The high altar is constructed entirely of wood and is considered one of the largest in Europe.
The cathedral was commissioned by Count Miklós Eszterházy to serve as a Jesuit church.
It is the first building in Slovakia to feature the early Baroque style.
The cathedral contains the crypts of the Eszterházy family, prominent Hungarian nobility.
The interior contains works by renowned 17th-century painter Franz Wagenschön.
The university, for which this was the primary church, moved to Budapest in the late 18th century.
The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1977 following the establishment of the Trnava Archdiocese.
The twin towers were originally designed to house a significant bell collection.
Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa is the first early Baroque sacred building constructed in the territory of present-day Slovakia. It served as the university church of the Trnava University, founded by Archbishop Péter Pázmány in 1635. The interior is defined by a monumental wooden altar dating to 1640, which stands 20.3 meters high and 14.8 meters wide. It remains one of the largest wooden altars of its kind in Europe. The cathedral features elaborate ceiling frescoes created by Viennese painters Giovanni Pietro Tencalla and others. It is the seat of the Trnava Archdiocese since 1977. The building was designed by Italian architects Pietro and Antonio Spazzo. The exterior is characterized by two prominent towers and a facade inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome. It represents the focal point of the historic university district in Trnava.
From the center of Univerzitné námestie to capture the full scale of the facade and twin towers.
Visit during a weekday afternoon to experience the cathedral when it is less crowded by local worshippers.
Walk around the perimeter of the building to view the architectural transition between the university buildings and the church facade.
Check the local Archdiocese website for seasonal concert schedules held within the cathedral's acoustic space.
Do not attempt to enter the sacristy or restricted choir areas without authorization.
Avoid visiting during Sunday morning mass services as the interior is closed to tourists.
Maintain silence; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is required; refrain from photography during active services.
