Levoča (Slovakia) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main sights of Levochi with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City Levoča (Slovakia)
Levoča is a small town in Eastern Slovakia historical area Spis. This is a magnificent medieval a pearl still surrounded by city walls within which are: a unique Renaissance town hall, old burgher houses, a wonderful gothic cathedral and other monuments architecture. The historic center of Levoča is one of the most charming among medieval Slovak cities. Is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Levoča is located in the east of Slovakia, 55 km west of Presov. The city is located in a hilly area at the foot. Levochi Vrhov. The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool in the winter.
Levoča is located 90 km southwest of Kosice in 370 km northeast of Bratislava.
Panorama of the city
Practical information
- The population is 14.5 thousand people.
- The area is 64.042 km2.
- The language is Slovak.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Time – Central European (UTC +1, summer +2).
Story
Levoča was first mentioned in 1249. Although probably The settlement here already existed in the 11th century. After Mongol-Tatar invasions the city began to settle German colonists. In 1323, Levocha received free status. royal city. In the future, the medieval settlement flourished thanks to trade. Local merchants traded with Krakow, Hanseatic cities and even with Venice.
Levoča
Levoči flourished in the 15th century, when local merchants received a number of privileges. In the 17th century (after the anti-Habsburg uprisings) the city fell into disrepair. Perhaps these allowed to keep historical core in such good condition.
sights
The most important attraction of Levocha is charming old town bordered by well preserved by walls. The historic center includes some curious medieval monuments, as well as more than 60 old burghers houses built between the 14th and 15th centuries.
Cathedral of sv. Jacob
The heart of the old city is an ancient rectangular square, which has some great sights. It is surrounded by more than 50 wonderful burgher houses, built during the late Middle Ages.
Cathedral of sv. Jacob is one of the most famous monuments of Levochi. This is a magnificent 14th century medieval gothic church. is one of the most important sacral structures in Slovakia. The tall tower was added in the 19th century. The church has a terrific the interior, which is considered a masterpiece of religious art. AT the interior stands out a wooden altar, made of lime between 1507-1517 years. The altar has a height of almost 19 meters and is the tallest structure of its kind in the world.
Town hall
Cathedral of sv. Jacob is adjacent to the arcade town hall, which considered one of the best examples of renaissance civil construction on the Slovak land. This building was built in 1550 year after the fire that damaged the older structure 15 century.
Cell shame
The cell of shame is a medieval structure that dates back to 16 century. She was used to punish for petty offense.
The old minarets monastery church
Old monastery church of minarites (St. Ladislav) – sacred building in the Gothic style, founded in the 14th century. AT Gothic interior preserved late wall paintings Middle Ages.
Kosice gates
The highlight of Levoča are significant areas of medieval walls with towers and gates. Fortifications had 2.5 km long and surrounded the entire medieval city. Thickness the walls were up to 2 meters, and the height – up to 8 meters. Fortifications Levochi included 15 towers (the oldest of them were built in 14 century) and 3 city gates. To date, about 80% of the original medieval walls, 6 towers and 2 city gateway
Kosice gates are located on the northeastern outskirts the historic part of Levocha and were once the main entrance to medieval city.
Polish gate
Polish Gate – a tower with a Gothic passage, built, probably in the 15th century. In the Middle Ages here every night were on duty twelve guards.
