Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Šariš

You do not have to belong to a group of strongly devout Christians to visit the Ľutinská hora pilgrimage site. Crowds of tourists regularly flow into this location to honor the site of the apparition of Saint Nicholas, who appeared right here in 1851 to a poor girl, Zuzana Fekete. Ľutinská hora is a sought-after location for tourists behind the village of Ľutina, and the most visited pilgrimage of Greek Catholic believers in Slovakia takes place here every year.

Just 800 m from Ľutinská hora, visitors will find the Bazilika Zosnutia Presvätej Bohorodičky. The beautiful grounds of this sacred building will enchant you with their charm. You will find a total of 4 chapels in it. The Kaplnka Zjavenia Sv. Mikuláša was built in 1930 on the site of a drinking water spring. It was right here that Saint Nicholas spoke to Zuzana Fekete and asked her to have a cross built next to the spring. Priests regularly bless the water from the spring during liturgical rites. The water reportedly has healing effects on various skin and eye problems and has already helped many people. With the help of an underground pipe, it is led from the spring location to the second chapel, Kaplnka Sv. Kríža, where you can draw it into your own containers.

The history of the Kaplnka Zosnutia Presvätej Bohorodičky is also interesting. After the approval of the apparition of Saint Nicholas to Zuzana Fekete by a letter from the Bishop of Prešov, Jozef Gaganec, in 1853, local believers traveled through Vienna, Buda, Transylvania, and Subcarpathia to spread the news of the apparition of Saint Nicholas and collect funds for the construction of the chapel. Pilgrims from Hungary, Transylvania, and Galicia began arriving at the site, bringing stones from which the chapel and the retaining wall were subsequently built. It was completed in 1854. In 1878, both the Kaplnka Sv. Anny and the Kaplnka Sv. Kríža were completed.

On the grounds of this pilgrimage site, there is also the Dom Mikuláša Klimčáka, which serves for spiritual gatherings. At the same time, it houses a permanent exhibition of artworks by Slovak and foreign painters. The well-maintained Záhrada Sv. Bohorodičky also has a spiritual charm, where you can pray the rosary or simply take a walk and enjoy the beautiful views. When you are at this place, definitely do not miss the Miniskanzen drevených chrámov. You will find very interesting, mostly Greek Catholic wooden churches built on a 1:10 scale.

After the spiritual experience from this place, we recommend taking a moment to quiet down. If you feel like exploring the surroundings and are interested in other attractions, you can choose truly interesting places. Tourists will appreciate the opportunity to put on their hiking boots and embark on an easy hike to Hanigovský hrad. Several hiking trails lead to it. From its top, you can see the village of Hanigovce and its surroundings. In the summer season, you can fully enjoy water fun thanks to AQUApark Lipany. Anglers will be pleased with the opportunity to fish at Rožkovianske rybníky.

Slightly tired, but enriched with new experiences, you do not have to return home immediately. Feel free to stay here for a longer period. It is a good idea to book accommodation near Ľutinská hora in advance. From the wide range of accommodation facilities in Ľutina, we can recommend all of them. They are highly rated by clients who have already stayed with accommodation providers thanks to bookings through our portal. Are you already pondering cozy apartments or rather cottages and chalets?

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.

Will your steps lead you to Svidník in the near future? In that case, be sure to set aside time for a tour of Drevený kostol sv. Michala Archanjela Šemetkovce. This Greek Catholic sanctuary, dating back to 1752, is situated directly above the village of Šemetkovce and still serves its purpose to this day. From an architectural perspective, this church is considered one of the most valuable temples in Slovakia. The sacral gem is surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Šariš region, offering picturesque views and opportunities for trips.

The temple, built in the middle of the 18th century, was significantly damaged during military battles for Dukliansky priesmyk in 1944. The residents of the village were responsible for its restoration in 1945. The church has a three-part space and is dominated by three towers. The main tower is topped with a bulbous dome with a tambour and a metal cross. The other two turrets above the sanctuary and the nave have a conical shape, are covered with shingles, and are topped with wrought-iron crosses. The entire wooden structure is clad on the outside with vertical wooden boards and battens. Their restoration took place in 2001.

