Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Vígľaš

Visit the peaceful village in the district of Banská Bystrica, the village of Čerín. Right here you will find one of the most valuable monuments in the surroundings of Banská Bystrica, namely Kostol sv. Martina. Upon visiting this Early Gothic church, you will be transported in time and place, experiencing for a moment the atmosphere of medieval England.

This artistic and historical gem is located on an elevated spot above the village of Čerín. Its history dates back to the 14th century when it was built by Pavol of Krtíš. In the church's exterior, you can view amazing medieval wall paintings or other works of art. Why visit this particular church? Definitely to see with your own eyes the impressive 17th-century wooden bell tower built next to the church. The church as such is fortified with a stone defensive wall featuring loop-holes. This was mainly because the Turks attempted to conquer the village.

Originally built in the Gothic style, the church was rebuilt three times during its journey to the present day. Its Gothic architecture has been preserved in many places to this day. Intrigued, you might find it interesting that the church was painted just a few years after its construction. For that era, this was a very unusual phenomenon, as decoration usually took place only half a century after construction. The 16th-century wooden painted ceiling will captivate you so much that you will remain in silent awe for a moment.

We do not need to remind you of its high artistic and historical value. Several years ago, 12 heritage-protected objects were listed within the church interior. It is well worth looking around at the main altar of St. Martin (crafted in the workshop of the Master of Kremnica), statues of saints, the Late Baroque empora, the 18th-century pulpit, or the wooden benches from the Renaissance period. You will also surely notice the Gothic baptismal font or the baptismal font from the Baroque period. The eye of an enthusiast will also appreciate the hanging painting of St. John of Nepomuk. There is truly a lot to admire in the church. However, it will be even better if you attend an announced mass and share a spiritual experience together with other believers.

Even though the church was struck by artillery during World War II, many paintings and frescoes were successfully saved. So be sure to plan a trip to this attraction and enjoy perhaps nearby accommodation near Kostol sv. Martina. From there, after morning mass, you can also head to the ruins of Hrad Dúbravica. Nearby is also Hronsek, home to a wooden articular church as well as other attractions of Hronsek. For a larger group, simply choose a suitable cottage in Čerín and treat yourself to a wonderful summer holiday exploring historical monuments in Slovakia.

Not far from the famous Kúpele Sliač spa, in the picturesque village of Hronsek, you will find a gem of sacral architecture, the Drevený artikulárny kostol, which, together with its wooden belfry, is one of the largest wooden structures in Central Europe. Did you know that the term artikulárny (articular) originates in history and means the church had to be built according to legal articles? These articles were adopted in 1681 at the Diet of Sopron and specified that the temple had to be built entirely of wood within a single year, no metal parts could be used in its construction, it could not have a tower, and the entrance to the temple could not face directly onto the street.

Construction of the Hronsek articular church began on October 23, 1725, and a year later, in the autumn of 1726, it was completed. The church carries elements of Scandinavian architecture, yet blends multiple styles from across Europe. It stands 8 meters high and has an impressive length of 26 meters. The ground plan of the church is in the shape of a cross. An interesting detail is the unique use of oak pegs instead of iron nails. Oak and spruce wood were used for the construction of the frame. The inner vaulting of the church resembles an inverted ship in its shape. The lower part of the choirs is decorated with ornaments in the shape of a linden leaf, representing a symbol of Slavic consciousness.

The church has 5 separate entrances built opposite one another. Above one of the entrances, a rooster is placed as a symbol of Christian vigilance. The interior is illuminated by 30 hexagonal blown-glass windows. The unique arrangement of pews, reminiscent of amphitheater seating, accommodates up to 1,100 people. Also remarkable are its excellent acoustics and the fact that the altar and preacher are visible from every seat in the church. The magnificent altar with six interchangeable paintings in a single frame was painted in 1771 by master Samuel Mialovič. The paintings are rotated according to the current liturgical season. Another dominant feature of the church is the organ, built in 1764 by the famous Banská Bystrica master Martin Podkonický.

A wooden belfry was built alongside the church in 1726. Four massive linden trees standing beside the church were planted to celebrate the completion of construction and represent a deep connection between nature and the human soul. The Slovak poet Andrej Sládkovič and Antónia Júlia Senkovičová, who hailed from Hronsek, also said their "I do's" here. Evangelical church services take place here every Sunday at 9:00 AM. Next to the church stands a vicarage where Ján Simonides and August Horislav Krčméry served. On July 7, 2008, the Drevený artikulárny kostol in Hronsek was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Do not forget to book your tour in advance by phone.

We believe that a visit to this unique wooden church will touch your heart and leave a deep impression on you. Stay longer in this beautiful region beneath the Kremnické vrchy. Comfortable accommodation near Drevený artikulárny kostol Hronsek can be found on our page accommodation in Hronsek. Plan a family trip and discover other fantastic attractions in the surrounding area. Indulge in a well-deserved rest and relax in the nearby Kúpele Sliač spa. Let yourself be pampered and enjoy the healing power of balneotherapy. Near the spa, you will also find the summer thermal pool Termálne kúpalisko Sliač, which offers a circular children's pool in addition to a swimming pool. We wish you a wonderful holiday full of unforgettable experiences.