st. Cross church with the area Church with grounds

The church of the Holy Cross in Kežmarok is a monument building located in the village Kežmarok, Prešov region. This late-Gothic Roman Catholic parish church was built between 1444 and 1498 on the site of an older parish church, which burned down in 1443. In 1998 the church was promoted to basilicu minor.

The church stands on the site of the original probably Romanesque chapel. Its construction started sometime in the first decade of the 14th century (about 1320). The tower and the end of the sacristy are the best way to present the size of the church after its reconstruction (width 19 m and length about 41 m or 49 m if we count the tower).

The reconstruction of the new late-gothic hall church began in 1444. The construction was financed by the Kežmarok family Zápoľsky. Some parts of the circumferential masonry from the original church were preserved during the reconstruction. The reconstruction increased the basilica south and east. The Presbytérium has been completed mainly thanks to the contributions of the Zápoľské family, which suggests also carved coats over the portal. In 1486 the entrance portal settled in the sanctuary and in 1498 the main - southern portal of the church.

During the Reformation period, the temple was enriched with canopy above the pulpit, organs, epitaphs, mortuaries, and side wooden choirs. After taking over the church, Catholics removed these elements around 1670.

In the 18th and 19th centuries various architectural changes appeared in the church. According to the evangelical visitation from 1709 there were 14 altars in the church, the number of which gradually decreased to five until 1803. Ceiling paintings with images of the apostles and church fathers were described by historian Juraj Bohuš around 1720. In 1731 there was a restoration of the church exterior, later in 1804 Kežmarok historian Christian Genersich spoke about stone articles of arches with emerald paintings. Baroque inscriptions were removed together with paintings in the years 1868 - 1870 when the object was restored.

Since the second half of the 19th century, interest in conservation care increased and began to remove the Renaissance and Baroque facilities, thus undergoing neo-Gothic treatment. In 1868, the interior was regotiated and instead of baroque altars they built new - neo-gothic. The main altar of St. Cross with the sculpture crucified Jesus by Master Paul of Levoča was restored.

In 1978 another church restoration started, which included the repair of the tower and the restoration of its decorations. The walls of the church were insulated against moisture and there was a modification of the surrounding church. In 1993 - 1994 a new pavement was installed along with floor heating and the church was painted.

Architecturally represents the type of Spiš hall churches. The Presbytery has a late-Gothic net vault with parallel diagonal ribs and massive poygonal pilsters. The Sacristy comes from the reconstruction around 1320 and is encircled by three fields of the cross vault. Pseudobillious indoor space consists of three ships, divided by a high intership arcade with a broken arch.

The area records the Monument Office of the Slovak Republic under number ÚZPF 2606 and consists of 7 objects: construction of economic, parish, church, bell tower, school and wall wall with gate.

Today, the Church of the Holy Cross in Kežmarok is an active religious place. Its rebuilding and modification from the 15th century to today testify to the rich history of this place. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and cultural heritage that have been preserved in this area for centuries.

The church of the Holy Cross in Kežmarok is an example of the historical and architectural wealth of Slovakia. His visit offers a view of the past, which intersects with modern period maintenance and care of monuments. This church is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Kežmarok.