Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Trnava Region
The Basilica of St. Nicholas, also known as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas or the 'Hrubý kostol', is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Trnava, Slovakia. Its origins trace back to a Romanesque parish church from the 11th century, rebuilt in the late 14th and early 15th centuries in the Gothic style, completed in 1421. The basilica is notable for its large size-60 meters long and 31 meters wide-with a main nave height of 18 meters and a distinctive double-towered facade. It served as the metropolitan cathedral of the Archdiocese of Esztergom from 1543 to 1820, reflecting Trnava's importance during the Turkish invasions. The interior houses valuable Baroque chapels, including the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Trnava, famous for its miraculous painting that reportedly wept during Ottoman raids. The basilica contains original Gothic wall paintings from the 15th century and later murals from the early 20th century. Its southern tower holds some of the largest bells in Europe, including the bell of St. Nicholas. The church has two historic organs, one built in 1783 by Valentin Arnold and the other a large Rieger organ installed in the early 20th century. The basilica was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, becoming the tenth basilica of its kind in Slovakia. It remains a vital religious, cultural, and historical landmark in the Trnava region.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the basilica during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer a peaceful atmosphere and better lighting for photography. Tickets can be purchased onsite, but checking ahead for special events or masses is recommended. The basilica offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the rich history and art. The best time to visit is spring through early autumn, when the surrounding city is also vibrant with cultural activities.
Faits intéressants
- •The northern tower of the basilica houses one of the largest bells in Europe, named St. Nicholas.
- •The miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary of Trnava in the Baroque chapel reportedly wept during Ottoman invasions.
- •The basilica contains original Gothic wall paintings dating back to the late 15th century.
- •The southern tower is topped with two cockerels, symbols linked to a historic city captain's coat of arms.
- •Several archbishops of Esztergom and other notable religious figures are buried within the basilica, marked by epitaphs dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Histoire
The site originally hosted a Romanesque parish church dedicated to St.
Nicholas in the 11th century.
Between 1380 and 1421, the current Gothic structure was built to replace the older church, reflecting Trnava's growth.
The basilica served as the metropolitan cathedral of the Archdiocese of Esztergom from 1543 to 1820, a period during which Trnava was a religious center due to Turkish invasions.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque chapels and expansions were added, including the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Trnava.
The church was declared a Marian pilgrimage site in 2008 and was granted the status of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI the same year.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Gothic Wall Paintings15th century
The basilica's main nave is notable for its vast height of 18 meters and contains original Gothic wall paintings from the late 15th century, alongside newer murals from the early 20th century, illustrating religious themes.
Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Trnava1739-1741
A Baroque chapel built between 1739 and 1741 housing the miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary, a key pilgrimage attraction known for the legend of the painting shedding tears during Turkish invasions.
Southern Tower with Bells17th century (tower height adjustment)
The southern tower contains three significant bells named St. Stephen, St. Nicholas, and St. Barbara, and is topped by two cockerels, symbols connected to the city's historic coat of arms.
Historic Organs1783 and early 20th century
The basilica houses two organs: the smaller one from 1783 by Valentin Arnold, the oldest organ in Trnava, and a large Rieger organ installed in the early 20th century, used by notable local composer Mikuláš Schneider-Trnavský.
Contact
Téléphone: 033/551 44 24