Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Podhradík

Did you know that Konkatedrála sv. Mikuláša is the oldest Gothic sacral building in Prešov? During the times of Austria-Hungary, it was considered one of the most beautiful and perfect hall churches. Its construction was authorized by Queen Elizabeth in 1347. The elevation of the church to a co-cathedral church was decided in 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI. Come and inspect the magnificent interior of one of the oldest and most significant churches in Slovakia for yourself. You will certainly also be pleased by the view from the 71 m high church tower.

The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, bishop and miracle worker, whose feast day is celebrated by the Holy Church on December 6. Its foundations rest on an original older sacral structure from the 13th century on the site of an original German settlement. Kostol sv. Mikuláša was built as a single-nave structure with a raised polygonal presbytery. Its external dimensions reach a length of 54.7 m and a width of 34.45 m. It served as a Catholic parish church until 1531, when most burghers, along with priests, adopted the teachings of Martin Luther. From that time on, it became a Protestant church for citizens of German nationality for 140 years.

The change occurred after the town was occupied by the Habsburg army in 1671, when it once again became a church for Catholic believers for a time. Between 1682 and 1686, during the uprising of Imrich Tököly, it was returned to the Protestants once more. The church was returned to the Catholics in 1711 and has served as a Roman Catholic parish church ever since. Throughout its existence, the co-cathedral also experienced sad moments. It burned down six times and in 1918 was a silent witness to the Prešov Mutiny, during which 40 soldiers and 2 civilians were executed. Only a small part of the original Gothic-Renaissance furnishings has been preserved. Most was destroyed in fires or during religious unrest.

The dominant feature of the church is the main altar. It is a massive Baroque structure featuring a Gothic cabinet in the center with three niches and three sculptures. It is decorated with a Baroque canopy and side drapery. The author of this magnificent work is Prešov woodcarver Ján Weiss. The church also houses five other valuable altars in the Baroque and Renaissance-Baroque styles. Among the valuables are also Gothic sculptures of the Archangel Gabriel, the crucified Jesus Christ, and a small statue of Christ of Sorrows from the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča. In the church, you can also admire Gothic wall paintings on the northern side of the middle presbytery from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Another jewel is the large five-part Renaissance-Baroque organ from 1634, which is decorated with gold ornamentation. At its top, a small statue of Saint Michael the Archangel is placed.

From 2010 to 2021, the co-cathedral underwent an extensive interior and exterior reconstruction. In addition to a general overhaul of the large organ, the stained glass windows were restored, a new paint job was done, new electrical wiring, lighting, and sound systems were installed. The sanctuary was modified, and the wall frescoes were restored. The roofing was also replaced, and the entire facade was restored. Currently, regular services and concerts take place in the church. You can treat yourself to the view from the tower every day during the summer season.

After visiting this remarkable sacral building, treat yourself to a stroll through the main square, where a multitude of various restaurants, pastry shops, and pubs are located. If it is a hot summer day, do not hesitate and indulge in relaxation in the pools at Kúpaliska Plaza Beach Solivar or Kúpaliska Sídlisko III. A great alternative can be regeneration in the Salt Cave, where, in addition to exceptionally valuable salt extracted from the Klodawa salt mine, you can also look forward to pleasant music and a simulation of a starry sky. If you want to discover other interesting attractions in Prešov, we recommend searching for accommodation near Konkatedrála sv. Mikuláša. Ubytovanie Prešov means stylish apartments and comfortably furnished guesthouses. The kam na výlet v Prešove page will certainly help you when putting together your holiday plan.

A popular place among the residents of Prešov, where they can elevate their spirit or enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, is Kalvária v Prešove. It is located on a hill at an altitude of 265 m above sea level, on the western edge of the town of Prešov.

Prešovská Kalvária is a complex of Baroque chapels and a church. In the past, it was considered the 2nd most beautiful Calvary in the territory of the former Kingdom of Hungary (right after the Calvary in Banská Štiavnica). The first mention of it dates back to the 18th century. Among the oldest structures within the complex is the kaplnka Krista na Olivovej hore and a cross originating from 1721. This construction was carried out by the Jesuits, mainly thanks to the financial support of the town's residents and its nobility. The project was successfully completed only in 1893.

During a visit to this place, you can admire 14 chapels of the Stations of the Cross. You can also enjoy your time at the kaplnka Svätých schodov. You may also be intrigued by the catacombs, which served as tombs for priests. Or will you be enchanted by the beautiful little kostolík svätého Kríža instead? The church was completed in 1753 and is built in the Baroque style. Upon inspecting its interior, you will be captivated by the combination of colors and light, making it feel larger than it actually is. Your attention may be drawn to the altar, three crosses, and statues of the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Saint John the Apostle. The interior of the church is meant to remind all believers of the real Golgotha. Directly at the Calvary, a cemetery is also located. The entire complex was solemnly consecrated in 1769.

Free access is available here for all visitors to the Calvary. If you arrive by car, park it in the parking lot, and in 3 minutes of walking, you will be directly in front of the church. Mothers with strollers appreciate the opportunity to reach this place along an asphalt path. Running enthusiasts will find what they are looking for thanks to the stairs, which they can conquer while running. Believers come here to pause and quiet down in prayer in a pleasant environment. Know that whoever has not enjoyed the views at this place, it is as if they have never been to Prešov. There is one of the best and most beautiful views of the entire town here, which since 2019 you can also enjoy thanks to an installed observation telescope.

Visiting the Calvary complex is worth it in every season of the year. Unique sunrises or a charming night sky can be observed from here. To fully enjoy the magic of this atmosphere, we can recommend accommodation near Kalvárii v Prešove. Perhaps, when looking from this spot, your attention will be caught by the tower of the Konkatedrála svätého Mikuláša, located on the main square in Prešov. Among the interesting places to go for a trip is also Caraffova väznica. You can treat your body to great relaxation in the pools or wellness center of the aquapark Delňa - Prešov. A stay in a salt cave also has beneficial effects on the body.

So that you can discover places in Prešov full of energy and with joy, we can give you only one piece of advice. Book the best accommodation in Prešov near Kalvaria Prešov right now. In the offer of accommodation facilities on the portal MegaUbytovanie, you can find everything from aparments Prešov to romantic and cozy cottages. It all depends only on your preferences as to which accommodation you choose from the catalog.