The interior is decorated with the remains of wall paintings. The Baroque wooden wall with icons dates from the second half of the 18th century. Some of the icons that form part of it have their origins in even earlier periods. The altar features antique columns and an icon of the Virgin Mary. Under the tallest tower, you will find a special narthex, historically called the babinec (women's porch). It served women who did not have the right to enter the interior of the sanctuary. A belfry with three bells also belongs to the church, built in the 19th century on the site of the original 18th-century belfry. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.

In the surroundings of Šemetkovce, you can visit several rare sacral buildings. A wooden church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel can also be found in nearby Ladomirová. In the village of Krajné Čierno, you can visit Drevený chrám sv. Bazila Veľkého, and another interesting excursion destination is Drevený kostolík v Miroli. However, the list of wooden sanctuaries in this region is far from over. The village of Hunkovce can also boast its own wooden church, and you can visit Drevený kostol sv. Mikuláša in the village of Bodružal. And that is just a small sample of the architectural richness of the immediate vicinity.

If you would like to get to know the historical gems of Šariš more closely, be sure to book accommodation near Drevený kostol sv. Michala Archanjela Šemetkovce. We recommend choosing from the selection of accommodation in Svidník. The capacities of local cottages, chalets, and extremely popular modern apartments fill up very quickly. Find the right accommodation facility for yourself well in advance.

If you come to the district of Svidník and choose the visiting and viewing of wooden churches as your destination, do not miss the picturesque village of Hunkovce. In the center of this village, on a hill right to the right of the main road, is located the Drevený kostolík wooden church.

The period of origin of this not very large church dates back to the 18th century, when it met the requirements of local believers. This specific wooden church is ranked among the rare sacral buildings of Eastern Christianity. Originally, people of the Greek Catholic faith gathered in it. During the tour of the church, you can notice the attributes of the era in which it was built. A simple style prevails here, because at that time the local residents did not have extra money. Yet, thanks to faith and hope in God, they managed to build such a beautiful and unique structure.

The attentive eye of a visitor to this church will not miss the division of the church into 3 parts. The first part is formed by an entrance hall, which was popularly referred to as the "babinec" (women's porch). This is located under the main tower. The entrance hall once served people preparing for baptism or repenting of their sins. From this part, you seamlessly reach the nave. This is the second part where ceremonies take place. From a symbolic point of view, it represents the pilgrim church, that is, Christians living on Earth. Among the most essential parts of the structure is the sanctuary, which, from a symbolic point of view, is intended to recall the Kingdom of Heaven. An interesting detail is its orientation to the north due to respecting the unevenness of the terrain. The sanctuary is usually separated from the nave by a high icon screen called an iconostas. In this church, however, the iconostas is missing. The church has been repaired several times. It was most damaged during World War II.

Three towers may also catch your eye. In one of them, bells were once hung. At the top of the tower, you can notice a double-barred Baroque decorative cross with a lunette. Beside the church, you can take a walk and enjoy the local scenery. You might also be intrigued by the graves that are placed right next to the church. During hot summer days, a walk through this place allows you to hide for a moment in the shade of the trees. Unfortunately, the former wooden fencing made of long trunks has not survived here. However, you can also be captivated by the wooden gate with a shingled roof. Raising your spirit during a religious service is unfortunately no longer possible here at present.

You can also explore the village to the fullest thanks to its other attraction. In addition to the wooden church, you can visit a burial site with more than 3,100 graves of soldiers from World War II. It is designated as the Vojenský cintorín Hunkovce military cemetery. After a continuous layer of snow falls, you can ski on the slopes of the Nižný Komárnik ski resort. A day full of sports activities can also be concluded with an insight into history. This is reminded to us even today by Dukliansky priesmyk, which played a huge role in the battle of 1944. Today, it is listed among national cultural monuments. You will not go swimming directly in the village. Therefore, it is good to take advantage of swimming options in the Svidník district. For example, we can recommend the tourist-popular Vodný svet Aquaruthenia Svidník.

Do not forget that it is good to find accommodation in Hunkovce in advance, from where you will explore this region conveniently. Ideally, it would be best for you to book accommodation near Drevený kostolík Hunkovce. You can choose from an offer of beautiful cottages in Hunkovce on our portal. Or would you rather choose more affordable private accommodation in Hunkovce? In case you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

When visiting northeastern Slovakia, you will certainly notice beautiful wooden Greek Catholic churches. For the most part, these are unique, centuries-old temples that belong to the cultural and historical heritage of our country. You will find one such church in the picturesque village of Miroľa. This mountain village is located in the northern part of Nízke Beskydy at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level in the district of Svidník. It has a population of just over 50 residents.

