minor basilica, St. James Church Church

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St James' Basilica is a Gothic sacral building in Levoča, Prešov region. It is located at Master Paul's Square near the Renaissance Town Hall and serves as the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish dedicated to the apostle St James the Elder. This is the largest sacral building on Spiš and the type of the highest inner height of the ship in Slovakia after the Košice Cathedral of St.

The building history of the church is linked to the history of the free royal town of Levoča. Levoča is mentioned as a village in the deed of King Bela IV. from 1249 and in the last third of the 13th century it was a town with its own self-governing authority, richer and law of storage. In the privilege of King Stephen V. for the Spiš Sasov from 1271 was designated as their capital and the seat of Judge-Gróf. At that time, there were three older churches dedicated to St John, Saint Nicholas and St Elizabeth, which were not preserved, and some of their equipment was later placed in the new parish temple. In the 14th century two three-ship churches were built in the city, including the parish church dedicated to James the apostle, whose cult was reflected in the town seal from 1409 and later in the coat of arms.

The predecessor of today's building was an older architecture whose fragments from 1280 were preserved in the church sacristy. The beginning of the building of today's church dates back to the first quarter of the 14th century, while the year of creation is mentioned as 1300. Construction took place throughout the 14th century. First, they built a shrine and enclosing the ship occurred around the middle of the century. About the years 1390 - 1392 St. George's chapel was built and in 1400 a three-ship church bed of pseudo-basilical style was completed. Construction hut was influenced by the Czech court architecture of the Luxembourg period, as demonstrated by the Parlerian flame ring of some windows. Between 1480 and 1490 the southern portal was enriched with an atrium with a star arch and chapel called the Oratorium of King Matthias. At the end of the 15th century there was a north hall with a net vault. The Monument Office of the Slovak Republic records the area under the number ÚZPF 2892.

Interior equipment has been added since the 15th century due to individuals, craft guilds, religious fraternity, associations and the city itself. An important figure of later history was the town priest and humanist Ján Henckel, who worked in Levoča since 1414 had built the present main altar, founded two more altars, and between 1515 and 1519 set up the temple library of Bibliothec Leutschoviensis. The walls of the temple cover murals, from which the figures of the apostles in the presbytery were preserved, the moralistic scene seven acts of mercy and seven major sins, or the scenes of the life of Saint Dorota on the northern wall of the sideship.

The church contains a collection of Gothic wing altars and mobiles. Levoča was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009 as part of the ensemble Levoča, Spišský castle and sights of surroundings.

Tehdy a dnes

Drag the slider and compare how the monument might have looked when it was built with the view today.

Today's View – minor basilica, St. James Church

Historical appearance – minor basilica, St. James Church

Tehdy Dnes

The historical view on the left is a visualisation generated by artificial intelligence and serves as inspiration.

Historical Milestones

1249: The first written mention of Levoča in the document of King Bela IV.

1271: Levoča was designated the capital of the Saxons of Spiš and the seat of their judge-governor in the privilege of King Stephen V.

1280: Fragments from the original older sacral building preserved in today's temple sacristy

First quarter of the 14th century: Beginning of the building of today's church

BAT-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs) for dust emissions to air from the combustion of coal and lignite St.

Restoration history

Years	Type	Extent	Condition after restoration
2013–2020	Obnova a reštaurovanie bazilika minor sv.Jakuba	Časť obnovená komplexne	v obnove
2011–2013	Obnova a reštaurovanie bazilika minor sv.Jakuba	Čiastočná	dobrý
2011–2012	Reštaurovanie bazilika minor sv.Jakuba	Čiastočná	v obnove
2009–2010	Obnova a reštaurovanie bazilika minor sv.Jakuba	Čiastočná	dobrý
2008–2009	Obnova a reštaurovanie bazilika minor sv.Jakuba	Komplexná	v obnove

Source: Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic — open data, licence CC BY 4.0

