en.infoglobe.cz » SK: Levoca – The Town of Master Paul

SK: Levoca – The Town of Master Paul

Published: 6.7.2016
Today we visit an ancient town with a complext of the most valuable landmarks in Slovakia. It is part of UNESCO (since 2009) with Spissky Castle and Spisska Kapitula. We talk about beautiful town of Levoca.

There is hardly any town in Slovakia which might have such rich past, preserved architecture and landmarks such as Levocab. The town is situated in the Slovakia´s northwest. To be more precise - it is located in the region of Presov in the sub region of Spis. It is about half an hour of ride from Poprad and the town is surrounded by the Levoca Hills. Near the town there runs D1 freeway. Therefore, it is simple to get to the Mekka of Slovakian tourism.

Levoča – historical district

The history of Levoca began in 1249. A small settlement near the Via Magna trade route expanded fast. Soon it became a proper town. It also became the center of German colonization. In 1271, Levoca was delcared the capital of the Saxons in Spis community. It didn´t take long before it became a free royal town. The main income was from trade which extended beyond the region. Levoca had trade relations with Cracow or Venice. Markets and fairs took place there often. The social life flourished and the town soon became important Renaissance center in the former Hungaria.

historical district   St Jacob church

Landmarks are greatest example of the glorious age of the town. There are dozens of these in the historical district. First of all you will notice well preserved town fortification with three gates. Behind them, there is one of the largest rectangle medieval sqaures (in the ratio 3:1) in Europe. There is monumental church of St Jacob built in the 14th century.

Levoča – St Jacob church and old town hall

This unique religious buildings is one of the Slovakia´s most important structures. Tall, slim belfry was added to the church as "late" as 19th century. It is rich on the outside as well as inside. It provides a glimpse of medieval sacral art. Its most glorious item is the main altar of the St Jacob made in the 16th century. It is also one of the highest altars of its kind in the world B for it is 18,6 meters tall! This masterpiece is made of lime tree in the Master Paul of Levoca workshop. He worked in the town for over 30 years. There is not much known of Master Paul of Levoca. However, there is a consensus on his significance as one of the most important artists in the world of all time. His works are scattered across Levoca and all Slovakia.

Thurza house

evangelický kostel   historické centrum

There is former town hall of Levoca next to the church. It is among Slovakia´s most distinct Renaissance non-religious buildings. It boasts with many arcades. The Thurza House belongs to another fine example of Renaissance architecture. It has a sgraffiti facade. Other town houses on the square are also great landmarks. The so called shame cage from the 16th century is an interesting sight. In the past, it was often used to publicily shame and punish offenders. Another remarkable landmark is the evangelical church in the shape of Greek cross. It has a huge dome. The Zupa house belongs also to prominent landmarks. Beautiful park completes the center as well as several memorials. Thanks to uniqueness of the town center was the reason why it was declared a town landmark reserve in 1950.

historical district

entrance to the town   historical district

Levoca became famous as town. The largest Slovakian pilgrimage was held there in 1995. Then Pope John Paul II visited Slovakia. Over 650 thousand people took part. There is revival Gothic basilica of the Virgin Mary on hill called Marianska Hora. The basilica is among the oldest and most important places of pilgrimage in the country. It is also the most visited sight in the town next to the historical district.

Levoča - Mariánská mountain, Virgin Mary basilica

Medieval gem of Spis was and is famous place where famous persons like to be. For instance, King Korvin, Emperor Joseph II., the Sturovci, or presidents T. G. Masaryk, Vaclav Havel, Archduke  Henri de Luxembourg or Japanese royal family have all visited this town.

Many events taking place in the city bring life to it. The most famous of them are the Days of Master Paul, Mysterious Levoca, Levoca Indian Summer, ot Levoca Spring and Autumn. The town is also the only national information library center for people with sight handicap.

park

The so called Gothic Trail also goest through levoca. It is the very first cultural-educational trail in Slovakia. It links the regions of Spis and Gemer. The surrounding nature of the Levoca Hills is crossed by more than 170 kilometers of marked trails and 390 of bike trails. And there is much more. Levoca is a town worthy a longer stay than just a day. The more time you spend there the more you will like the town. We learned this by ourselves and we are going to visit the town at some point in the fuutre.

