Levoca - medieval jewel in Spiss region
The Basilica of St. James
Levoca town, one of the eastern Slovak medieval jewels is located in a green region called Spiss (in Slovak – spišský región). Entering Levoca’s town is like stepping back to the medieval times, it’s surrounded by ancient walls, gates, bastions, all well-kept.
The 2.5km long walls belong among the most complete medieval defensive structures in Central Europe. It’s the perfect destination for those they love architecture, culture and tranquility.
In the heart of this charming town, there’s a main square surrounded by colorful Gothic and Renaissance houses with a symbol of the town – the Basilica of St. James or known as St. James Church and its wordl’s tallest wooden-wing, late Gothic altar masterfully created by the famous woodcarver Master Paul of Levoca.
Once in Levoca town, dont forget to include the side trips to see the Spiss Castle, one of the largest Central European castle ruins, as well as Spiss Chapter, the religios centre and a nearby tiny church in Zehra. Levoca, together with Spiss Castle, Spiss Chapter and Zehra are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Marianska Hora, a hill above the town is well-worth visiting. Not only you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Spiss region, it is also a pilgrimage place where every July, hundreds of thousand pilgrims come and climb the hill.
Mysterious cage
Don’t forget to take a photo of ‘klietka hanby’ / the Cage of Shame, built in the 16th century. It was used as a punishment for lighter crimes.
“People who committed offenses such as slander, drunkenness, noisy nighttime behavior, or adultery were placed in the cage of shame. The cage was often used to punish women who appeared on the streets without a male escort after the lights were turned on. The stay in the cage, as a punishment, usually lasted 24 hours.”
Today, it is a big attraction for the visitors of Levoca.
Walking in medieval town
What else to visit in the town’s centre?
Museum of Master Paul, dedicated to life and work of this unique medieval carver and sculptor
Museum of City History, situated in a Renaissance building
Let’s have a coffee break:)
On all our tours we visit all must-see places, travelers get the story and history behind every sight, but equally important, to take a break, sit down, slow down and enjoy the cup of coffee and a home-made cake.
What do you think? 🙂
Around Levoca
Spišský hrad / Spiss castle
15min drive, a majestic, fortress offering spectacular views and hide lots of interesting storis
Spišská kapitula / Spiss chapter
12min drive, stroll through a religious place built in the 12th century and enter St. Martin’s Cathedral
Kostol Svätého Ducha / Zehra church of the Holy Spirit5min drive from Spiss Castle, admire the frescoes of Arbor vitae – the Tree of Life
Majestic Spiss Castle
On the TOP of Spiss castle, Peter with the travelers.
Would you like to visit Levoca town with us?
We visit Levoca on these tours:
1, Best of Slovakia Tour
2, Premium Grand Tour of Slovakia
3, Premium Grand Tour of Slovakia and Czechia
4, Annual, September’s, small group Slovakia Heritage Tour
5, Annual, May’s small group Slovak Ancestry Tour
6, Private custom-made tours
Thank you for reading our travel blog.
Ďakujeme a do skorého videnia! Thank you and see you soon!
Do you need any travel advice, planning a tour or join us on our tours?
We’re ready to help you.
Write us at contact@bestslovakiatours.com
Peter, founder & CEO of Best Slovakia Tours