Artistic features

maľba figurálna — Mučenie sv.Doroty bičovaním
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
socha portálu — sv.Jakub Starší
cement, odlievanie · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
svorník — Šesťcípa hviezda
kameň, tesanie · gotika · okolo pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Sv.Dorota prosí Krista o znamenie
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
portál — lomený ústupkový
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika · 1.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Dórus so ženou a dcérami odchádzajú do vyhnanstva
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba s nápisom — Nápis
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika neskorá · prelom 15. a 16.st.
maľba figurálna — Mučenie sv.Doroty v kotli s vriacim olejom
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Apolónia,sv.Agnesa
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Hladných kŕmiť
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Dorota
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
svorník s erbom — Erb rodu Turzo
kameň, tesanie · gotika · okolo pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Kňaz slúžiaci omšu
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
portál — lomený ústupkový
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika · okolo pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Strom života
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
maľba figurálna — Smilstvo
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s architektúrou — Iluzívna architektúra s nápisom
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
maľba figurálna — Kristus Bolestný
omietka, freska-secco · gotika neskorá · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba s erbom — Erb cisársky
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
socha portálu — sv.Ján Evanjelista
cement, odlievanie · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Jakub Starší
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
maľba figurálna — Kristus žehnajúci
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s nápisom — Nápis kronikársky
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika neskorá · prelom 15. a 16.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Margita,sv.Ján Evanjelista
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Zvestovanie Panne Márii
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Pýcha
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Imrich
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba dekoratívna — Iluzívny záves
omietka, freska · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
okenná šambrána s nápisom — pravouhlá
pieskovec, tesanie · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
portál — lomený
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika neskorá · 2.pol.15.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Jozef Pestún s dieťaťom
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
okenná šambrána s nápisom — pravouhlá
pieskovec, tesanie · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba figurálna — Legenda o sv.Dorote
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
svorník — Súbor svorníkov
kameň, tesanie · gotika · okolo pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Narodenie Krista
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Anjeli zhadzujú pohanského bôžika zo stĺpu
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Alegória Viery
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba s erbom — Erb rodu Pobst
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Božské srdce Ježišovo
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
maľba figurálna — Mlátenie obilia
omietka, freska · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Fabrícius prehovára sestry sv.Doroty na pohanskú vieru
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
okenné šambrány — pravouhlé
pieskovec, tesanie · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba figurálna — Posledný súd
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Peter
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
maľba figurálna — Zmŕtvychvstanie Krista
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Otec sv.Doroty Dórus odmieta pohanstvo
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Trojica
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Dráb vyvádza sv.Dorotu z väzenia
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Kristus Bolestný
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Súbor stredovekých malieb
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Ján Evanjelista
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
portál — lomený ústupkový
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Alegória Spravodlivosti
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba s nápisom — Nápis kronikársky
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba s nápisom — Genealogická konštrukcia
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Martin sa delí o plášť
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
maľba dekoratívna — Dekoratívna výmaľba
omietka, freska · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Dorota,sv.Erazmus
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Nanebovzatie Panny Márie
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Božské srdce Ježišovo
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
maľba figurálna — Nahých odievať
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Závisť
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Ukladanie sv.Doroty do hrobu
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Geometrický dekor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · bez slohových znakov · 1890-1900
maľba figurálna — Pocestných prichýliť
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Sv.Dorota posledný krát predvedená pred Fabrícia
