Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier
Slovakia, Banska Bystrica

The Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier is located in the historical center of Banska Bystrica, on the square of the Slovak Uprising. The first written mention of the place on which the cathedral stands dates back to 1503, while the house of the rich burgher and mayor of the city Mikhail Königsberger was here, the Gothic chapel of John the Baptist was attached to the house. In 1647, the house was bought by a Protestant community, members of the Society of Jesus settled in the building, and regular services were held in the chapel. In 1695-1701, the College of Jesuits in Banska Bystrica built a collegium, and in 1702 the construction of the Church of St. Francis Xavier began. In 1703-1709, construction work was not carried out, since the country was swept by an uprising led by Prince Ferenc II Rakoczy, directed against the Habsburg government. The Jesuits were forced to leave the city and were able to return only in 1709. The construction of the church was resumed and completed in 1715, on September 24, 1715 the church was consecrated by Bishop Luca Natale of Szekesfehervar. The church was built in the Baroque style and its appearance resembled the Jesuit church of Il Gesu (Chiesa del Gesù) in Rome. In 1773, the Society of Jesus was abolished, and in 1776 the Church of St. Francis Xavier became the Cathedral of the newly created diocese of Banska Bystrica. In the middle of the XIX century, the temple was reconstructed, it was significantly expanded and acquired the features of classicism. Towers were attached on both sides of the main facade, the central entrance of the cathedral is decorated with Tuscan columns forming a small portico. In 2001, the interior of the cathedral was updated, it was designed in the spirit of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Tourist Objects nearby
Barbican in Banska Bystrica
Barbican in Banska Bystrica
Mariana Column in Banska Bystrica
Mariana Column in Banska Bystrica
Black Obelisk in Banska Bystrica
Black Obelisk in Banska Bystrica
Ensemble of the Square of the Slovak National Uprising
Ensemble of the Square of the Slovak National Uprising
Clock Tower in Banska Bystrica
Clock Tower in Banska Bystrica
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