GPS: 49°01'35.6"N 20°35'21.2"E

 

Text and photos: Oskár Mažgút



Discussion at the article (0)


Related Articles

SVK: Spišská Nová Ves - View Towards Iglov And Environs
Published: 10.1.2011
No doubt, a church tower belongs inseparably to typical silhouette of historical town of Spišská Nová Ves. Its gallery was open for public couple of years ago. So, when favourite weather allows, it would be worth to burn some calories and to mount several stages upstairs, in order to enjoy such unique outlook.

SK: Spisska Nova Ves – The Gate to Paradise
Published: 13.7.2016
We visited the town of Master Paul last week – Levoca. We move 11 kilometers to the south to Spisska Nova Ves. This town is considered the gateway to the national park of Slovensky Raj.

SK: A Trip from Spisska Kapitula to Zehra II
Published: 24.3.2016
On our trip we saw Spisske Podhradi last week. Also we climbed up castle hill to magnificent Spissky Castle. There we walked onto a yellow trail which akes us through unique nature around and also the town of Zehra.

SK, Bike Trip: Spisska Teplica  - Lopuska Valley
Published: 7.11.2013
Autumn weather is ideal for biking, so today we introduce routes that are suitable for the whole family. We head to the east of Poprad in Slovakia and from there pure adventure awaits.

SK: Spisska Bela – A Glimpse of the Past
Published: 24.10.2013
Spisska Bela town is located in the north of Poprad Basin, below the huge Belianske Tatras, at the crossroads to Kezmarok, Stara Lubovna, Zamagurie and the High Tatras. In today's journey across Slovakia we will explore the beauty of this amazing town.

Sk: Spisska Bela, Strazky – Art and History – Two in One
Published: 17.10.2013
Today we head to eastern Slovakia in the former village Strážky, which is currently part of the local Spišska Bela. Strážky lies on the main route between the Royal City Kežmarok and the previously mentioned city Spišska Bela. Known for its spectacular castle, an English park and a unique bell tower. And for these unusual sights pointed our steps.

SK, Spisska Sobota – A Gem Under  the Tatras
Published: 16.5.2013
Today in our wonders across Slovakia we move in Poprad to Spisska Sobota, a protected area of historical landmarks. We will explore its history which experienced rises and falls. Despite uneasy fate its artistic value didn’t vanish. It offers a unique look on lives of our ancestors in the Spis region.

SK: Trip from Spisska Kapitula to Zehra I
Published: 17.3.2016
This time we visit the east of Slovakia. Our destination aUNESCO landmarks. We are going to make our trip about history as well as tourism. We start at Spisska Nova Ves.

SK: Spissky Castle, Monumental Beauty – VIDEO
Published: 8.9.2015
With our camcorder we move to Spisske Podhradie town. Above on a cliff lures one of Slovakia’s largest castle compounds – Spissky Castle. The castle is actually administered by Zehra despite Spisske Podhradie is sort of an entrance gate to the castle. This is one of many interesting facts you will learn in this article.


Related Photogallery

SK: Spisska Nova Ves – The Town of Rarities and Records
Spisska Nova Ves is as well the entrance point to the Slovak Paradise as a place where you can en...

SK: Levoca – Masterful Beauty
If you intend to see the largest most comprehensive landmark complex in Slovakia, than the royal ...

SK: Spisske Podhradie – An Attractive Point of Interest
Should you be interested in UNESCO sights then we recommend you Spišského Podhradí. This is one o...

Sk: Spisska Bela and Strazky
There are many beautiful places in eastern Slovakia. One of them isSpisska Bela that offers walks...

SK, Spisska Sobota - A Well-Preserved History
Poprad Cityhides well-preserved historical center in Spisska Sobota, its northwestern part. There...

SK: Spis Castle, Castle Hill and Surroundings
Castle Spis is built on a travertine hill and is one of the largest central-European castles. Fi...


Related Videos

SK, Spissky Castle - Monumental Beauty
On the border of Presovsky and Kosicky regions and the regions of Spis and Saris there is a uniqu...

Place

Czech republic

Partners:

We were awarded the certificate even thanks to you!

Dôveryhodná firma 2017

 

Guide:

Important Information:

Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.

Mobile application:

aplikácia Infoglobe

stiahnuť zadarmo pre Androidstiahnuť zadarmo pre iPhone

 

 

Today:thursday 28. 3. 2024
Holiday:Soňa
Today:
thursday 28.3.
6 °C
Tomorrow:
friday 29.3.
5 °C

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X