Pilgrimage area Mariana Mountain Church with grounds

Kostol s areálom 1903 dobrý Even in the rain Updated 21.10.2026

🏆 Do you like this monument? Vote in the Monument of the Year competition: Ranking →

Basilica Visiting the Virgin Maria on Marianska mountain in Levoča in Prešov region is a pilgrimage area with a new gothic church from 1903 to 1914. It is significant for both the religious Latin and Greek ceremonies.

The origins of the Marian cult in this place date back to 1247 when the first chapel was created. Later it was repaired by the Lion priest Henry. In 1311 Franciscan-Monorita came to Levoča, which is associated with the Festival of the Visits of the Virgin Mary. In 1470 parish priest Servác had the chapel rebuilt into a Gothic church in which they placed the Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. The pilgrimages also took place during the Reformation, the recovery took place after the re-castolisation. The first big procession and pilgrimage took place on July 2, 1671. Two years later, the church acquired the status of a place of indulgence with the papal permission. Further reconstructions took place in 1688 and 1819. In 1847 they built a wooden chapel for the Greek Catholics.

Contemporary Novogothic church was established during the reconstruction between 1906 and 1914. The Bishop of Spiš John Vojtashšak consecrated him on July 2, 1922. On the main altar is the original Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from the second half of the 15th century. The monument office of the Slovak Republic records the area under the number ÚZPF 3057. It consists of eight objects. In addition to the main church, there are five Marian chapels from 1869 dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Seven Painful, Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Virgin Mary, Saint Anne, Preaching to the Virgin Mary and Virgin Mary with the child. Part of the complex is a two-row alley from 1893 and a memorial place from 1995.

On January 26, 1984, the Vatican promoted the church to a smaller basilica (basilica minor). On July 3, 1995, there was a pilgrimage attended by more than 650,000 people in the presence of the pope. Even during the Communist regime, believers visited the place.

In the area is built an executive and religious house along with a house for pilgrims. The pilgrimage is held every year on the first Sunday of July.

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 – Pilgrimage area Mariana Mountain

Historical appearance – Pilgrimage area Mariana Mountain

Tehdy Dnes

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

Historical Milestones

1247: Building the first chapel.

1311: The arrival of the Franciscan-Minorites in Levoča.

1470: Conversion of chapel to Gothic church.

1671: First big procession and pilgrimage.

1673: The church received the papal permission to seek forgiveness.

1906-1914: The last reconstruction, the church gained its present form.

1922: The consecration of the new church by Bishop Ján Vojtashšak.

1984: Church promotion for smaller basilica minor.

1995: The greatest pilgrimage in the presence of Pope John Paul II.

Artistic features

vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Štefan dáva Uhorsko do ochrany P.Márie
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Narodenie Panny Márie
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž dekoratívna — Rozeta s medailónmi svätcov
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Ján Nepomucký
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž dekoratívna — Rozeta s medailónmi svätcov
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Mária Magdaléna
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Jozef Pestún s dieťaťom
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž dekoratívna — Dekor v kružbe
sklo, vkladanie do siete · bez slohových znakov · 1.pol.19.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Rozeta s medailónmi svätcov
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž dekoratívna — Dekor v kružbe
sklo, vkladanie do siete · bez slohových znakov · 1.pol.19.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Vojtech
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Zvestovanie Panne Márii
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Kristus s Mojžišom a Eliášom na hore Tábor
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Šimon Stock prijíma škapuliar od P.Márie
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Mikuláš
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Michal Archanjel
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Rodina v tesárskej dielni
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Tomáš
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Panna Mária s dieťaťom
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Ondrej
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Karol Boromejský
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Navštívenie Panny Márie
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Anna vyučuje Pannu Máriu
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Ján Evanjelista
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Vendelín
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna — Ján Pavol II.
sklo, vkladanie do siete · pseudohistorizmus · 2.pol.20.st.
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Videnie sv.Dominika
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — Panna Mária Lurdská
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925
vitráž figurálna s dekorom — sv.Anton Paduánsky
sklo, vkladanie do siete · historizmus · 1900-1925

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

Interesting facts

The origins of the Marian cult in this place date back to 1247 when the first chapel was formed. - On the main altar is the original Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from the second half of the 15th century. - The complex consists of eight objects, including five Marian chapels from 1869. On January 26, 1984, the Vatican promoted the church to a smaller basilica. - On July 3, 1995, there was a pilgrimage in the presence of the pope, attended by more than 650,000 people.