The wooden Greek Catholic church Ochrany Presvätej Bohorodičky (Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) has stood in the village since 1770. It was built on the site of an older 17th-century temple. During World War II in 1944, it was severely damaged, but local residents had it restored again. It features a characteristic log structure and a typical external and internal three-part division, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The building rests on a shallow stone foundation wall. The tower, which has a column structure, emerges from the entrance narthex, behind which lies the nave. Liturgical objects discovered during the restoration of the cerkev (wooden church) are placed in the narthex. The third part of the church is the sanctuary. The tower, nave, and sanctuary each have an independent roof covering made of wooden shingles. Below their peaks, they terminate in double onion domes topped with iron three-armed crosses.

The iconostasis separating the nave from the sanctuary ranks among national cultural monuments. It is particularly interesting for its magnificent color scheme. Its architecture is four-tiered, with icons arranged across four levels. They date from approximately the same period as the church itself, estimated to have been created in the late 18th century. At the top of the iconostasis is a panel icon depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Below the cross, the Holy Mother of God and Saint John the Evangelist are portrayed. In the 1970s, the entire iconostasis was professionally restored. In the nave of the temple, you can also notice an interesting painting of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, the creation of which dates back to the 17th century. The temple can also pride itself on rare books written in the Church Slavonic language, which are used during church services.

The surroundings of the church are enclosed by a wooden fence with horizontally oriented logs. These are protected along the entire perimeter by a small canopy of wooden shingles. Entry into the grounds is through a small, open wooden structure. Near the church, you can relax in the shade created by the massive canopy of an old linden tree.

Exploring the beauty of this mountain village is certainly worthwhile. You can take a walk or a bike ride into the nature of Nízke Beskydy. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the news that the state nature reserve Miroľská slatina is located in the village, featuring halophytic vegetation and the presence of broad-leaved cottongrass. A slightly different atmosphere will be offered by a visit to Vojenský cintorín Hunkovce, which contains more than 3,200 graves of soldiers from World War II. Once snow falls and skiing conditions are ideal, you can head to the slopes of the ski resort Nižný Komárnik. A bit further from the village, you can enjoy year-round fun and relaxation at Vodný svet Aquaruthernia Svidník. Together with children, you can admire domestic as well as exotic animals at ZOO Park Stropkov.

If you feel that you cannot manage to try all the above-mentioned attractions in a single day, you are right. We recommend booking accommodation near Drevený kostolík v Miroli. As a family, you might choose a cottage in Miroľa as your temporary home. Couples mostly prefer accommodation with a balanced price-to-quality ratio. These criteria are met by Apartments Miroľa. Should you desire a slightly more opulent stay with options such as private wellness, take a look at guesthouses Miroľa. We will gladly help you select the best accommodation for you.

The history of the Svidník district is closely intertwined with the horrors of World War II. However, besides the Pamätník na Dukle memorial, the village of Vyšný Komárnik is also known for being home to the rare Greek Catholic Drevený kostol sv. Kozmu a Damiána church. The first church from 1700 was destroyed during World War I. The second, current church stands on the site of the original sanctuary and was consecrated in 1924. An interesting feature of this church is the tall windows in the nave and the sanctuary.

The church is dedicated to two saints, St. Cosmas and St. Damian, who served as selfless physicians in Syria. They are the patron saints of physicians and surgeons, and their feast day is celebrated in the Greek Catholic and Orthodox Church on November 1 and July 1. This remarkable sacral building is three-part, three-roomed, and three-towered, with three metal crosses. It stands on a stone foundation, with the entrance located on the west side.

The large entrance hall with a square tower is protected on the outside by vertical boards. In the tower, where one bell from 1909 was originally located, four bells are now placed, which even today regularly call believers to religious services. The dominant feature of the entire church is the four-row iconostas and an altar with a central image of the New Testament Holy Trinity. In the years 2005–2008, the church underwent an extensive interior and exterior reconstruction and is currently listed as a national cultural monument.

