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Church · Trnava, Trnava
St. Nicholas Basilica (Trnava)
Gothic two-tower church that served as cathedral for the archbishops of Esztergom after 1543. It houses the Baroque chapel of the image of the Virgin of Trnava and stands in a square with the archbishop’s palace.
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. Nicholas Basilica (Trnava)
The Basilica of St. Nicholas (Bazilika sv. Mikuláša) is the most important Gothic church in Trnava. It was built in the Middle Ages and assumed its principal role in 1543, when the Archbishop of Esztergom moved to Trnava fleeing the Ottoman advance. For more than two centuries the church served as the archdiocese’s cathedral.
The building has two towers on its façade. The north tower was lower and was raised to match the south tower after the great fire of 1676, which also prompted a Baroque renovation of part of the interior. On the south side is the Chapel of the Virgin of Trnava, built in the 18th century to house an image that, according to tradition, shed tears in the 17th century and that still attracts pilgrims.
The square around the basilica, Mikulášske námestie, forms one of the quietest corners of the center. There are the archbishop’s palace and the Oláh seminary, as well as statues of saints. The basilica is one of the city’s most visited churches.
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 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside service times. The square around it is pleasant for a pause after the visit.
How to get there
It is on Mikulášske námestie, in the eastern part of the historic center, near the cathedral.
Tip
Enter the Chapel of the Virgin of Trnava on the south side of the nave, then walk around the square to see the archbishop’s palace. Check opening hours before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Nicholas Basilica (Trnava)
Has St. Nicholas Basilica ever been a cathedral?
Yes. After 1543, when the Archbishop of Esztergom relocated to Trnava, it served as the archbishopric’s cathedral.
What is the Virgin of Trnava?
It is an image of the Virgin Mary kept in a Baroque chapel of the basilica, associated with a tradition of weeping in the 17th century and still venerated by pilgrims.
Is St. Nicholas Basilica far from the cathedral?
No. The two churches are in the old centre, a short walk apart.