The basilica of St. Giles is situated in Bardejov, a former royal city in the Northern part of Šariš. The first known mention of the church dates back to 1247 (13th century). The current appearance of the church comes from the 14th and 15th centuries, the golden era of the city. This period also affected the architecture of the church and its internal fixtures. The church is a three-nave basilica with four chapels. Eleven Gothic, winged altarpieces, that have been preserved to this day and were gifted to the church by the local guilds (1440 – 1510), makes this place unique.
The altar of Virgin Mary also known as Nativity of our Lord was founded and provided by Guild of Weavers. Altar was created by an unknown author in 1489. As its reliefs show, it was inspired by the works of Dutch masters. It is the only altarpiece in the church whose wings are embellished with reliefs. They depict the Nativity scene (FDC) and the Adoration of Three Magi (stamp). The altar is part of the Chapel of Virgin Mary constructed in 1482 – 1484.
The Church of St. Giles was declared a national cultural monument in 1970. During the Jubilee 2000, the church, together with the city of Bardejov, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site list. In the very same year, Pope St. John Paul II, declared it a basilica minor.
Mgr. Marek Kreheľ, Dean – Priest