If you are captivated by the exceptional architecture of our ancestors, you can also view other magnificent wooden sanctuaries in the surrounding villages. You can start right in the neighboring village of Nižný Komárnik, where a wooden church of the Boyko type is located. In the village of Krajné Čierno, you will admire a beautiful iconostas located in the Drevený chrám sv. Bazila Veľkého church, and in the village of Bodružál, you will view the Drevený kostolík sv. Mikuláša church, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Reserve a few days to explore the rich Rusyn culture of the Svidník district. You can easily search for accommodation near Drevený kostolík sv. Kozmu a Damiána on our portal. Accommodation in the Svidník district offers cozy cottages and chalets situated in beautiful, untouched nature.

The Roman Catholic Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie is the most valuable and oldest historical monument in the town of Vranov nad Topľou. Since 2008, the church has carried the designation "minor," making it one of thirteen basilicas in Slovakia with this significant honorary title, which comes directly from the Pope. This modestly looking historical monument came to the awareness of Christians worldwide thanks to a miraculous event that occurred in the region. A rare historical icon of the Virgin Mary by an unknown author shed bloody tears before the eyes of local people. This happened in 1708.

The miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary executed on canvas with oil colors was subsequently transferred to the church. On September 8, 1708, the church was dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and ever since, it has been drawing Marian pilgrims from all over Zemplín every year on September 8. Another miracle is the event from 1718 when a fire broke out in the church, but the painting remained undamaged. The church thus became an even more significant pilgrimage site, as evidenced by the Decree on the Establishment of the Pilgrimage Site dated June 29, 1999.

The church was originally built in 1441 by the Franciscans as a monastery church. After their departure from the town, the evangelicals took over the administration of the church from the Franciscans and managed it from 1540 to 1672. Subsequently, in 1672, the spiritual administration of the church was taken over by the monastic order of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, the so-called Paulines, with whom the basilica is associated to this day. The cult of the Mother of God is characteristic of the Paulines, as they managed many Marian shrines. In the territory of Slovakia, their administration also included, for example, the pilgrimage sites in Šaštín and Marianka near Bratislava. After almost a century of activity in Vranov, the Paulines had to leave the monastery by order of Joseph II, and their order moved from Slovakia to Poland. The monks returned back to Vranov only after more than 200 years.

From an architectural standpoint, the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie ranks among late Gothic monumental sacral structures. Although you wouldn't say so at a glance from the outside, the church interior is a magnificent Baroque work from the first half of the 18th century and appeals to every visitor. The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Vranov depicting the Mother of God holding the child on her right forearm is located in the center of the altar superstructure. The main altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are also other, smaller altars in the basilica. The side ones are dedicated to St. Paul the Hermit, after whom the Pauline Order is named, and St. Pope Clement I. The fourth altar, located on the northern side of the church, is dedicated to St. John Nepomuk, the martyr of the seal of confession. The great reverence of the Vranov Paulines for this saint is confirmed by the reliquary with his remains in the interior and the sculptural group in the exterior of the church, included in the state list of cultural monuments.

Also preserved in the Vranov basilica is a very valuable Baroque-Rococo collection of liturgical objects consisting of a monstrance, chalice, ciborium, and pectoral cross. This unique liturgical set is the work of the most famous personality of Baroque goldsmithing in Slovakia, Ján Silaši, and rightfully belongs on the list of national cultural monuments. A precious testimony to the existence of Baroque sculpture in Eastern Slovakia are the perfect woodcarving creations from the workshop of Jozef Hartman, which adorn the altars and the pulpit. The atmosphere of the distant past is complemented by wall paintings by the prominent Czech Baroque painter J. L. Kracker.

If the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie has caught your interest and you would like to find out more, a guided tour can be requested from the Rímskokatolícky farský úrad Sever, which is seated in the parish building of the former Pauline monastery. Although the monastery building is of a later date, originating from the 17th century, it is likewise a historical monument worth visiting. Right from a distance, you will be charmed by the entrance portal, which can boast the attribute of an architectural landmark of artistic significance.

Book your accommodation near the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie and come enjoy Vranov nad Topľou and its surroundings. After visiting the historical monuments in the town, whose name is derived from a crow (vrana), head out into nature and discover the Slanské vrchy. Set out on foot, by bike, or in winter comfortably on cross-country skis. You will be thrilled not only by the experiences the region offers, but also by the exceptional accommodation options in the Prešov Region.