Wikipedista:Dominika Jenčová/Pískoviště

St Elizabeth Duryn´s Cathedral

St Elizabeth Duryn´s Cathedral is the biggest temple in Slovakia with its total yardage 1200 m2 and capacity of more than 5000 people.At the same time it is the most east gothic cathedral in Europe. It is the main church of Košice Archdiocese and St Elizabeth parish church in Košice. The church length is 60 m, width 36 m, height of the north tower is 59 m, central nave is 24 m long and aisles are 12 m long. Construction of the church had influenced builder´s activity in surrounding towns such as Prešov, Bardejov, Sabinov, Rožňava and it also influenced construction of the other churches in Poland and Sedmihrad.

Gothic Cathedral of Košice consists of choir with five sides chavet,five naves,two towers, level sacristy at the north side and two chapels and antechapel at the south side. There is unique inside disposition of the church, where the central nave and four aisles are crossed in the middle by one transept of the same high and width as the central nave by which altogether create a Greek cross.This big central space rises in the centre of the church and together with three equal exterior gables with richly decorated portals belong to the top of medieval stone work of art in the Middle Europe. Complex of cathedral and adjacent buildings – St Michael Chapel and Urban Tower were declared as Cultural heritage monuments in 1970.

History

Original church

The oldest Košice church originated probably in the mid of 11^thcentrury and was sacred to [[Saint Michael]]. It was built in Romanesque style at the same place as current church. The reference of the church is mentioned in the oldest written remark of the town dated in 1230. After German colonizers settlement in Košice in the forties of 13st century, when St Elizabeth has become town patron, there was also change of origin church patron to Saint Elizabeth. After this change the church started to be adjusted in Gothic Style in the mid of 13th century. The church retained Romanesque tower, but it also got Gothic vault and ending of temple. Temple oriented to the East was 11,5 x 10,25 m and its main aisle was 27,8 x 14m. The whole space was 520 m2. This parish church had burned arround 1380, but it was adjusted and kept in service until the construction of current cathedral. Several Romanesque artifacts such as Iva statuette, bronze baptistery and several gravesstones retained up to this day.

First construcion stage – end of 14^th century until 1420

The fire which destroyed St Elizabeth church in 1380 was the good opportunity for the construction of new church. Rich citizens financed construction of cathedral with active support of monarch Zikmund Lucemburgh. He devoted considerable amount of money for construcion. Building of church was also supported by Pope curia. In 1402 Pope Bonifac IX. issued Indulgenced Bull. All the pilgrims who contributed to Košice ´s church had their sins forgiven. We do not know the exact date of new church construction, but it is supposed to be between 1380 (fire of old church) and 1402 when there was a first written remark. First stage of construcion works lasted probably in 1420. In this period the church was built as five naves basilica. Construction was done in a way that new cathedral was impounded arround the original object. South polygonal chevet of aisles were built as first. This was followed by south enclosure wall construction, south portal and west wall where first two levels of both towers were composed to floor plan of church. A very advanced construcion mill having relation to Silesian Gothic and which took part in Franciscan church construction in the north part of town was working at building of new church. There exists reference from 1411 about director Mikulas and about Zigmund´s master builder Peter from Budin.

Second construction stage – 1420 – 1440

Discontinuous innovation in cathedral conception was brought by new construction masonry in 1420. Because of lack of written reference the direct architekt of construction masonry stays anonymous. Ambition of uprightness, lite materials and spaciousness of church resulted in construction of three aisle´s cathedral, whereby essential change of plan was added by counter aisles to the main nave. This was situated unconventionally to the middle of main nave lenght by which a unique central hall space was created. Statue portal decoration of main nave and side aisle were inspired by Gothic buildings in Prague and Krakow is included in the second construction stage. Influence of Parleř masonry performing at Prague´s Saint Vitus Cathedral in the second half of 14^th centrury became evident at creating King´s oratory and its spiral staircase as well as motive of round banisters of oratory and stone gallery over sacristy. Then building of the cathedral continued with north external wall construcion, polygonal chevet of the north aisle (parallels of south apsids) and eight - sides top levels of Zigmund tower. At the end of second construction stage the cathedral was ready for vaulting and it was necessary to pull down the old church. St Michael´s church (today called chapel) which was built in the same time as the new church, but it was finished in 1400, and it took over temporal function as a parish church.

