St Nicholas Basilica – Trnava

Location: Trnavský kraj, okres Trnava, Trnava

GPS: N48°22'44'' E17°35'30''

The great Gothic monument, St Nicholas Basilica, parish church stands on the square Námestie Sv. Mikuláša on the site of an older Romanesque church from the 14th century (on the site of the oldest settlement). It was a cathedral church of the Esztergom Archbishop in the years 1543-1820.

St Nicholas Basilica is the three-nave basilica built in the Late Gothic or more particularly the Danube style. The presbytery of this 60m long and 31 m wide building with 18 m tall main nave is oriented to the east.

The church lost its original Gothic character in 1618-1630 when cardinal Peter Pázmány ordered its widening and overall reconstruction in the Baroque style. It was also when several new altars were added in the church and its silhouette changed.

An octagon chapel was added to the northern side of the church in the years 1739-1741, which now contains the painting of the Blessing Virgin Mary known as the Merciful Virgin Mary of Trnava.

St Nicholas Basilica is not only the parish church but also the centre of cultural and religions activity of the town. It is famous for the international festival of organ music called Trnavské organové dni, held here every year at the end of August.

Source: Vydavateľstvo Dajama