial difficulties, and he gradually had to sell off and even demolish the sumptuously equipped complex.

The letohrádok Sans Souci is a popular tourist relaxation spot. Locals know this place under the name millenium chapel. Within the complex, which is maintained by a local civic association, you can experience other activities besides walking. Children will enjoy the swings, families head here for bonfires at the fire pit, and seniors appreciate the benches designed for resting. A marked cycle route can also lead cyclists here. You will learn more about this place from the information boards, which describe not only its history. You can leave your mark here by signing the guestbook. If you are more adventurous, feel free to embark on a night adventure with the manager's consent and pitch a tent here for the night.

Below the chapel, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the beneficial effects of a sauna. Nearby is the forrest sauna Iliašovce. As part of your trip, feel free to plan a visit to the Spišské múzeum – Výstavná sieň, where various concerts, conferences, or academic lectures are organized. You can learn about miners, their tools, and their work by looking into the exhibition História baníctva na Spiši. On the square in Levoča, there is also the beautiful Bazilika sv. Jakuba v Levoči, where you can listen to organ music echoing beautifully through the building, complementing its spaces along with the famous altar of Majster Pavol. If you enjoy water fun or want to do something good for your body, head to the pool at the krytá plaváreň Spišská Nová Ves.

It is necessary to make enough time for all the good things in life. Even if it may seem to you nowadays that you have little time, know that you will love visiting this region. For this reason as well, book accommodation near kaplnka Sans Souci here. In the offer of accommodation facilities, besides your preferred apartments in Iliašovciach, you can also book cottages and chalets, or even wooden cabins. It is entirely up to you what type of accommodation you choose for your stay.