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Boh Otec
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Zlosť
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba figurálna — Nanebovstúpenie Krista
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s kresťanským symbolom — Arma Christi
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Panna Mária
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Chorých navštevovať
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba dekoratívna — Iluzívny záves
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
portál — lomený ústupkový s kružbou
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Obžerstvo
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Agáta,sv.Alžbeta Uhorská
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Cyklus Kréda-Vyznania viery
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
hlavica — Súbor hlavíc
pieskovec, tesanie · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — Adorácia Sviatosti oltárnej
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Zoslanie Ducha svätého
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Kosenie obilia
omietka, freska · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Ladislav
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba figurálna — Sv.Dorota druhý krát odmieta Fabícia
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Sv.Dorota obracia sestry na kresťanstvo
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Ján Evanjelista
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Juraj
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
maľba figurálna — Lenivosť
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s erbom — Erb Uhorska
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
portál so sochami — lomený ústupkový s kružbou
pieskovec, tesanie · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba figurálna — Cyklus Mesačných prác
omietka, freska · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba a štuka dekoratívna — Grotesková ornamentika,plastické rámovanie
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.František Xaverský
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 1890-1900
maľba figurálna — sv.Barbora
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Väzňov utešovať
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s architektúrou — Kostol
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Mŕtvych pochovávať
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
portál — lomený ústupkový s kružbou
pieskovec, tesanie · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba s architektúrou — Iluzívna architektúra
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
vitráž s rastrom — Raster kosoštvorcový s dekor.kružbou
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Ladislav
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
maľba figurálna — Upálenie sestier sv.Doroty
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba a štuka dekoratívna — Alegórie cností,erby
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba figurálna — Krst sv.Doroty
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Katarína Alexandrijská
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
svorník s erbom — Erb mesta Levoča
kameň, tesanie · gotika · okolo pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Kristus v predpeklí
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Posledný súd
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika neskorá · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba figurálna — Smädných napájať
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
portál s nápisom — pravouhlý
pieskovec, tesanie · renesancia · 1.pol.16.st.
maľba figurálna — Alegória Lásky
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba figurálna — Uväznenie sv.Doroty v žalári
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Lakomstvo
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba s erbom — Erb
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba figurálna — Narodenie sv. Doroty
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Sťatie sv.Doroty
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Dekor v kružbe
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
maľba figurálna — Ukrižovanie
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · koniec 14.st.
maľba figurálna — Diabol
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Alegória Nádeje
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · renesancia · 2.pol.17.st.
maľba s krajinou — Krajina s princeznou
omietka, freska · gotika neskorá · 1.pol.16.st.
vitráž dekoratívna — Kobercový vzor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba figurálna — Cyklus moralít-skutky milosrdenstva,hlavné hriechy
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
maľba figurálna — Kristus prináša plody rajskej záhrady pisárovi Theofilovi
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
vitráž s rastrom — Raster kosoštvorcový s dekor.kružbou
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · koniec 19.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Štefan Kráľ
sklo, vkladanie do siete · novogotika · 2.pol.19.st.
maľba figurálna — Sv.Dorota odmieta miestodržiteľa Fabrícia
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Panna Mária s dieťaťom,sv.Anton Pustovník,svätica
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 2.pol.14.st.
maľba figurálna — sv.Štefan Kráľ
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · novogotika · 1880-1890
maľba figurálna — Mučenie sv.Doroty bičovaním a pálením
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · 1.pol.15.st.
maľba figurálna — Ukrižovanie
omietka, secco - maľba na suchú omietku · gotika · prelom 14. a 15.st.
svorník s nápisom — Nápis
kameň, tesanie · pseudohistorizmus · okolo pol.20.st.

