St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Roman Catholic cathedral in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is a brick structure with two towers crowned by onion-shaped domes that rise above Slovak National Uprising Square. The main entrance is framed by four Tuscan columns that give the building classical proportions.
Construction began in 1702 when Jesuits started building on the site of Oberhaus, a building destroyed during the 1526 uprising. The cathedral was consecrated in 1715 and represents the Jesuit presence in the region.
The name honors St. Francis Xavier, a renowned missionary whose devotion runs deep within this church's walls. The way people gather here and the interior arrangements reflect a long connection to Catholic tradition in the region.
The cathedral is easily identified from the street and regular worship services take place at Namestie SNP 27. Visitors should remember that this is an active place of worship where respectful behavior is expected.
The interior design was inspired by the architecture of Rome's Il Gesu church, making it unusual among Slovak buildings of its time. This connection to Rome reveals the importance the Jesuits gave to this cathedral.
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