At the top the municipality of Hervartov, on a gentle slope, nestled amongst tall lime trees and surrounded by a stone „wall“ clad in shingles, stands Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Among the small wooden churches of eastern Slovakia, UNESCO World Heritage List It is the only Roman Catholic wooden church.
The Gothic Church of St Francis of Assisi, built around 1500, is one of the oldest wooden churches of this type in Slovakia. The Gothic murals inside the church are artistically and aesthetically striking, depicting scenes such as Adam and Eve in Paradise and St George’s battle with the dragon.
The interior includes the altar of the Virgin Mary, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Barbara (1460-1470). The murals of St. John the Baptist and St. Paul the Apostle are interesting. Among the paintings are the Last Supper (1653) and the tableau of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Christopher and St. Catherine of Siena (1460-1470). This wooden church is one of the most precious sacral buildings in Slovakia.
Source: unesconadosah.sk
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
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You can reach the village by car from Bardejov, heading towards Kľušov and Hervartov. When visiting, it is best to park in the village and walk to the church. As this is a rare UNESCO-listed religious monument, access to the interior is usually subject to opening hours or by arrangement with the caretaker. However, the church’s exterior can be admired during a leisurely stroll through the village.
