Prešov - Church - Church of St. Joseph - Exterior - Portal 01 ok
Slovak early Baroque Franciscan monastic church dating back to the late 14th century. Currently the only dual-towered Franciscan church in Slovakia.
The site of the Church of St. Joseph has been sacred for centuries. Originally, a Gothic church dedicated to the Holy Trinity occupied this location. In 1380, the Carmelite brothers constructed a new church, maintaining the dedication to the Holy Trinity. However, during the Reformation, the Carmelites departed, and the church fell under municipal control, serving various secular purposes.
In 1661, Emperor Leopold I granted the church and its accompanying monastery to the Franciscan brothers, marking a new chapter in its history. Despite resistance from the Protestant city council, the Franciscans took possession in 1671, thanks to the intervention of royal forces. This marked the beginning of a significant transformation, supported by local nobility, including Baron František Klobušický.
The Church of St. Joseph underwent extensive reconstruction from 1708 to 1718, led by the Košice builder Ján Tornyossi. The renovations were heavily inspired by the Jesuit Church of the Gesù in Rome, introducing Baroque elements that replaced the original Gothic features. The façade, adorned with stucco ornaments and sculptures by Šimon Griming, presents an impressive display of Baroque artistry.
Inside, the church boasts a stunning altar dedicated to the Holy Family, crafted by František Strecius. This masterpiece features over 40 sculptures, including depictions of the 12-year-old Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. Although the original altar was lost to a fire in 1870, it was replaced by an illusionistic oil painting by the Franciscan artist Konrád Švestka, capturing the essence of the lost masterpiece.
www.mycityhunt.com/cities/presov-sk-10488/poi/church-of-s...
Prešov - Church - Church of St. Joseph - Exterior - Portal 01 ok
Slovak early Baroque Franciscan monastic church dating back to the late 14th century. Currently the only dual-towered Franciscan church in Slovakia.
The site of the Church of St. Joseph has been sacred for centuries. Originally, a Gothic church dedicated to the Holy Trinity occupied this location. In 1380, the Carmelite brothers constructed a new church, maintaining the dedication to the Holy Trinity. However, during the Reformation, the Carmelites departed, and the church fell under municipal control, serving various secular purposes.
In 1661, Emperor Leopold I granted the church and its accompanying monastery to the Franciscan brothers, marking a new chapter in its history. Despite resistance from the Protestant city council, the Franciscans took possession in 1671, thanks to the intervention of royal forces. This marked the beginning of a significant transformation, supported by local nobility, including Baron František Klobušický.
The Church of St. Joseph underwent extensive reconstruction from 1708 to 1718, led by the Košice builder Ján Tornyossi. The renovations were heavily inspired by the Jesuit Church of the Gesù in Rome, introducing Baroque elements that replaced the original Gothic features. The façade, adorned with stucco ornaments and sculptures by Šimon Griming, presents an impressive display of Baroque artistry.
Inside, the church boasts a stunning altar dedicated to the Holy Family, crafted by František Strecius. This masterpiece features over 40 sculptures, including depictions of the 12-year-old Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. Although the original altar was lost to a fire in 1870, it was replaced by an illusionistic oil painting by the Franciscan artist Konrád Švestka, capturing the essence of the lost masterpiece.
www.mycityhunt.com/cities/presov-sk-10488/poi/church-of-s...