Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Sokoľ

Dóm svätej Alžbety is an impressive structure that represents the city of Košice. This church is preeminent not only because it is the largest in Slovakia, but certainly also one of the most beautiful. Many a tourist, young or old, gazes at the Gothic cathedral in silent awe.

Dóm svätej Alžbety is a Roman Catholic church and serves as the parish church of the Farnosť svätej Alžbety in Košice. You will find it on Hlavná ulica in Slovakia's second-largest city, right in the old town of Košice. Its area covers a respectable 1,200 m². Construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 14th century and was completed at the beginning of the 15th century.

The church is dedicated to St. Elizabeth as the patron saint of the city of Košice. However, the original church that stood on this site, mentioned as early as the 11th century, was dedicated to St. Michael. It was rededicated to Elizabeth only after German settlement in Košice. Following the church's first fire in 1380, the decision was made to build a magnificent cathedral worthy of the medieval city at that time. The church is built in the Gothic style, but elements of the original Romanesque style can also be found here.

The medieval merchants and craftsmen of Košice not only contributed to the construction but also donated to it financially on a regular basis. The cathedral was built with the support of the ruler of the time, Sigismund of Luxembourg, and the Papal Curia. Over the centuries, it underwent several restorations due to war and fires. Today, Dóm svätej Alžbety has an outer length of 60 meters and a width of 36 meters. The main tower, also nicknamed Žigmundova veža, measures more than 59 meters. The tower houses bells and the mechanism of the large church clock.

Inside Dóm svätej Alžbety, you will find several altars. However, the most beautiful and precious one is unequivocally the main altar of St. Elizabeth. It is the only surviving medieval altar with two pairs of wings and a triple composition cycle of Gothic paintings, totaling 48 panel paintings. The church earned another "first" with its double spiral staircase, which is the oldest surviving one in Europe. It is assumed to have had a purely decorative character, as it is very narrow.

Dóm svätej Alžbety is open to the public. Masses are held here in Slovak and Hungarian, as well as in Latin. Guided tours of certain parts of the church, such as Žigmundova veža, Kaplnka svätého Michala, or Rákociho krypta, are available for a fee. Visiting the church when a concert by the Štátna filharmónia Košice or the Medzinárodný orgánový festival occasionally takes place is a truly unique experience.

In addition to its magnificent cathedral, Košice attracts visitors with other sights. We have prepared tips for trips in Košice on our portal. You will see for yourself that it is worth staying here longer. We offer accommodation in the center of Košice and accommodation near Dóm svätej Alžbety on our website. Whether you choose to spend your vacation in a luxury hotel or a comfortable apartment, you will surely find your pick with us.

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.