Guide

Show guide text

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

Welcome to one of the most important spiritual and historical cities in our region. Right now, when you stand before the pilgrimage area of the Marian Mountain, you are in a place that represents for thousands of people a symbol of peace, faith and devotion. As you look around you, you may feel at first glance the strange atmosphere that works here. It is a combination of historical dignity and a quiet, spiritual environment that invites you to stop and conscious perception of the environment. This area is not only a set of buildings, but it is a lively direct link to the centuries that have flown here, and to the people who have sought spiritual guidance here. However, in order to fully enjoy what you see here, we must go back to the past together. The history of this place is not short, and its roots go unusually far. The origins of the Marian cult at this particular location in Levoča can be dating firmly until 1247. Then, in the mid - 13th century, the very first chapel was formed. Imagine this early era when this place began to form as a center of faith. From the first, probably very modest construction, to today's vast and complex area has gone through a long time escape. Although the names of the architects who designed these structures are not known in our historical records, nor are the names of the individual figures who built this place, their message is in every stone and in every line of buildings you now have before you. The whole process of shaping was driven by the need to create a place that would serve future generations, and this has succeeded. Now that you are preparing for a closer examination of the area, pay attention to its unique structure. This complex is not only a simple church, but consists of eight different objects, which together form a harmonious whole. The dominant of course is the main church, which determines the entire geometry of this place. However, in order to understand the overall meaning of this area, you need to realize that it is a consolation. These buildings include five Marian chapels, which come from the ancient century. As you walk in this space, try to see how these individual structures complement each other. It is fascinating to see how architecture changed over the centuries - from the early beginnings to the Venice chapel, which adds its present-day rich character to the area. Look at their shapes and perceive the atmosphere they create in this space. Each chapel witnesss a different era, but they are all connected with the common goal and the main church. Once you are inside the main church, you will not be able to spend what is the most valuable artistic and spiritual treasure for this place. Feel the presence of history right in front of your eyes. On the main altar is the original Gothic statue of Our Lady. It comes from the second half of the fifth century. It's really fascinating that you can enjoy a piece of art that has survived for over five centuries. Follow its fine lines and perceive the Gothic aesthetic that is typical of this era. This statue is not only decoration, it is the heart of the entire area and a direct connection between the medieval and present. It's evidence of how art and religion have evolved over the centuries to create something that can still reach us. Maybe you're interested in the hidden power of this place, the giant that's hanging in the air. It's the constant continuity. Since 1247 when the first chapel was formed, there has been no spiritual activity here continuously since the minute. It is fascinating how a small religious act in the 13th century turned into such a complex and rich area. Although we do not know the names of all those who have built here, their efforts are in every detail you see here. There is something mysterious about how this place could be preserved and how centuries - from Gothic to the ancestors of the century - are plundered into a whole that still works and still addresses people. Now we invite you to continue this journey. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere and slowly pass through the individual objects of the area. Take time to feel the peace and quiet that prevails. See every chapel, every step after this historic place, and try to imagine the people who stood before us hundreds of years ago. Start exploring the parts of the area and let yourself be guided by this historical environment. Thank you for being with us on this short visit to the Marian Mountain. We wish you a pleasant and peaceful continuation of further discovering the beauty and secrets of Levoča.

Tips for visitors

The recommended period for visits is May to October. At this time the area is in full flower nature and the roads are transparent. Due to the uneven terrain around the church we recommend shoes with fixed soles. The stairs leading to the church and the view of the area in the morning or evening light are suitable for photography. Families with children can take advantage of walks around the area to relax.

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.

Where is the monument?

Location: Mariánska hora, 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. 414-3057).

For children

Close your eyes and imagine pressing a secret button on a time machine. Boom! He transferred you exactly 123 years back. It's 1903. The surroundings of Levoča look completely different. No cars, no cell phones, just the silence of nature and the road that leads high to the mountaintop. It is here that something extraordinary is created - the great pilgrimage area of the Mariana Mountain.

Nearby

Thematic route

As there are no other locations in the area of the area, I propose a thematic route within the area:

1. Church in the pilgrimage area Mariánska hora - The main monument with characteristic architecture. 2. Courtyard and surrounding area - Space for passage between parts of the complex. 3. Exhibitions in the area - Exhibitions approaching the history of pilnictwa. 4. Park around the church - Adjusted green area for relaxation after visiting the sanctuary.

Seasonal recommendations

In spring, the area is surrounded by waking nature and green vegetation. The sun is still not drowning during this period, which creates pleasant conditions for walking around the church. Layered clothing and shoes suitable for wet terrain are recommended. The ideal time to visit are the early morning hours. Summer months bring bright colors of the landscape that highlight the architecture of the complex. Thanks to long days it is possible to visit the place even late in the evening. In the main season, it is advisable to avoid the noon sun, use lightweight clothing and UV protection. Autumn is characterized in this region by the colour change of leaves. Light is softer in this period, which is suitable for photographing panorama. It is practical to keep our shoes wet and warmer sweater, as evenings tend to be cooler in a higher position. Zimą is the area dives into the silence and snow cover changes the appearance of the room. In Advent time, there is a peaceful atmosphere around. It is essential to wear warm clothes and non-slip shoes to avoid falling on the frozen surface.

Visualisations and artistic views

Pútnický areál Mariánska hora – historická rekonštrukcia — Historical re-enactment

Pútnický areál Mariánska hora – 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.

Visitor Tips

No tips yet. Be the first!

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 with grounds

Exhibition year 1903

Century 20. stol.

Style / Period novogotika

Dating 1.pol.20.st.

Protected area OP Pamiatková rezervácia Levoča a NKP

Stav dobrý

Parking There are not

Psi Forbidden

Open in Mobile App

Point the phone camera
the QR code to open in the app

sk.monumentgo.com/m/236 🏷️ Printable QR Sticker

Location on Map

Did you enjoy this article? Share it!

Facebook X WhatsApp E-mail

More monuments – Levoča

Show all in the town

old minorite monastery

minor basilica, St. James Church

burgher's house

Visitor photos

No photos yet. Be the first to add a photo from your visit!

Reviews and comments

You get more points for a visit verified in the app — we can tell from the GPS that you are there.