St. John the Baptist Cathedral

St. John the Baptist Cathedral, known locally as Katedrála svätého Jána Krstiteľa, stands as a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in the heart of Trnava, Slovakia. This Roman Catholic cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical and cultural landmark, deeply intertwined with the city's rich past.

The History of St. John the Baptist Cathedral

The cathedral's history dates back to the 17th century when it was built as part of the complex of buildings for the University of Trnava. The construction was commissioned by the Hungarian nobleman and palatine, Mikuláš Esterházy, who entrusted the project to Italian architects Antonio and Pietro Spazzo in 1629. Though the cathedral was consecrated in 1637, it wasn't fully completed until 1640.

Throughout its history, the cathedral has served multiple purposes. Besides its primary role as a place of worship, it hosted theological debates and graduation ceremonies. The cathedral is also notable for its underground catacombs, which contain several tombs. The Jesuits, who were active in Trnava from 1615 to 1773, played a significant role in the cathedral's early history. In the early 18th century, the church's roofs were repaired, and a small sanctus bell tower, which had been removed, was reinstated during a reconstruction in the 1990s. The frescos inside the church were partially restored in the late 19th century, with a more comprehensive conservation effort beginning in 1942 and continuing through the 20th century.

In 1977, Pope Paul VI established Trnava as an archbishopric, and a year later, Pope John Paul II designated St. John the Baptist Church as a cathedral. The cathedral gained further prominence when Pope John Paul II visited in 2003. However, following the establishment of the Bratislava Archdiocese in 2008, the cathedral ceased to be a metropolitan seat.

The Architectural Marvel of St. John the Baptist Cathedral

St. John the Baptist Cathedral is the first stylistically pure Baroque sacral building in Slovakia. The single-nave, double-towered cathedral, oriented to the west, is 61 meters long and 28 meters wide. Above its main portal, there is a pediment adorned with figures of seated angels and the stone coat of arms of the Esterházy family. Below the Esterházy coat of arms is the stone coat of arms of the Trnava Archdiocese, which has been in use since 2011.

The interior of the cathedral is awe-inspiring with its grandeur and the richness of its unique paintings. The main space is covered with barrel vaults with lunettes, while the chapels on both sides of the nave feature cross vaults. The highlight of the interior is the colossal all-wooden main altar, completed between 1637 and 1640. This masterpiece, which stands 20.3 meters high and 14.8 meters wide, is one of the largest altars of its kind in Europe. The altar was crafted by Viennese masters B. Knilling and V. Knoth, along with V. Stadler from Trnava and Master Ferdinand from Cífer.

The cathedral's interior is adorned with paintings and stucco work by Italian artists G. B. Rossa, G. Tornini, and P. Conti. The ceiling frescoes were created by North Italian masters F. I. Grafenstein and C. Ricchi. In the past, the Viennese painter J. Gruber was incorrectly credited with these ceiling paintings. The left pillar of the cathedral features an early Baroque pulpit from 1637, crafted by B. Knilling and V. Stadler.

The Mortuaries

The presbytery of the cathedral houses eight mortuaries, which are funeral shields commemorating notable individuals. These include the donor of the church, Mikuláš Esterházy, as well as members of the Esterházy family and Imrich Ocskay. The texts on these mortuaries are in Latin and provide a glimpse into the lives and contributions of these historical figures.

For example, the mortuary of Mikuláš Esterházy reads: ILLVSTRISSIMVS ac EXCELENTISSIMVS D. D. COMES NICOLAVS EZTERHASZI de GALANTHA PERPETVVS de FRAKNO REGNI VNGARIAE PALATINVS AVRI VELLERIS EQVES IVDEX CVMANO // R9 COMMITATVVM SOPRON: SOLIEN & de BEREGK SVPREMV9 COMES SACRAE CAESAR REGQ9 MATTIS INTIMV9 CONSILIARIV9 CAMERARIS PER HVNGARI LOCV TENS AETATIS SVAE 63 OBYT SEP 1665.

Visiting the Cathedral

Visitors to St. John the Baptist Cathedral are often struck by its imposing façade and the intricate details of its interior. The cathedral's rich history and architectural splendor make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Trnava. Whether you are interested in history, art, or architecture, the cathedral offers a unique glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring legacy of Baroque craftsmanship.

In conclusion, St. John the Baptist Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a historical and cultural treasure that reflects the rich heritage of Trnava and Slovakia. Its walls and altars tell the story of a bygone era, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to explore the historical depths of this beautiful city.