Bazilika sv. Jakuba v Levoči

About the museum

The Church of St James in Levoča is among the largest Gothic churches in Slovakia. It is a living parish church of the former royal free town of Levoča and has served the faithful for more than 700 years. In 2015 it was declared a minor basilica. It is dedicated to St James the Greater, the apostle and patron of warriors, pilgrims and workers, who was venerated throughout medieval Europe; his feast is celebrated on 25 July, and on that day large annual fairs were held in Levoča in the past.

The basilica and its interior furnishings have been a national cultural monument since 1965. Its most admired feature is the main altar, which is at the same time the tallest Gothic altar in the world; it was created by the Late Gothic woodcarver Master Pavol of Levoča and measures 18 metres and 62 centimetres. A separate national cultural monument, declared in 1992, is also the work of the Baroque goldsmith Ján Szilassy – monstrances, chalices and other liturgical objects from the second half of the 18th century, decorated with enamel, repoussé decoration, gemstones and Bohemian garnets.

The church contains many other altars, a pulpit, a baptismal font, an organ, pews, wall paintings, epitaphs and examples of applied art. The visit can also include the Henckelova knižnica (Henckel Library), and in summer it is possible to climb the church tower.

Highlights

• Main altar by Master Pavol of Levoča – the tallest Gothic altar in the world (18.62 m)
• Works by the goldsmith Ján Szilassy from the second half of the 18th century
• Minor basilica since 2015, national cultural monument since 1965
• Henckel Library
• Summer climb of the church tower

Permanent exhibition

• Hlavný oltár Majstra Pavla z Levoče – The tallest Gothic altar in the world, 18.62 m high, a work by the Late Gothic woodcarver Master Pavol of Levoča; in 2026 it is partly covered with scaffolding for restoration.

Operated by

Rímskokatolícka farnosť Levoča

Admission & discounts

By buying a ticket, visitors contribute to the repair of the church.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The basilica stands in the middle of Námestie Majstra Pavla in the historic centre of Levoča; the parish office is at Námestie Majstra Pavla 53.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit