St. Nicholas Cathedral, Prešov
Prešov Region
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Prešov stands as a remarkable example of Late Gothic architecture in Slovakia. Constructed initially in the mid-14th century on the foundations of a 13th-century sacral building, it features a spacious three-nave hall church design with a polygonal presbytery and stellar and net vaults. The cathedral's interior showcases richly profiled Late Gothic portals, original Gothic windows with intricate tracery, and massive polygonal pillars supporting pointed arcades. Notably, the 71-meter-high tower, rebuilt in 1903, dominates the skyline with its pseudo-Gothic arcades and steep pyramidal roof. The church underwent significant expansions and reconstructions between 1502 and 1515 under master builder John Brengyszeyna, including the addition of a southern nave, oratory with Late Gothic motifs, and original polychrome vault paintings. The cathedral also preserves original Gothic carved doors and stone portraits of Hungarian kings, reflecting its rich historical and cultural heritage. Elevated to co-cathedral status by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, it continues to be an important religious and architectural landmark undergoing ongoing restoration.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral during weekdays to avoid crowds and to appreciate the detailed Gothic architecture. The best time to visit is during spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to gain deeper insights into the cathedral's history and art. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Note that the cathedral is undergoing restoration, so some areas might be temporarily inaccessible.
Faits intéressants
- •The cathedral's tower reaches 71 meters and contains 200 steps to the top.
- •The vaulting includes unique Late Gothic stellar and net vaults with original polychrome colors preserved in some areas.
- •Stone portraits of Hungarian kings St. Ladislaus, St. Stephen, and St. Imrich are polychromed by painter Peter Moler on the southern nave vaults.
- •The tower's circular vault on the ground floor is unique in Eastern Slovakia.
- •The southern portal features rich flamboyant tracery and a richly profiled Late Gothic portal from 1509.
Histoire
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was originally built in the mid-14th century atop a 13th-century sacral foundation.
After a fire in 1418, reconstruction efforts resumed between 1420 and 1440, inspired by Czech Gothic architecture, particularly the works of Peter Parler.
The most significant reconstruction occurred from 1502 to 1515 under John Brengyszeyna, who unified the church's disparate parts and expanded it southwards.
The tower was vaulted with a unique circular vault during this period.
In 1903, the tower was rebuilt with a high pyramidal roof and pseudo-Gothic arcades.
In 2008, the church was elevated to co-cathedral status by Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting its ongoing religious importance.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Presbytery14th-15th century
The cathedral's central space, featuring a Late Gothic stellar vault soaring 16 meters high, supported by massive polygonal pillars and pointed arcades separating the three naves. The presbytery ends polygonally and is vaulted with intricate net and stellar Gothic vaults.
Southern Nave and Oratory1502-1515
Expanded in the early 16th century, this area features a stellar vaulted hall from 1509 and an oratory decorated with Late Gothic rotating flamed tracery motifs. The southern nave walls bear stone portraits of Hungarian kings and original polychrome vault paintings by Peter Moler.
Cathedral Tower1903 (reconstruction)
The 71-meter tower dominates the cathedral's silhouette, rebuilt in 1903 with pseudo-Gothic arcades and a high pyramidal roof. The tower entrance features a Gothic portal with a trefoil motif, and smaller decorative towers adorn its corners.
Northern Portal and Spiral Staircasecirca 1400
The northern portal retains its original 15th-century Gothic carved door, leading to a spiral staircase that ascends to the oratory on the second floor. The portal features tracery panels carved around 1400 in the soft decoration style.
Contact
Téléphone: 051/773 35 00