St. Jacob's Church

Slovakia



This originally Gothic church was built during the 14th century on the site of an older church. The Gothic St. George Chapel is of the same period. The tall slender tower of St. Jacob from the first half of the 19th century is the most distinct feature in the city's silhouette. Especially precious is the interior of the church, which is in fact a unique museum of medieval sacral art.

The Late Gothic main altar of St. Jacob at a height of 18.6 m is the tallest of its kind in the world. Made of lime wood in 1507-1517 in the workshop of Master Pavol of Levoča the carving, by the Master himself, is of extraordinary high artistic value, whilst the board paintings are attributed to the painter Hans. Part of them is based in the patterns of the wood carvings of Lucas Cranach.

There are another thirteen lateral altars in the church, eight Late-Gothic, two Renaissance and three Baroque ones. The collection of Gothic liturgical objects and a Baroque monstrance by the Levoča goldsmith Ján Szilassy is also of immense value.

Top Things To Do in Slovakia

See All →

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.