Bazilika narodenia Panny Márie
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.
