Basilica of St Giles, Gothic church in Bardejov, Slovakia
The Basilica of St Giles is a Gothic church building located at the northern edge of Bardejov's Town Hall square, featuring a tower that rises roughly 76 meters (250 feet). The structure has three aisles and interior decoration from the late Gothic period, including carved wooden altars and religious artwork.
The church is first mentioned in a royal charter from the 13th century, though the main construction began in the mid-14th century when German settlers arrived in the region. The building continued to be expanded and modified over the following centuries as its importance grew.
The basilica takes its name from Saint Giles, a patron figure honored in the region's religious tradition. Inside, eleven Gothic winged altars created between 1460 and 1520 reflect the artistic vision of that era and continue to draw visitors interested in religious craftsmanship.
You can enter the basilica from Radnicne namestie 3 in Bardejov, located at the Town Hall square where it is easy to find and access. Getting inside often requires checking with local contacts about visiting times, especially if you want a guided experience.
Inside the winged altar dedicated to Saint Barbara sits a wooden sculpture called The Stool of Grace, created in Master Paul of Levoca's workshop. This carving demonstrates the exceptional skill of late Gothic woodcraft that draws art historians to this location.
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