Saint Elisabeth Cathedral
Cathedral in Košice, Slovakia, Gothic building from the 14th century.
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St. Elisabeth Cathedral
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St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice is the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Western Europe. Construction of the current three-nave basilica began in 1378 and was completed in several phases around 1508. The cathedral is renowned for its intricate stonework, particularly the monumental northern portal and the 60-meter-high Sigismund Tower. Inside, the Main Altar of St. Elisabeth is a masterpiece, featuring 48 Gothic panel paintings, making it one of the most significant works of medieval art in Europe. A rare architectural feature is the 15th-century double spiral staircase, known as the "Royal Stairs," which is one of only five such staircases existing in the world. The crypt houses the tomb of Francis II Rákóczi, a leader of the Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs. The cathedral remains the cultural and spiritual heart of Košice and is a pinnacle of Central European Gothic architecture.
- Location: Slovakia
- Top sights: Saint Elisabeth Cathedral · St. Urban Tower · Arcibiskupský palác
- Nearby: Moldava nad Bodvou (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 9 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 38 | 38 | 43 | 76 | 83 | 88 | 63 | 55 | 55 | 45 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The cathedral is open to visitors; the interior can be viewed for a small donation. Entrance is through the main door on the square.
Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except during services. Exact hours may vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed throughout the interior. The altar and stained glass windows are particularly rewarding subjects.
Time needed
A visit to the cathedral takes about one hour. If you also climb the tower, allow an additional 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine with the neighboring St. Michael's Chapel and the East Slovak Museum. The entire historic city center of Košice is walkable.
Getting there
The cathedral is centrally located on Košice's main square, a 15-minute walk from the train station. Trams and buses stop nearby.
Insider tip
Climb the south tower for a fantastic view over the city. The ascent is a bit narrow, but the panorama is worth it.
Geography
Facts
- Largest church in Slovakia with 1,200 m² floor area
- Built over a period from 1378 to 1508
- The northern Sigismund Tower is 60 meters tall
- Features a rare double spiral staircase from the 15th century
- The high altar consists of 48 Gothic panel paintings
- Final resting place of Francis II Rákóczi in the crypt
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town St. Elisabeth Cathedral (10)
Carrilion
Carillon in Košice, plays melodies at regular intervals.
Art Des
Gallery in Košice featuring contemporary art and design.
Hadik-Barkóciho palác🏰 castle
Aristocratic palace in Košice, Baroque building.
Východoslovenská galéria
Art museum in Košice, Slovakia, displays East Slovak art.
Péchyho palác🏰 castle
Palace in Košice, historic building from the 18th century.
MarathonPoint🏛 museum
Museum in Košice dedicated to the Košice Peace Marathon.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is this cathedral the largest church in Slovakia?
Yes, with a capacity of over 5,000 people, it is the country's largest religious building.
Can visitors climb the North Tower?
Yes, the tower is accessible and features a great view of the historic center of Košice.
Who is buried in the crypt?
The crypt contains the remains of Prince Francis II Rákóczi.
Is there an entrance fee for the church?
Entrance to the main nave is free, but a fee is charged for the crypt and the tower.
What is the double spiral staircase?
A rare Gothic staircase from 1440, one of only five of its kind in Europe.
St. Elisabeth Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Elisabeth Cathedral is located in Slovakia.
St. Elisabeth Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Elisabeth Cathedral, St. Urban Tower, Arcibiskupský palác.
St. Elisabeth Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
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