Source: Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic — open data, licence CC BY 4.0

Interesting facts

- St James Basilica is the largest sacral building in Spiš and has the second highest inner height of the ship in Slovakia. - The predecessor of today's building was an older architecture whose fragments from 1280 were preserved in the church sacristy. - Construction hut was influenced by the Czech court architecture of the Luxembourg period, as demonstrated by the Parlerian flame ring of some windows. - City parish priest and humanist John Henckel had the present main altar built, established two more altars, and between 1515 and 1519 he established a temple library. - Wall paintings depic

Guide

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The text was prepared by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.

Welcome to Levoča. You stand before the impressive sacral building, before the Basilica minor, the famous Church of St James. When you raise your eyes and look in front of you, the magnificence of this place strikes you immediately. You have in front of you a real jewel of Spiš, the largest sacral building in the whole region, which still determines by its silhouette the character of the entire historic square. Feel this unique atmosphere while listening in silence to the stories of this temple. Let us go further into history, towards the very beginning of this temple. Although the exact chronology of today's construction remains hidden in mystery, we know that the predecessor of the present temple was older architecture. Fragments of this older building from 1280 have been preserved to this day directly in the church sacristy. Imagine the number of centuries that have passed before this mighty dominant was born from a small foundation. The construction of the building has also played a role in the construction of the building-house, which was significantly influenced by the Czech court architecture. Masters brought their art here and left an indelible trail admired by generations of visitors. Now pay attention to the architecture itself that surrounds you. Look up and see the space around you. This temple boasts truly exceptional parameters. It has the second highest internal height of the ship in all of Slovakia. When you stand outside in front of him, let your eyes pass over the entire facade. Note the massive and cleanliness of lines that testify to the mastery of medieval builders. Every detail on this building breathes with antiquity and reminds us of the important place this city had in the medieval Hungarian history. Although the specific names of architects or historical personalities associated with the complete beginnings of the building remain unknown, thousands of stories tell this place in themselves. He is witnessing prayers, joys, and sorrows of the people who lived before us. Generations of Levoca townspeople, merchants, and craftsmen came here to find spiritual strength and refuge. The walls of this temple witnessed crucial moments in the life of the city, when Levoča flourished as a center of trade and culture in Spiš. And now something that makes this place even more fascinating. Note this attraction that links the past with the present. St James' Basilica is not just a church. Its monumentality and unusual inner height make it the second highest such ship in all of Slovakia, just after St. Elizabeth's Cathedral in Košice. And when you enter or look into the sacristy, realize that you are touching the masonry that has been standing here since 1280. This continuity of time is almost tangible. We hope that you will be impressed by this opening view of Basilica minor, the Church of St. James in Levoča and that you will fully enjoy further discovering this unique place. Thank you for being with us, we wish you a pleasant visit and goodbye to other sights of this beautiful city.

Tips for visitors

The best time to visit: It is best to visit the Basilica of St. James in Levoča in the autumn months when it is less warm and tourists is not a tolik. This time of year also offers good conditions for photography architectural details of the church.

What to take with you: When visiting the basilica, it is appropriate to have a photo with you so that you can spend more time looking and understanding architecture. Also take sunglasses, especially in the autumn months.

Photography - the best places and light: The best place to photograph is from the north side of the church, where you can look at its facade in morning or evening sunlight. This time of year offers good seams and effects.

What to visit nearby (30 min from place): Near the basilica there is the Levoča Castle, which is an ideal destination for further discovering historical monuments. This castle complex offers views of the entire city and surroundings.

Tips for families with children: It is also suitable for children to visit the Levoča Museum, which is located near the Basilica. The museum offers interactive exhibitions and programmes designed for younger visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Can the monument be visited?

Religious buildings are usually open mainly during services; at other times a visit is normally arranged with the parish or the operator. We have not verified specific times. According to the heritage register restoration is under way, so access may be restricted.

Where is the monument?

Location: Námestie Majstra Pavla 1/1, Levoča, Prešovský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.

Why is the monument protected?

It is listed in the Central List of the Monuments Fund of the Slovak Republic as a national cultural monument (ÚZPF no. 414-2892). It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For children

Imagine finding yourself in the Middle Ages, specifically 726 years ago. Crowds of merchants and craftsmen who cut into stones stream around you, and the air smells like smoke from fire and old skin. During this period about 1300 in Spiš began to grow the basilica of St James.

