Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Levočské vrchy

Chrám svätého Jakuba in Levoča is among the most important sacral buildings in Slovakia. In 2015, Pope Francis elevated it to a basilica minor. Come and see the unique main altar of St. James, which, with its height of 18.6 meters, is the highest altar of its kind in the world. It is made of linden wood and was created under the hands of the woodcarver Master Paul of Levoča.

The parish church is dedicated to St. James, apostle and protector of warriors, pilgrims, and workers. His feast day is celebrated on July 25. The church has been serving believers for daily services for over 700 years. The church and its interior furnishings have been a national cultural monument since 1965. In 2009, the Basilica of St. James was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The church was built in the first half of the 14th century as a three-aisled building. Porches were built onto it on the northern and southern sides, and around 1515, the so-called Henckel Library was built above the northern porch. In 1859, at the instigation of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the neo-Gothic tower was completed.

In addition to the main altar, the church contains another 13 side altars. Another gem in the church is the organ, which was created in the years 1624 – 1630 at the expense of the wealthy Levoča burgher Friedrich Pobst by the Krakow organ builder Hans Hummel. The Renaissance pulpit, created by the local joiner master Krištof Kollmitz, originally from Olomouc in the Czech Republic, is also ranked among the remarkable monuments.

The dominant features of the church interior are extensive wall paintings representing the cycle of the seven works of mercy and the seven deadly sins. In addition to the main altar, the works of Ján Szilassy are also declared a national cultural monument. These are monstrances, chalices, and other liturgical objects decorated with enamel and embossed work, which are inlaid with Czech garnets.

A remarkable legend about a forged cross is also associated with the Basilica of St. James. When the former senator Wildner went on a trip with his wife and daughter, their carriage was struck by lightning and their only daughter Zuzana died. Out of grief, they lined her coffin with valuables and arranged a magnificent funeral for her. The gravedigger who buried her decided that he would dig up the grave that very night and take the jewelry from the grave. When he dug up the coffin, he stood face to face with a living girl. Out of gratitude to God for sparing their only daughter, the Wildner family had a forged cross placed on the roof above the main altar, where it remains to this day.

After visiting the basilica, you can set off for Mariánska hora, which is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Slovakia. Another holy church stands at this place, the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. On hot summer days, refreshment in the Bio bathing area will come in handy. Another great experience will be full-body relaxation in the unique Forest Sauna in Spišský Hrhov. The Spiš region will surprise you with a multitude of exceptional attractions that are worth not only seeing, but also experiencing. Book your stay in Levoča today. You can find a great offer of accommodation near the Basilica of St. James on our website accommodation in Levoča.

In the east of Slovakia, in the town of Spišské Podhradie, lies its separate part named Spišská Kapitula. From a distance, you will notice the massive Katedrála svätého Martina. This monumental building from the first third of the 13th century is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Not only history lovers or people seeking spiritual renewal will find what they are looking for here.

This Romanesque-Gothic building features two towering spires. Inside, you can find stunning Gothic altars, statues, tomb slabs, bells, or frescoes dating back to 1317 depicting the coronation of King Charles Robert. These are very rare pieces. You also will not miss the oldest Romanesque sculpture in Slovakia, Leo Albus.

Katedrála svätého Martina in Spišská Kapitula will offer you a perfect spiritual experience. In addition to visiting the cathedral from Tuesday to Sunday, you can also attend a religious service. The singing echoing through the spaces of this gigantic structure will delight your ears and soul. Upon request, a tour can be arranged for an organized group. You can choose a basic route with a guided commentary, or without one. It consists of the ground floor of the cathedral and the south sacristy. During the summer months, you can find a bit more information in the extended route, where you will see everything from the basic route plus the upper floor of the cathedral, which houses the canonical library, the archaeological exposition of the cathedral, and the westwork - the royal chapel (Leo Albus White Lion).

From a distance, you will see the silhouette of Katedrála svätého Martina as well as Spišský hrad. Plan a trip to these two interesting attractions of Spiš. Keep in mind, however, that perhaps thanks to accommodation near Katedrála sv. Martina in Spišskom Podhradie, you will soak up an amazing atmosphere. It is an environment where you can feel the antiquity of a sacred place and even a fortified one.

You can reach the cathedral from several directions, with a highway exit right in Spišské Podhradie. Do not miss the aforementioned largest castle fortress in Central Europe, Spišský hrad. In the summer season, potters here will convince you to make your own ceramics. A unique winter experience is provided by the exceptional Lesná sauna in Spišský Hrhov. However, the effects of saunas are beneficial for the body in every season.

If you stay at a cottage in Spišské Podhradie, you will certainly be close to Ranč Fah as well. You can indulge in sunsets with a glass of wine in hand in a guesthouse room in Spišské Podhradie. We know that the friendly approach of accommodation providers and comfortable rooms in any property guarantee a perfect feeling during your stay. The best accommodation in Spišské Podhradie can only be found with us.