Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa
You will find Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa on Univerzitné námestie, in the northwestern part of Trnava. This Early Baroque cathedral church is the largest and most magnificent twin-towered church in Trnava. Did you know that the Early Baroque altar located here is the tallest altar in Slovakia as well as in Central Europe? In 1978, this church received an honor from Pope John Paul II, who elevated it to a cathedral, and in 2003 he also visited it.
The cathedral ranks among the most valuable historical monuments in Trnava and is part of the building complex of the former Trnavská univerzita. At the same time, it is the first Early Baroque sacred building in Slovakia. The origins of the church are linked to the second arrival of the Jesuits in Trnava. The donor of the church, who also financed the construction, was the Palatine of the Kingdom of Hungary, Mikuláš Esterházy. In 1629, he entrusted its construction to the Italian master builders Antonio and Pietro Spazzo.
The consecration of the church took place on August 30, 1637, by Bishop Juraj Lippai. The first Holy Mass in the church was celebrated by the Archbishop of Esztergom, Imrich Lóši. This single-nave, twin-towered church is 61 m long and 28 m wide. The interior is decorated with colorful paintings that will awe many a visitor. Above its main entrance is a pediment with statues of seated angels and a stone coat of arms of the Esterházy family. Beneath this coat of arms, the stone coat of arms of the Trnavská arcidiecéza is also placed.
The jewel of the entire interior is the magnificent all-wooden altar, which was completed in 1640. The altar is as high as 20.3 m and is the work of several carvers, sculptors, and gilders. Its dominant feature is a painting of Jesus Christ, followed by scenes from the life of John the Baptist. Breathtaking as well is the rich decoration with gilded and polychromed ornaments, three altarpieces, and dozens of artistic sculptures. An interesting fact is that hidden beneath the church are crypts where members of the Society of Jesus and four members of the Esterházy family, who fell in battle against the Turks at Vozokany in 1652, rest.
You can visit the cathedral from May 17 until the end of October, every day except Sunday. If the visit to the cathedral captured your heart, visit Dóm sv. Mikuláša as well, which was declared a basilica minor by Pope Benedict XVI on November 9, 2008. Treat your body to fairy-tale rest and relaxation and enjoy an extraordinary day at Aquapark Trnava. Accommodation near Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa can be found on our accommodation Trnava page. You can choose from a wide range of apartments and guesthouses. We wish you a wonderful holiday full of unforgettable experiences.
