kostol sv.Trojice Church and belfry

The church of the Holy Trinity in Žilina, also called the parish church, is an important monument on the eastern edge of the historic city centre. It is located on the street Horný val, above the square of Andrej Hlinka, and together with Burian Tower form a characteristic part of the Panorama of Žilina. The monument office of the Slovak Republic records it under number ÚZPF 1393 as a complex of bell tower and church, which dates back to the first half of the 15th century.

The first written mention of the church dates back to 1400, but historians assume that it stood on the site of today's building in the 13th century. Near the church there was probably a Žilina castle, which is mentioned in writing from 1318 to 1454. The church was first mentioned in 1423 when it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Patrocinium changed in the late 16th century when the church was twice occupied and renamed fortress. At this time it was used as a military fortress, which explains the later conversion to a defence object.

In 1530 the owner of Žilina Burian Svetlovský of Vlčnov had built a tower next to the church, which was later named Burian Tower. This 46 - foot - high tower still serves as a belfry. Its original renaissance form was gradually modified, for example in 1890 when it gained its present character. The tower is divided by small windows with gothic ledges and is a typical element of the Žilina city picture.

The church has undergone several reconstructions and damage. In 1678 it was destroyed by a fire that caused the bells to melt on Burian's tower. The restaurant was financed by the Žilina landlord Paul Esterházy in 1687, later the Jesuits took care of the restoration. In 1690 works started on the church, which was extended to St. John Nepomuck's Chapel in 1762. In 1848 a large fire destroyed the church roof, towers and interior furnishings. Only the statue of Virgin Mary, which was transferred to the church in Rosin and later to the church of St. Nicholas in Višňov, was saved in this drinker.

After the destruction of the church in 1858 it was reconstructed between 1870 and 1880 according to the plans of Jozef Godotech Klemens. Klemens also designed altar paintings, which are still in the church. In 1886 it was again damaged by fire, but in 1888 the towers received new roofs. In 1924 the Burian Tower received six new bells sanctified by Andrej Hlinka. In 1936 the church received a new organ from the company Brothers Rieger from Krnov.

In 1941 a marble relief of St. Anna from sculptor Fraň Štefunk was placed on the facade of the church. In 1941 and 1942, Burian's tower underwent a construction work, where a new sightseeing entrance was built. In 2000 sculptures of St. Cyril and Methodius by Ladislav Berák were discovered under the church.

The Church of the Holy Trinity is a single-shiped building with a semicircular apsid in the east and a high tower in the west. The original church apparently had the character of a three-ship Romanesque basilica, but after rebuilding it gained Renaissance and later Baroque features. The main altar painting from 1697 depicts the Most Holy Trinity and is the work of Joseph Bohtech Klemens. Other altar paintings, such as Our Lady on the left altar or Crucifixion on the right, are also his work. In the church there is also a statue of St. Anna by Fraň Štefunk at the entrance.

The church and the Burian Tower are part of the conservation reserve in the historical centre of Žilina. Their construction reflects the history of the city, from military conflicts to religious reconstructions. Today the church is the parish church of the parish Žilina - the city and since 2008 the cathedral of the Zilina Diocese.

The Church of the Holy Trinity is open to the public and is available for visitors. His visit offers the opportunity to know the rich history of the city and its cultural heritage.