Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Low Tatras

Drevený artikulárny evanjelický kostol in Svätý Kríž belongs among the largest wooden structures in Central Europe. It is located in Liptov, on the border of the cadastral areas of the villages of Svätý Kríž and Lazisko, in the district of Liptovský Mikuláš. Thanks to its capacity of almost 6,000 visitors, it ranks among frequently visited monuments. Divine services are held here regularly.

The church has an interesting 43 m long cross-shaped floor plan. It was originally built in 1693 in Paludza, but between 1974 and 1982 it was relocated to Svätý Kríž, where a ceremonial consecration subsequently took place in August 1982. The church in Svätý Kríž is the final artistic expression of Slovak wooden architecture, and it is no exaggeration to write that it is likely also the most significant. In the interior, you will be immediately captivated by the wooden Baroque altar dating from 1693, featuring a painting of the Transfiguration of Christ. The pulpit is also considered unique, standing on a log base right next to a Baroque angel that appears to support it. Both of these gems, the altar and the pulpit, are the work of the Kežmarok woodcarver J. Lerch.

The extraordinary atmosphere of the place is complemented by the ceiling. Two-story choir galleries decorated with biblical paintings, along with a Venetian glass chandelier, create perfect harmony and fit flawlessly into the church's interior. The organ and a stone baptismal font are additional indispensable parts of the interior. In the exterior, an inseparable pair with the church is formed by the belfry, consisting of a freestanding wooden tower. It was added only later, in 1781. New bells were installed in the tower between 1921 and 1922.

You do not have to be a believer to have something to be thankful for. Believe us, giving thanks for your family, health, food, a roof over your head, work, or anything else that comes to mind assumes a completely different dimension when spoken in this church. And if the rays of the setting sun caress the beautiful Baroque furnishings inside at that moment, you will believe in miracles. The swell of emotion meeting at such a moment feels like magic.

You simply have to experience that feeling for yourself. Book accommodation near Drevený artikulárny kostol Svätý Kríž, for instance on the accommodation in Svätý Kríž or accommodation in Liptovský Mikuláš page, and come discover Liptov from a different angle. This picturesque region offers numerous sacral monuments and hiking opportunities; their advantage is also that they are available almost year-round and in most cases completely free of charge. A holiday in Slovakia does not have to be expensive at all, and yet you might experience the adventure of your life right here.

Monuments in the historic city center are the pride of Banská Bystrica and a major attraction for its visitors. A true jewel is the oldest building in the town, Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie. The sacral building is the dominant feature of the town castle complex and has stood in the heart of the town for seven centuries. In addition to the beautiful Gothic architecture of the structure with its tall onion-domed tower, you can also admire other valuable monuments in the church interior. Among the most interesting is the Late Baroque organ or the unique sculpture depicting Christ on the Mount of Olives. If you are a lover of cultural and historical monuments, a holiday in Banská Bystrica will certainly be an unforgettable experience for you.

Rich German burghers contributed to the creation of Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie, which is why it is also commonly called the German Church. Its construction began in the 13th century on the foundations of an original Romanesque basilica. In the first half of the 14th century, the church underwent a major reconstruction, and only the lower part of the tower and the western facade were preserved from the original structure. Toward the east, the town built a new single-nave Gothic church.

In the 15th century, chapels were added to the church. On the western side of the sacristy, the Kaplnka sv. Barbory with a stellar vaulting grew at that time. The luxuriously furnished church was destroyed by massive fires that struck the town in 1500 and 1761. During the final reconstruction, the entire interior was modified in the Baroque style, and it was during this period that the tower received its eye-catching onion-shaped roof.

Currently, the entire vault of the church is covered with a painting by Franz Schmidt from the 18th century. The main altar has a massive architecture decorated with a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In the Kaplnka Kristovho tela, you can admire a 15th-century Gothic altar transferred from Kostol sv. Jakuba behind the village of Jakub.

The gem of Kaplnka sv. Barbory is a winged Gothic altar originating from the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča. The valuable relief of Christ on the Mount of Olives is situated in the exterior, on the southwestern corner. The impressive Late Gothic organ was built in 1779 by Michal Podkonický, son of organ builder Martin Podkonický. The organ originally had 24 stops in three cases. Over the years it was reconstructed twice and currently has 55 stops in two cases, operating as an electro-pneumatic organ. It is richly decorated with works by Master Ján Uttner.

You simply cannot bypass the church, which ranks among the most valuable ecclesiastical monuments in Slovakia, when visiting Banská Bystrica. Reserve more time for its tour because the sacral building is part of the entire Mestský hrad castle area, whose main task in the past was the protection of extracted mineral wealth, primarily copper. Today, within its premises, you can also visit, among other things, the Stredoslovenská oblastná galéria with more than 9,000 exhibits.

And when, after touring the cultural and historical wealth of the town, you get a taste for a different kind of experience, let yourself be invited to a tour of the night sky during an excursion at the Hvezdáreň v Banskej Bystrici observatory. Or are you rather in the mood to visit Aqualand - Plážové kúpalisko, where you will experience an endless amount of water fun? Holiday options in this town are truly diverse. Similarly, so is the accommodation offer near Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie. Accommodation in Banská Bystrica and its surroundings primarily represents comfortable apartments and popular cottages with the prerequisites to fulfill all the holiday expectations of their guests. Will you come to see for yourself during your next holiday?

The metropolis of Central Slovakia, the city of Banská Bystrica, boasts an unusual wealth of sacral and secular historical monuments. Among the most precious and at the same time most beautiful is undoubtedly the Katedrála sv. Františka Xaverského. It is situated right on the corner of Námestie SNP. The single-nave church with two tall towers has been the cathedral church of the Banská Bystrica bishop for more than 200 years. Located here is the episcopal cathedral, the throne from which the bishop explains Christian doctrine to the people. In addition to a spiritual message, visitors also come here for the beautiful architecture and rich decoration of this historic building.

The Jesuits began building the cathedral church in the 17th century based on Jesuit churches in Rome. The sacral building stands on the site of an original house of a wealthy burgher, which included a Gothic chapel. In the 16th century, it was the only place in the city where Catholic services were held. The church was completed after a long 20 years, and in 1776 it was converted into a cathedral church. A more significant intervention in its original architecture was an extensive reconstruction, for which the fourth bishop of the Banská Bystrica Diocese, Jozef Belanský, left funds in his will. At that time, towers were added to the church, between which a portico with four Tuscan columns was added.

The single-nave church is built in the Baroque style. It has two towers, six side chapels, and a choir gallery around the entire perimeter. Its main altar is adorned with the original painting of Saint Francis Xavier from 1729. The rich interior decoration is in the spirit of the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council. In 2003, a new pipe organ was added to the church, thanks to which the church also becomes an occasional venue for concerts.

Perhaps during your holidays, you also like to discover the cultural and historical treasures of the cities and towns you visit. In that case, definitely plan a holiday in Banská Bystrica. In addition to the cathedral church, you can also admire the Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie, which is the dominant feature of the Mestský hrad. And when you want to refresh your wanderings through the sights with a different kind of entertainment, visit Krytá plaváreň Štiavničky, an oasis of water relaxation.

Recreational opportunities in Banská Bystrica are truly diverse. Just like the offer of accommodation near the Katedrála sv. Františka Xaverského. Search for accommodation in Banská Bystrica through our portal, and a whole spectrum of cottages and chalets, as well as comfortable apartments in the city and nearby surroundings, will open up to you. Your holiday preparations can begin.