A Gothic church at the town’s highest point, raised to basilica status in 2009
A Gothic church built between 1380 and 1421 on the site of an earlier Romanesque building, standing at the highest point of Trnava’s historic centre and elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
What to look for during your visit
4 highlightsSee one of Trnava's oldest churches, built from 1380 to 1421
Learn about its role as the Esztergom archbishop's cathedral church from 1543 to 1820
Note its 2009 elevation to minor basilica status by Pope Benedict XVI
Combine the visit with Trojičné námestie and the City Tower nearby
A place shaped across centuries
Built between 1380 and 1421 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, St. Nicholas served as the cathedral church of the Esztergom archbishop from 1543 to 1820, during the period when the Archbishop’s seat moved to Trnava. Locally known as "Hrubý kostol" ("the big church"), it was granted the honorary title of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, recognising its historic and architectural significance.
What to expect when you arrive
The church stands on the site of Trnava's former medieval marketplace, at the highest point of the old town, with a Gothic structure enriched by later Baroque additions. Visitors can view the nave and chapels during the church's seasonal opening hours, with services continuing as part of an active parish.
A closer look
5 photographsPlan your visit
Address
Námestie svätého Mikuláša 385/1, 917 01, Trnava
Telephone
Best time to visit
Opening hours are seasonal and shorter outside the May to August period; confirm current hours before visiting, especially around Mass times.
Getting there
The basilica stands in Trnava's historic centre at Námestie svätého Mikuláša, within a few minutes' walk of the City Tower and main square.
Accessibility and terrain
The main entrance involves a small number of steps; contact the parish office in advance for accessibility arrangements.
Combine it with
Continue exploring nearby
Trojičné námestie and the 1574 City Tower lie a short walk away, both part of Trnava's compact historic core.
