Cities
Slovakia Košice Košický kraj Cathedral

St. Elizabeth Cathedral

About

St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Košice is the largest Gothic church in Slovakia and one of the easternmost Gothic cathedrals in Europe, giving it a unique place in architectural history. Built from the late 14th century onward, it stands on the site of an earlier parish church destroyed by fire. One fascinating fact is that the cathedral’s intricate stonework includes more than 50 carved heads—some depicting real medieval citizens of Košice. Inside, visitors are greeted by soaring vaults, richly coloured stained‑glass windows, and the famous Altar of St. Elizabeth, a masterpiece with 48 painted panels illustrating the life of the cathedral’s patron saint. The Rákóczi Crypt, where Prince Francis II Rákóczi and his companions are buried, adds a powerful historical dimension. The northern tower offers panoramic views of Košice, rewarding those who climb its narrow staircase. Don’t miss the Gothic relief of the Last Judgment near the main portal, one of the cathedral’s most expressive artworks. St. Elizabeth Cathedral remains the spiritual and architectural heart of the city.

Košice Slovakia
St. Elizabeth Cathedral
Location

St. Elizabeth Cathedral is located at Hlavná 40, on the main square in the very center of Košice’s historic old town, within the city’s main pedestrian zone. It is the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, built in the High Gothic style over more than a century. The cathedral faces Mlynská Street and is only about a 10-minute walk from Košice train station, via the city park and along Mlynská Street. Its entrance faces the main square, and its north tower (Žigmund Tower) offers panoramic views of the city for a small fee. The cathedral is at the heart of Košice’s most visited area, with many top attractions just a few steps away. Nearby, you can see the Singing Fountain and carillon, the Gothic Chapel of St. Michael, the Urban Tower, the State Theatre, the East Slovak Gallery, the Underground Archaeological Complex at the Lower Gate, and Mikluš Prison Museum. All of these sights are within 0.1 to 0.3 km, making the cathedral an ideal starting point for a walking tour of Košice’s old town.

East Slovak Museum East Slovak Museum Museum Slovak Technical Museum Slovak Technical Museum Museum Vojtech Löffler Museum Vojtech Löffler Museum Museum Mikluš Prison Museum Mikluš Prison Museum Museum Archaeological Museum Košice Archaeological Museum Košice Museum Rodošto Memorial House Rodošto Memorial House Museum Steelpark Steelpark Museum Aeroplane Museum Aeroplane Museum Museum Museum of Transport of the Slovak Technical Museum Museum of Transport of the Slovak Technical Museum Museum Jakab Palace Jakab Palace Palace Andrássy Palace Andrássy Palace Historical Landmark Csáky–Dessewffy Palace Csáky–Dessewffy Palace Historical Landmark St. Michael's Chapel St. Michael's Chapel Chapel Dominican Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Dominican Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church Franciscan Church Franciscan Church Church State Theatre Košice State Theatre Košice Theatre City Park Košice City Park Košice Park Botanical Garden UPJŠ Botanical Garden UPJŠ Botanical Garden