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Town in Slovakia
Photo: Pudelek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Levoča is a town in the Prešov Region of eastern Slovakia with a population of 14,700 (2016). The town has a historic centre with a well preserved town wall, a Renaissance church with the tallest wooden altar in the world, carved by Master Paul of Levoča, and many other Renaissance buildings. The town is known in German as Leutschau and in Hungarian as Löcse.
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St. James Church
It contains the world's tallest wooden altar, a masterpiece of Master Paul of Levoca. The interior of Sv. Jakob is fascinating. Anyone who has an interest in architecture, art or even a passing interest in history will enjoy a visit, marvelling at the quality of the restored carvings of Master Pavel's school, the 14th century murals, the stained glass windows that sparkle in the sunlight and the centuries old pews, worn and moulded by the previous inhabitants of Levoca. Visitors from England should take note of the statue of St. George slaying the dragon. For tourist purposes, tickets for access must be bought in the shop, opposite the main door of the church. Guided tours are provided; books and postcards are available inside. After this you should visit Master Paul's House.
This museum is a 'must-see' as it contains superb replicas of the painted wooden sculptures in the Church which it thus enables you to see at close range. They are exquisite and profoundly moving. As of 2026 the building is closed for renovation; the exhibition has been moved to the Old Minorite Monastery at 38 Kláštorská Street.
The building of the town hall is attached to a Renaissance tower, which was built between 1656 and 1661 as a belltower. There are some exhibits of the Spis Museum on the first floor of the Town Hall. Its Council Chamber is often used for presentations.
The exquisite 18th-century theatre, the oldest building in Slovakia which has served continually as a theatre, is embedded in a larger modern structure, which also includes the town's Congress Hall. The theatre and hall offer a wide variety of performances, cultural events, and concerts, but also facilities for organizing congresses, seminars and various social events.
This dates to the 16th century and it was used for punishing for minor delinquencies. Its original place was where the Protestant Church is now. Later, it belonged to the Probstner family and it was placed in their park, which was where the hospital is now. The cage was given to the town by the Probstner family in 1933 and since then, it has been in front of the Town Hall.
The Lutheran church, in a cruciform layout and dating from the early 19th century, is somewhat neglected, the congregation for the most part having been expelled in 1948 due to their ethnic German origin. These days, no more than 70 people frequent religious services. When the church is open for visits, a very friendly lady meets you at the main door, and leaflets describing the history of the church are available in Slovak, English, German, and Russian. Walking around the chapel, take note of the grand organ, a gift from the Lutheran community of Berlin from the early 1900s. There is also a memorial to the inhabitants of Levoca who fell in World War I. The upkeep of the building is a major strain on the community, so a donation, or the purchase of a few postcards on this otherwise free attraction are gratefully accepted.
Our Lady Queen of Angels
The monastery was founded in the 13th century and finished around 1380. It was renovated in the 15th century by Melchior Messingschläger (father-in-law of Master Paul). It was Jesuit from 1671 to 1773, then became a grammar school until 1913. The original church was built from around 1320 to around 1380. It was reconstructed in the 17th century. The Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary is from 1430.
Between 1806−1826, an architect from the city of Eger, Anton Povolny, built a grandiose administration building, the Large Provincial House, as the seat of the town's administration. He adjusted its Classicistic style to Levoca's Renaissance character by emphasizing the horizontal lines.
Dedicated to ethnology and history of the Spis region. Some sculptures of Master Paul are also on display.
Offering spectacular views over the town and countryside. Pope John Paul II visited here in 1995 and conducted a service. The Bascilica can also be reached by road (turn right before entering the town by the Košice gate, and then right again).
This picturesque but rather dilapidated leftover of the town's history is due for a restoration.
This very quaint village, with spectacular views of the Tatra mountains and good skiing in winter, can be reached by road (turn right before entering the town by the Košice gate, and carry straight on past the village of Levočská Dolina).
Merchants' Tower
Popular restaurant on the historic town wall, close to the Košice Gate
Modern cafe (also a bar) with a more non-Slovak leaning menu. The food is fine, well priced, the beer is faultless, the staff are welcoming, and they provide a selection of breakfast and vegetarian options too. Located at the end of the square opposite the Lutheran church, beside an internet cafe, it's cheap and cheerful for a lunchtime snack, but does not serve food in the evenings, when it becomes solely a bar (see below).
At the Three Apostles
An old style restaurant, opposite St, Jakob's Church. This place is very comfortable, the staff are accommodating, and the portions really hit the spot, especially if the day has been spent travelling. A mixture of Slovak, meat, fish dishes are served, and the vegetarian pancake is divine. They also have an excellent selection of wines - and try their extra strength gazdovce slivovic as an aperitif!
Good value, just off the top of the main square.
All rooms are comfortable, and are good value for money. The restaurant has a cheap and cheerful basement restaurant, with prompt and friendly service. All rooms are en-suite. Has Wifi.
The large, comfortable suites, bedrooms and bathrooms are furnished in a practical but modern manner. Some of the rooms give a great view out onto the main square. There is satellite TV and the breakfast buffet is a great way to prepare for a day of sightseeing; the buffet is reported as better in summer than at other times of the year. For people who have been backpacking and roughing it, this is a good hotel to recharge ones batteries in.
Four stars. This was one of the first hotels in Levoca to be renovated. All the suites are comfortable and some suites are downright luxurious, especially some of the beautifully vaulted ceiling rooms. WiFi is available. The Renaissance gallery courtyard is lovely for al-fresco drinking and dining during the summer. There is a cozy bar and wine bar also. The staff are courteous and friendly too.
Powder Tower
This boutique hotel, in a restored medieval powder tower of the city wall, is the classiest joint in Levoca, with excellent restaurant and wine list. Not always open off season.
By train
The town has only a small railway station of its own, with very rare trains to the nearby town of Spišská Nová Ves (about ten minutes by road).
By bus
Levoča is linked by regular buses to Poprad, Košice and Prešov.
By car
Levoča is close to the E50 European highway and can therefore be accessed by road via Poprad from the west or via Košice from the east.
To get to Levoca centre from the bus station, either walk straight through the apartment blocks and estates behind the station, and take the second or third left to bring you out onto the main road.
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