The Basilica of St Egidius in Bardejov It is one of the most significant Gothic religious monuments in Slovakia and dominates the town’s historic centre. It is situated on the northern side of Town Hall Square and, together with the historic town hall, forms one of the most characteristic scenes Bardejova. The church forms part of the historic centre of Bardejov, which has been listed since 2000 in UNESCO World Heritage List.
The church’s origins date back to the Middle Ages. Historical sources from 1247 mention a church associated with the Cistercians, whilst the present-day building began to take shape in the 14th century. The church underwent significant reconstruction, particularly in the 15th century, when Bardejov was experiencing a period of economic and cultural prosperity. Following a devastating fire in the town in 1878, the basilica took on its present form.
Bardejov’s Gothic landmark
The basilica is a three-nave Gothic building with a polygonal sanctuary, a sacristy, chapels and a massive west tower. The entire cathedral is approximately 50 metres long and 31 metres wide, whilst the nave and chancel reach a height of approximately 24 metres. The tower measures up to 76 metres and is one of the tallest church towers in Slovakia.
The six-storey tower is a striking landmark in Bardejov. The bell tower is situated on its fourth floor, and on the sixth floor viewpoint, from which one can see the historic centre and the wider surroundings of the town. In the past, the church complex also included a separate bell tower and a cemetery, which were later removed.
Eleven Gothic altars
The greatest artistic value of St Egidius’s Basilica lies in its interior. The following have been preserved here 11 original Gothic winged altars from the 15th and 16th centuries, making the cathedral one of the most valuable monuments of Central European Gothic art. The altars are adorned with panel paintings depicting scenes from the lives of the saints and biblical stories.
Among his most significant works are the altars The Crucifixion and the Nativity of the Lord, which date from the late 15th century. Also noteworthy is the Calvary situated on a beam in the triumphal arch. The church also houses a rare tower-shaped pastophorium dating from 1465, created by Master Štefan of Košice, and a sandstone Pietà from the period 1430–1440.
The current high altar dates from the years 1885 – 1888 It was created in the workshop of the Bardejov woodcarver Móric Hölzer. Together with the historic Gothic altars, it forms a striking artistic ensemble in which medieval and more recent sacred art come together.
Details that reveal history
The interior of the basilica offers a wealth of details that are well worth taking a close look at during your visit. The net vault of the sanctuary rests on slender pillars decorated with plant motifs. Other interesting features include 15th-century wrought-iron doors leading to the sacristy, which is adorned with the town’s coat of arms.
The Chapel of St Catherine, known as King Matthias’s Oratorio. According to tradition, King Matthias Corvinus attended church services there during his visits to Bardejov. The church is therefore not only a centre of religious life, but also a place associated with significant figures and events in the town’s history.
Minor Basilica
Owing to its exceptional historical, artistic and spiritual significance, the church was, in the year 1970: declared a national cultural monument. On 23 November 2000, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of Minor Basilica. The official announcement took place on 29 September 2001.
St Egidius’ Basilica is today one of Bardejov’s most significant landmarks. A visit to the basilica offers an insight not only into sacred architecture, but also into the wealth of medieval art and the history of the town, which ranks amongst the most valuable historic urban complexes in Slovakia.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
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One of the most interesting features of the Basilica of St Egidio is its a six-storey tower 76 metres high. On the top floor there is a viewing platform offering views of the historic centre of Bardejov and its surroundings. The tower is therefore not only a prominent feature of the town’s skyline, but also an attractive destination for visitors.
The church also has a remarkable history medieval library. As early as the 13th century, a collection of books was being built up here; it gradually grew and, in 1540, became the town library. It included a large number of rare historical books and manuscripts.
When visiting, it is worth paying attention to the details that may not be visible at first glance. On the south side of the tower, traces of a fresco dating from 1521, created by Ján and Imrich Kraus. The façade also features a relief bearing the coat of arms of Bardejov, commemorating the town’s status as a free royal town.
The basilica is a natural part of any tour of Bardejov’s historic centre. It is situated right on Town Hall Square, so a visit there can be combined with the historic town hall, town houses, city walls and other monuments listed by UNESCO.
The church is also an active place of worship. When planning a visit to the interior, it is therefore advisable to take the current liturgical schedule into account and to behave in a manner befitting a sacred space.
