The Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas is one of Prešov’s most significant historical landmarks. It is the oldest building and the only surviving Gothic religious structure in the city – an imposing three-nave church that was once considered one of the finest hall churches in the whole of Hungary. Today, it is not only a valuable monument with a rich history, but also a popular destination for visitors, who admire the unique view of Prešov’s historic centre from its tower.
A Gothic gem in the heart of Prešov
The Co-Cathedral in Prešov is the oldest building and the only surviving Gothic religious building in the city. The church is a Gothic three-nave structure, a so-called hall church, a style that was particularly widespread in German-speaking regions. In the past, it was regarded as one of the finest hall churches in the former Kingdom of Hungary, and amongst structures of the same type in Slovakia, its dimensions place it second only to St James’s Church in Levoča and St Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava.
History of the church
Its origins date back to the pre-urban period, and a church belonging to the German settlement is thought to have stood on this site as early as the 13th century. Its construction dates back to 1347, when Queen Elizabeth granted the people of Prešov permission to quarry stone in the Šariš region for this purpose. The church burnt down six times, most recently in 1887. It served as a Catholic parish church until 1531, when the majority of the townspeople, together with the priests, adopted Luther’s teachings. For the next 140 years, it then served as a Protestant church for citizens of German nationality. Following the occupation of the town by Habsburg troops in 1671, it was converted into a Catholic church; during Imre Tököli’s uprising between 1682 and 1686, it became a Protestant church once more. It last served as a German Evangelical church during the uprising led by Francis II Rákóczi between 1705 and 1711. Since then, it has been a Roman Catholic parish church. In 2008, the parish church of St Nicholas was elevated to the status of co-cathedral.
Artistic and religious monuments
Originally, the church had 12 Gothic altars. Most of them were destroyed in fires, but particularly as a result of religious strife during the anti-Habsburg uprisings. Of the remaining Gothic artefacts, the church still houses an exceptionally valuable sculpture of the Crucified Christ from the first half of the 14th century, a statuette of Christ the Suffering by Master Paul of Levoča, and a sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel from the 15th century, which was exhibited at the 1873 World’s Fair in Vienna.
The view from the co-cathedral tower
From the church tower, you’ll be treated to a unique view of Prešov’s historic square, the rooftops of the medieval town houses and the surrounding region. St Nicholas Co-Cathedral and its tower are open daily during the summer season to both groups and individuals.
St Nicholas Co-Cathedral – climb the tower
From the church tower, you’ll be treated to a unique view of Prešov’s historic square, the rooftops of medieval town houses and the surrounding region. The climb to the top, at a height of approximately 70 metres, involves climbing more than 200 steps, but the reward is a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Prešov. On the way up, you can see an exhibition of drawings and photographs documenting the church’s transformations, the mechanism of the historic bells, and a curiosity in the form of the former bell-ringer’s toilet. The tower of St Nicholas’s Co-Cathedral is usually open during the summer season to both groups and individuals. You can find the current opening hours and visiting conditions on the website The Roman Catholic Parish of St Nicholas in Prešov.
Tips for other sights in Prešov
You can combine a visit to the co-cathedral with a tour of Prešov’s historic centre. Right next door stands Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist and Orthodox St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Also worth noting are The Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity, the city fortifications of Prešov s Through St Florian’s Gate and stately town houses such as Rakoci Palace. As all these sights are within walking distance of the city centre, you can put together a pleasant tour of historic Prešov.
Photo: chello foto, OOCR Region Šariš, Tibor Šarišsky Photography, Parish Office Prešov
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