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Church · Levoča, Prešov
St. James Basilica
The 14th-century Gothic church in the center of Levoča’s square, with the wooden main altar carved by Master Paul’s workshop between 1507 and 1517, 18.6 meters high—the tallest in the world of its kind.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. James Basilica
The Basilica of St. James (Bazilika svätého Jakuba) occupies the center of Master Paul Square in Levoča. The Gothic church was built in the 14th century over an older temple, together with the Chapel of St. George. The slender tower that shapes the town’s silhouette is much more recent: its Neo‑Gothic top was added between 1852 and 1858.
The main reason to visit is the high altar, carved in limewood between 1507 and 1517 in the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča. At 18.6 meters high, it is considered the tallest Gothic wooden altar in the world. In the center are the statues of the Virgin and Child, St. James and St. John the Evangelist; on the sides are painted panels with scenes from the apostles’ lives, attributed to the painter Hans, some inspired by engravings of Lucas Cranach.
The church has 13 other side altars, eight of them Gothic, as well as medieval wall paintings and a collection of liturgical objects, including a Baroque monstrance by the silversmith Ján Szilassy. The entire interior functions as a museum of medieval sacred art.
Tour visits follow fixed times and are suspended during Masses and ceremonies. The tower, about 70 meters tall, has a viewing platform that is visited by prior reservation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to one hour for the interior; an extra half hour to climb the tower, when reserved.
Best time
At the first visiting hour in the morning, when there are fewer groups in front of the altar. Visits are suspended during Masses, baptisms and weddings; check the day’s schedule.
How to get there
It stands in the center of Master Paul Square, inside the walls, a few minutes’ walk from Levoča’s bus station.
Tip
Bring a small pair of binoculars or use your phone’s zoom: the details of the statues high on the altar are far from the floor. To climb the tower, make a reservation in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. James Basilica
How tall is Master Paul’s altar in Levoča?
About 18.6 meters. It is considered the tallest Gothic wooden altar in the world, made between 1507 and 1517.
Can you climb the tower of the Basilica of St. James?
Yes, with prior reservation. The viewpoint is at about 70 meters and has views over the square, the Tatras and Mariánska hora.
Is the Basilica of St. James open all day?
No. There are set visiting hours for tourists, and entry for visits is closed during Masses and ceremonies.