Mariánska hora

About

The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Slovak: Bazilika navštívenia Panny Márie) in Levoča, Slovakia is located at the summit of Mariánska hora (English: Marian Hill), (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈmarijaːnska ˈɦɔra]; 781 m. above sea level), a hill above Levoča with views over the town and countryside. Built in its present form between 1906 and 1922, the church is the destination of an annual major pilgrimage.

First church: It is thought that the location of the chapel was used as a refuge by the townsfolk of Levoča during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century; it may also have been attached to a hospital for sufferers from leprosy. A chapel has existed on the site since at least the 13th century, and is mentioned in chronicles of 1247. It attracted pilgrims and there are records of repairs made to the church in 1311 and 1322.

Second church: The chapel was enlarged and rebuilt in 1470, and is depicted in this form on the altar of Master Paul of Levoča in the Basilica of St. James in Levoča. In 1673 a group of shepherds allegedly witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary close to the church.