Nearby

🏰 Historic sites (81)

Historická radnica 0.1 km +421 532457000 web
Dom Majstra Pavla z Levoče 0.1 km +421 53 451 3496 web
700. výročie Levoče 0.1 km
Klietka hanby 0.1 km
Galéria mesta Levoča 0.1 km web
Ľudovít Štúr 0.1 km
Slovenské národné múzeum - Spišské múzeum v Levoči 0.1 km Mäsiarska 298/18
Thurzov dom 0.2 km
Výtvarná kultúra na Spiši 0.2 km +421 53 451 27 86 web
sv. František z Assisi 0.3 km
Starý minoritský kláštor 0.3 km +421 53 451 27 86 web
Mariánsky stĺp 0.4 km
Július Bálint 0.5 km
sv. Ján Nepomucký 2.0 km
sv. Ján Pavol II. 2.0 km
Panna Mária 2.2 km
Panna Mária 2.2 km
Galeria 4.7 km
Izba tradícií 4.8 km
Kaštieľ Spišský Hrhov 4.8 km Osloboditeľov 36/36

🍽️ Restaurants and dining (219)

Thematic route

Thematic cruise route from Levoča

1. St. James Church (Church) Type: Basilica minor Reason for visit: This church belongs to the monuments of the Levoča Gothic. The construction includes a shield spike.

2. Levoča Market (Námestie) Type: Square The reason for the visit: The central part of the city where St. James' church stands. The square includes historical houses.

3. Levoča Castle (lock) Type: Lock Reason for visit: Fortress building in Levoča.

4. Levoča Town Hall (Radnica) Type: Historical object Reason for visit: Gothic building complex of the town hall in Levoča.

5. Levoča City Gallery (Gallery) Type: Gallery Reason for visit: Museum and gallery presenting Slovak art. The exhibitions focus on the painter Louis Fulla.

The route includes monuments in Levoča.

Seasonal recommendations

In spring, the surroundings of the Basilica Miner of St. James in Levoča wake up in the green and the morning sun rays hit the gothic stone facade. The historic city centre is surrounded by spring colors. We recommend layered clothing with windproof jacket, because spring wind in Spiš is cold. Early hours bring a quieter atmosphere without more people in the square.

In the summer, the sun leans into the Levoča roofs and the afternoon light highlights details on the towers and portals of the temple. The surrounding nature in the region provides conditions for trips connected with the visit of monuments. In the main summer tourist season, more visitors move in the historical core, so it is worth focusing on the basilica early in the morning before the arrival of the main groups.

In the fall above Levoča, morning fogs often float, which wrap around St. James' Basilica. The leaves on the trees in the surrounding area change color and create contrast with Gothic architecture. During this period you will appreciate warmer clothes and strong shoes, because the pavement on the square can be wet after morning rose. During arid days, the surroundings of the temple become more empty. A good time to visit is the morning when the fog slowly rises and sunlight illuminates the facade.

In winter it covers the snow historic center Levoča and Basilica minor St. James stands in a quiet environment. The early twilight and reflections of street lighting on the snow complement the scenery. Winter warm clothes, including hats, gloves and slip shoes, are essential because temperatures in Prešov region are falling. In Advent time and during Christmas holidays there is a peaceful atmosphere in the square. The time to admire exterior architecture is the evening when city lamps light up.

Visualisations and artistic views

bazilika minor, kostol sv.Jakuba – historická rekonštrukcia — Historical re-enactment

bazilika minor, kostol sv.Jakuba – letecký pohled — Aerial View

The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.

Photographs from the area

Real photos taken near the monument

Source and licence are given for each image.

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Zdroje a literatura

The factual basis for this text was the article na Wikipedii, whose authors are Wikipedia contributors. The article is available under the licence CC BY-SA 4.0.

Information about the monument

Obec Levoča

Kraj Prešovský kraj

Typ church

Exhibition year 1300

Century 13. stol.

Style / Period gotika

Dating 2.pol.13.st.

Protected area Levoča, Spišský hrad a pamiatky okolia, Pamiatková rezervácia Levoča

Stav v obnove, v reštaurovaní

Parking There are not

Psi Forbidden

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