St. James, Levoča

About

The Basilica of St. James (Slovak: Bazilika svätého Jakuba) is a Gothic church in Levoča, Prešovský kraj, Slovakia. Building began in the 14th century. It is a Catholic parish church, dedicated to James the Apostle. The interior features several Gothic altars, including as the main altar the world's tallest wooden altar at 18.62 metres (61.1 ft) by the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča, completed in 1517. The church, the second largest in Slovakia, also houses well-preserved furniture and art work. The steeple dates from the 19th century. The church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments in 2009. It is also a Slovak National Monument. In 2015, Pope Francis declared the church a basilica minor.

History: Building of the Gothic church began in the centre of Levoča, then in the Kingdom of Hungary, in the 14th century. The church dominates the main square of the historic town, together with a Renaissance town hall. It is a Catholic church, dedicated to James the Apostle. The interior features several Gothic altars, including as the main altar the world's tallest wooden altar at 18.62 metres (61.1 ft). It was created by the...