St. John the Baptist Cathedral

St. John the Baptist Cathedral is a Baroque church in Trnava featuring a single nave, two western towers, and elaborate stucco work throughout its interior. Inside, northern Italian paintings hang alongside a towering wooden altar that dominates the chancel.

Construction began in 1629 under the direction of Italian architects Antonio and Pietro Spazzi, making it the first Baroque building in present-day Slovakia. Its completion established a new architectural style that would influence religious building across the region.

The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of Trnava and reflects the city's long-standing devotion through its ornate decorations and valuable art collection. Visitors can sense how deeply this place remains woven into the life of the community.

The cathedral is open for visitors during daytime hours, with extended access available during the warmer months. Plan your visit around scheduled masses if you prefer to view the interior without religious services taking place.

The wooden altar at the center of the church is one of the largest of its kind on the continent and was crafted using techniques that few modern artisans could replicate. Its scale and craftsmanship stand out among European religious structures.

Location: Trnava

Inception: 1629

Architectural style: baroque architecture, Early Baroque

Website: http://abu.sk/arcidieceza/katedrala

GPS coordinates: 48.38040,17.58809

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05