In Levoča (Levoča), an exceptional Late Gothic altar and a historic Old Town within its fortifications take centre stage. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was founded within a fortified enclosure in the 13th and 14th centuries. Churches, townhouses and the town fortifications offer different perspectives on the town’s history.

Basilica and townscape

The Basilica of St James dates from the 14th century and contains eleven Gothic and Renaissance altars. Its most striking feature is the Late Gothic winged altar from the workshop of Majster Pavol z Levoče: at 18.62 metres, it is considered the tallest Late Gothic winged altar in the world. If you want to climb the tower, there are 216 steps. From the top, the view stretches across the historic Old Town, the High and Low Tatras, Slovak Paradise and Mariánska hora.

The fortifications are another defining testament to the town’s history. They are 2.5 kilometres long and considered the best-preserved in Slovakia; two thirds of their original length remain. The Minorite monastery contains an arcaded corridor considered the only one of its kind in Slovakia. The Máriássy House features a Renaissance courtyard with arcades typical of Levoča. The oldest part of the burgher’s house with the Breuer printing works consists of two hall houses dating from the 14th century.

Museums and further historical insights

If you would like to include exhibitions alongside churches and architecture, the Old Town Hall has a permanent exhibition on the history of Levoča. The House of Majster Pavol z Levoče has retained its appearance from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Museum of Special Education takes a different approach: it is interactive and experience-oriented, with a nationwide focus.

Other historical highlights range from the town theatre to a medieval pillory. The theatre dates back to the 13th century and is considered the second oldest in Slovakia. The pillory, a so-called cage of shame, was given to Levoča by a family in 1933. These places add theatre history and a tangible object from the town’s past to your exploration of the Old Town.

Plan your visit

Levoča’s tourist information centre offers city tours with qualified guides. It also arranges tours with external guides on request for regular visitors. If needed, check the current booking arrangements. Two free visitor car parks are available within the fortifications; check the parking regulations before you arrive.

To choose what to focus on, you can opt for a day of buildings and exhibitions or a longer activity outside the historic town centre. A 21.7-kilometre cycle route runs from Levoča via Zbojnícka lúka, Brezová, Hradisko, Tvarožná and Ľubica to Kežmarok. If you plan to take this route, check the surfaces and signage locally.

Discover more destinations: Korytné, Granč-Petrovce, Dravce, Bijacovce, Spišské Podhradie.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Levoča.