City Levoča – Historical Treasure of the Spish Region
The ancient town of Levoča, which is a historical treasure of the Spish region, has a rich historical and cultural heritage, as evidenced by the town’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009. It is located at the crossroads of old traderoutes and thus, since ancient times, Levoča has built a strong background for its cultural and historical development, which we can admire in full glory to this day thanks to its constant maintenance. Perhaps the most famous gem of the city is the St. Jacob Basilica, which is the home of the world highest late Gothic wooden wing altar (18.62m), the author of which is an exceptional art carver Master Paul of Levoča. Other unique sights of the city, such as the Levoča Town Hall, the House of Master Paul, a cage of shame, more than 200 townhouses, and the unprecedentedly preserved defensive system of the city, which consist of the original city walls, fortifi ed gates and bastions, are not to be overlooked. Pilgrim tourism and the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on the Marianska Hill are also experiencing a signifi cant fl ourishing. The pilgrimage to the Marianska Hill is visited by several hundred thousand pilgrims every year. In 1995, Pope John Paul II also served a holy mass here, and this pilgrimage had a record number of visitors - more than 650,000. Levoča also boasts many natural beauties of wide surroundings interwoven with marked hiking and cycling paths. It also off ers opportunities for active sportsmen in the sports hall, ice rink, ski slope, bio-swimming pool or tennis courts. Thecongress centre providing the accompanying cultural program is available for the professional community. Lovers of culture will certainly be delighted by the municipal theatre, which is the scene of many cultural events and annual city weekend events such as Mysterious Levoča or Master Paul’s Days. Ancient Levoča combines many opportunities for leisure. Whether you want to get to know the Slovak history and natural beauties, actively play sports or just relax. Here you are in the right place!
