It belongs to the most important historical landmarks of Prešov. It is the oldest building and the only preserved Gothic sacral building in the city. The church is a Gothic three-nave, so-called hall church, which were widespread mainly in German areas. In the past it was considered one of the most perfect hall churches in the former Hungary and among the buildings of the same type in Slovakia it ranks for its dimensions just behind the Church of St. James in Levoca and St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava. Its origins date back to the suburban period and probably from the 13th century a church of a German settlement stood on its site. Its construction dates back to 1347, when Queen Elizabeth allowed the people of Prešov to quarry stone for this purpose on the territory of Šariš. The church burnt down six times, the last time in 1887. It served as a Catholic parish church until 1531, when most of the townspeople and priests accepted Luther's teachings. For the next 140 years it was then an evangelical church for citizens of German nationality. After the occupation of the town by the Habsburg army in 1671, it was turned into a Catholic church, and during the uprising of Imrich Tököli in 1682-1686, it was made Protestant again. The last time it served as a German Evangelical church was during the uprising of Franz II. Rakoci in 1705 - 1711. Since then it has been a Roman Catholic parish church until the present day. Originally the church had 12 Gothic altars. Most of it was destroyed by fires, but mainly as a result of religious fighting during the anti-Habsburg uprisings. Of the other Gothic objects in the church, there remain extremely valuable sculptures of the Crucified from the first half of the 14th century, a statue of Christ the Sufferer from the work of Master Paul of Levoča and a 15th century sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel, which was at the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873. In 2008, the parish church of St. Nicholas was elevated to the status of a cathedral.
From the church tower you will have an unforgettable view of Prešov's historic square, the rooftops of medieval townhouses and the surrounding region. The tower at St. Nicholas Cathedral is open daily during the summer season for groups and individuals.
Photo: chello foto, OOCR Region Šariš, Tibor Šarišsky Photography, Parish Office Prešov
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