Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - the pride of the city castle in Banská Bystrica
The Roman Catholic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has been an integral part of Banská Bystrica for seven centuries. Constructed by German waldbürgers (miners) as the inaugural structure of the City Castle, this church remains a source of immense pride. It serves as a testament to the illustrious era of the Middle Ages in the mining towns of central Slovakia.
The church was constructed on the foundations of a Romanesque basilica in the mid-13th century, serving as the cornerstone for the establishment of the City Castle. Since its inception, the church has undergone multiple reconstructions, often prompted by devastating fires. The first major fire, significantly altering the appearance of the Parish Church, occurred in 1500. Rich German miners played a significant role in its restoration to the late Gothic style, which is commonly associated with the descriptor "German."
In 1761, one of the most devastating fires in contemporary Europe swept through the city, completely destroying over 300 houses and sparing not even the Parish Church. The fire consumed the roof of the church, causing the collapse of its beautiful vaulted ceiling. Additionally, the main altar, a masterpiece crafted by Master Pavle from Levoča, originally taller and larger than the one in Levoča, was reduced to ashes. However, the second altar from Master Pavle's workshop in the side nave, alongside the chapel of St. Barbara, miraculously survived the inferno. Following this calamity, the church underwent reconstruction in the Baroque style, as evidenced by its current appearance.
Several unique historical relics are on display in the Parish Church. Alongside the opulent Baroque interior decoration, notable artefacts include the single-cast bronze baptismal font from the workshop of Master Jodok, dating back to 1475, the oldest epitaph preserved in the city, the aforementioned Late Gothic wooden altar by Master Pavle from Levoča, and the original vault, which remarkably survived devastating fires. All these items are housed in the church's most renowned chapel, dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners. A notable feature of the church is one of Slovakia's most significant late Gothic monuments: the sandstone sculpture "Christ on the Mount of Olives," displayed in a glass niche on the south facade of the church.
When visiting the "Copper City," make sure not to overlook this gem of sacred architecture and one of Banská Bystrica's most valuable monuments. Its exterior alone is captivating, and a tour of the interior will only enhance this sentiment many times over.
