st. Paul's temple Church

Welcome to the village Krukov, in the heart of Prešov region. Right now, you are standing before the temple of St. Paraskeva, which dominates the surroundings and reminds its presence of the deep spiritual tradition of the region. When you look at the construction, the first thing likely to interest you is its harmonious silhouette, which combines peace and moderation. It is a place where time has slowed down and where every detail tells a story about the faith and endurance of local inhabitants.

Let's now dive into the history of this place. Although the building you see in front of you is coherent, its story began before official dating. The present church was built in 1783, but unknown builders did not build it in the green field. This building followed up on an older building that had stood there before. This means that this place was sanctified and used for prayer long before the foundation stones of the present temple were laid. The second half of the eighteenth century was the time when the Greek Catholic identity was strengthened in this area, and it was in this spirit that this temple was created.

If we look at the architecture, note that the church is built in Baroque-Classicist style. It is an interesting combination where baroque dynamics meet classicistic purity and rationality. Now look at the overall composition of the building. The temple has a three-space disposition, which is typical for many sacral buildings from this time. In the background you can see the presbytery, which is formed as a large semicircular apsida. This round shape is not only an aesthetic detail but symbolizes infinity and divine perfection.

Nyni pay attention to the tower. Look up and watch her finish. The tower is crowned with a Baroque onion roof, which is a characteristic element for the Greek Catholic temples in our basins. It is this onion that gives the building its typical character and allows it to be seen by far, thus serving as a beacon for all believers coming to the village. The overall composition of the building shows that although we do not know the names of the specific architects who designed the project, they had a deep knowledge of the trends at that time and were able to create a structure that fits perfectly into the country.

When we talk about the people who were immersed in this place, the period of the end of the eighteenth century cannot be missed. In 1788, the administrator of the Greek Catholic parish Ján Hlivjak began to operate here. Imagine the period in which he came to Krukov. It was a time of change and community building. The parish overseer was not only a spiritual leader but also often a steward of social life in the village. It was thanks to such personalities that the church became the center of spiritual and social life, where generations of inhabitants met, celebrated holidays, and sought comfort in difficult times.

Take an interest now for a moment in something you may not see at first sight, but what is an integral part of the identity of this temple. They're bells. Bells in Christian temples are not merely church - calling instruments, they are community voices. In the history of this temple, 1923 is an important milestone when two new bells were cast. Imagine that moment in the intermilitary era when they first called over the village of Krukov. The new bells meant a new beginning and the restoration of the hot tub. Their sound complemented the atmosphere of this Baroque-Classicist space and complemented its spiritual dimension.

It is fascinating to think about how many changes this church has experienced since 1783. He survived the upheaval of regimes, wars, and social transformations, but he still stands here as a witness to the past. But the names of the people who designed it remain a mystery. Who were those anonymous masters who created this harmonious construction in the horse's potential of their time? Who designed the exact curve of an onionous roof or the dimension of a semi-circular apsid? Although their names are not written in chronicles, their work speaks for them.

Now that you've looked at the exterior and learned about the history of St. Paraskeva's temple, we suggest you take a moment quietly to perceive the atmosphere of this place. Look again at the details of the facade, you perceive the rhythm of the windows and the majesty of the tower. This church is not only a set of stone walls and wood, but a lively monument of Greek Catholic tradition in the Prešov region.

Thank you for taking this short tour with us. You can now calmly continue to explore the surroundings of the village of Krakov and look for further traces of history that hide the region. We wish you a pleasant day and a peaceful experience of your visit.