Wooden churches in Slovakia

Wooden churches in Slovakia - nine out of 60 churches is inscripted in UNESCO world heritage list

Their origin was influenced by rich reserves of wood and skillfulness of people who knew how to work with it.
Wood assigned for building of saint residence was used by members of four most widespread religious.

Roman Catholics built their churches in Hervartov, Tvrdosin, Trnove and churches in High Tatras in Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Javorina.
During the period of counterreformation Catholic representatives allowed Protestants to build wooden chapels only when they fulfilled strict conditions, so called articles.
The most famous evangelic churches are in Liptovsky Sv. Kriz, Hronsek, Vysny Kubin.

Majority of wooden churches is placed in northeastern Slovakia which is inhabited by Ruthenian-Ukrainian inhabitants following Greek Catholic and Orthodox religion.
Churches, wooden belfries, crosses and wooden fence belong among jewels of Slovakia thanks to their originality, technical and artistic treatment.

Museum of Icons - Bardejov, eastern Slovakia - here you can see icons from almost all wooden churches spead out in the region.

It is the only separate specialized display of Eastern Rite icons in Slovakia. It includes displayed icons - paintings on wood - from the 16th to 19th centuries, on which the visitor can follow the development of Carpathian icons. Among other exhibits, there are icons on canvas with the topic of The Last Judgement, embroidered religious vestments and church furniture...learn more


Among the most beautiful wooden churches of Slovakia belong:
Svaty Kriz, Hervartov, Hronsek

2 Roman-catholic wooden churches in Slovakia (UNESCO):

Hervartov - church of St. Francis of Assisi (built in the second half of the 15th cent.s)

About Hervartov:
Viktor Miškovský, the famous 19th century expert on Hungarian historic sites, put it this way:

“As to the beauty of its exterior, its pure gothic character, and its interior wall paintings, nothing compares to it in all of Upper Hungary.” This Roman Catholic wooden church, in which you now find yourself, was dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, an important medieval saint and founder of the Franciscan Order.

Tvrdosin - church of All Saints (built in the second half of the 15th century)

Svaty Kriz

Svaty Kriz - inside

About Svaty Kriz:
This church was transported to the village of Svätý Kríž (Holy Cross) from the village of Paludza, which was flooded with the construction of the Liptovska Mara dam.
The church was built by Maestro Lang in 1693. It is truly amazing when you consider that it wasn't built following any plans, as he couldn't write or read.
Due to increasing numbers of Evangelists the church was enlarged by master Josef Lang in 1774. Visitors can admire the baroque interior with its wooden baroque altar, wall paintings and pulpit, which seen from head on resembles a being supported by an angel.
The floor plan is in the shape of a cross.


3 Protestant - so called "articular" wooden churches (UNESCO):

Hronsek

Lestiny - built in 17th century

Kezmarok - church of Kezmarok (built in 1717)
fascinating interiors with exceptional wall paintings as well as wood carving

3 Greek-Catholic wooden churches (UNESCO):

Bodruzal  - church of St. Nicholas (built in 1658, recently reconstructed)

Ruska Bystra - interiour - Church of St. Nicholas (built in 18th century)

Ladomirova - church of Archangel Michael (built in 1742 without a single nail)

Dobroslava - church of St Paraskieva (built in 1705)

Fricka - the Orthodox church of St. Archangel Michael (built in 18th century)

Any questions about Wooden churches in Slovakia ?
We have visited historically most significant and are ready to share our knowledge with you  

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