Address: Drevený artikulárny kostol (Wooden Articular Church) UNESCO World Heritage, Hviezdoslavova 18
060 01 Kežmarok
E-Mail: ecavkk@gmail.com
Phone: +421524522242
GPS: 49.133288, 20.428861 (Wooden church – UNESCO)

LITTLE SISTINE CHAPEL IN THE SPIŠ REGION

The Wooden Articular Church is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and it dates to the time of religious oppression. The first building of the Wooden Church was already standing in 1687. It was rebuilt into its current form in 1717 in incredibly only three months.

An interesting fact is that, allegedly, during the construction there was not one metal nail used! The exterior walls are plastered with clay, which is a little bit misleading, the shingled roof being the only sign that it is indeed a wooden jewel.

The richly painted interior of the church, untraditional for evangelicals, resembles the Sistine Chapel. Apart from this, the church’s interior, with the architectural design of an isosceles Greek cross, takes special pride in four other dominant features.

TOP RARITIES

The most prominent is the altar with a central picture combined with a sculpture of the Crucifixion. Very rare is the sculpture of the Holy Trinity. It probably dates back to the time of the first articular church, and today it is an extension of the altar. The masterfully designed baptismal font from 1690 is also from the original church. The attentive eye will catch the richly decorated pulpit, which is supported on the head of an angel. Behind the pulpit you can find a unique patronage bench. The fourth jewel is rightfully the ornamentally decorated Baroque organ. For intensity of its tone and the great acoustics of the Wooden Articular Church, it is used not only for services but also for numerous concerts. The organ was so impressive for its uniqueness that it became the central motive for a postage stamp. This won the prestigious 2nd place in a competition of the most beautiful postage stamps in the European Union in Brussels – Les Grands Prix del’ Art Philatélique Belge et Européen.

ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE

In addition to the magnificent wooden space of the church with its six choirs, which are able to seat as many as 1541 people, there is also the stone part – the so-called vestry. Originally it was a tavern near the Upper gate. How is it possible that a bar became a temple of God? In troubled times the King’s committee allowed the Protestants in Hungary to build churches, but only according to the Article 26. In 1682 the committee designated the place for their construction outside the town walls in a part of the town where questionable individuals met for a drink. Thanks to this decision, which was intended to disgrace, they transformed the stone bar into a house of faith.

ONLY A COUPLE OF STEPS AWAY…

…is the library of the Evangelical Lyceum. It conceals an incredible 150,000 volumes. You should not miss the guided tour.

Opposite of the wooden church you can find the majestic building of the New Evangelical church with its typical red color. In addition to the exceptionally symmetrical interior, visitors are attracted to the final resting place of the uncrowned king Imrich Thököly.

Of course, the town has more to offer. For lovers of antique beauty, we recommend the historical route, which smoothly leads you through the most beautiful and valuable parts of what Kežmarok has to offer.

We recommend staying for a few days. A wide range of accommodation and catering services will satisfy everyone. At the same time, you will have a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding area. If you liked the Wooden Articular Church in Kežmarok, we would be pleased, if you shared your experience with others on our Facebook page…