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Church · Spišské Podhradie, Prešov
Holy Spirit Church in Žehra
Small Romanesque and Gothic church on a hill in the village of Žehra, with an onion‑shaped Baroque dome and frescoes from the 13th to 15th centuries, including the Tree of Life. It is part of the UNESCO site of Spiš Castle.
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 Holy Spirit Church in Žehra
The Church of the Holy Spirit (Kostol Ducha Svätého) stands on a small hill in the center of the village of Žehra, about 5 km southeast of Spišské Podhradie, near the castle hill. It is a two‑nave church with a square presbytery, combining Romanesque and Gothic elements from the 13th century.
The nave vault dates to 1433, and the onion‑shaped Baroque dome that gives the tower its silhouette was added in 1769. Outside, the church is plain and white, enclosed by a low wall, with views of Spiš Castle.
The main interest is inside, covered with murals painted between the second half of the 13th century and the end of the 15th century. They show biblical scenes and saints’ legends, with artistic quality and a variety of themes uncommon for a village church. The best known is the Tree of Life, discovered in 1954: at the center, the crucified Christ divides the history of salvation between the Old and the New Testament, represented by female figures.
The church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Spiš Castle. Visits take place at set times, sometimes with a parish guide, and the church closes during Masses.
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
Around 30 to 45 minutes for the interior and surroundings.
Best time
During the day, within visiting hours, which are usually longer from spring to autumn. Confirm in advance, because outside the season the church may open only at set times.
How to get there
By car, about 5 km from Spišské Podhradie, via the road that passes south of the castle hill. There are few buses. The church is in the village center, on a low hill.
Tip
Visit Žehra after the castle, since the castle parking on the Žehra side is on the way. Look for the Tree of Life on the nave wall.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Holy Spirit Church in Žehra
What to see in the church of Žehra?
The medieval frescoes from the 13th to 15th centuries, highlighted by the Tree of Life, and the tower with its onion‑shaped Baroque dome.
Where is the church of Žehra located?
In the center of the village of Žehra, about 5 km from Spišské Podhradie, near the hill of Spiš Castle.
Is the church of Žehra a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes. It is part of the World Heritage site that includes Spiš Castle, Spišská Kapitula and Levoča.