The third construcion stage – 1440 -1462

After the pulling down of the old church of St Elizabeth, the church was vaulted by stellar vault. Particular symmetric shapes of vault bays were different from each other and they did not folded from one bay to the other. The youngest part of the construction – sacristy and temple belong to this third construction stage.The Zigmund's tower was finished and new town erb granted by King Ladislav Pohrobek was sculpted at the fifth floor of tower in 1453 . The year 1462 which is sculpted over entrance portal to the tower is the year when work on tower was finished.

The forth constration stage – 1462 – 1490

After finishing of Zigmund tower all the attention was given to the building of south tower, which was named after that time monarch and contributor to the building of tower -Matyas Korvin. This tower was built in more decorated and vertical style than the north tower of church, because the construction masonry has changed. At the same time the south shield and portal was finished and there are many elements that reminds Matyas donation generosity. During the period between 1464 until 1490 Master Stephan Lapicidus or Master Steffen Staimecz from Košice as he was mentioned in documents, was working at church construcion. Maste Stephan has built side aisles of the church, that were not included in origin floor plan. It was financed by rich city-dweller families. Saint Cross chapel was built by senator August Cromer in 1475. Saint Maria chapel was built by Satmary Rod in 1477 and by the end of the same centurySaint Joseph chapel (not existing anymore) was built at the north side of church. Inside equipment from this period is a work of Master Stephan – stone pastophorium and probably relief of St Elizabeth at sacristy wall. At that time the church was furnished by rich Gothic mobiliari, from which not too much was kept until today. But the main altar of St Elizabeth from the years of 1474-1477 from the unknown artist is conserved.

Final construction stage – 1491 – 1508

After Matyas Korvin death started the contest of throne in Ugrian. At that time Polish-Latvia regent John I. Olbracht mobbed Košice city. It was for the first time when Košice were shotted by cannons. The church was heavilly damaged. Mikuláš Krumpholz from Nis was charged with its reconstruction. Master builder Vaclav from Prague assisted him with reconstruction. According to retained writing at cordon of west facade the reconstruction was done between 1496 – 1498. During the years 1496 – 1497 Zigmund tower, timber of roof and singboard were fixed. The tower also got clock. In 1508 the presbytery was finished under their guidance. This year is considered as the year when church constraction was finished. This fact is documented by scroll of parchment with particular year and the name of Master builder Krumholz which was found in presbytery piller after the big reconstruction of the church in 1908.

Reformation period

In 1556 Košice were affected by huge fire which damaged the church as well. Church roof, timber of roof and a big part of interior were burnt. All the necessary repairs were done by Master builder Stanislav from Krakow, builder masters Juraj and Gebriel and stone master Matyas.

After this year the church was administered by Protestants. They owned the church until 1604 when it was violently garrisoned by Catholics and Eger´s chapter house. This incident became one of the main reason of anti – Habsburg revolt of Stephan Bočkaj who devoted the church to Calvins. The church was returned to Eger´s chapter house in 1671 by Leopold I. emperor ´s decision. During this time a necessary repairs were done and chapter house treasure was placed in the church. In the period of Imrich Tököly revolt in 1682 – 1685 the church was again owned by Protestants. In 1685 the church was definitely and permanently owned by Catholics.

Baroque period

In 1706 the church was demaged during František Rakoczi II. occupation. The most damaged part was the west and south side of the church. During 18^thcentury several parts of the church were fixed and embellished. In the second half of the 18^thcentury the church already had 14 altars (with comparison with 10 that are today). Baroque – Rococo helmit with sighseeing view obtained Zigmund ´s tower after the fire in 1775. .

Fabry ´s reconstruction in 1858–1863

After several years of religion wars and negleted maintanance it was necessary to innovate church in the beginning of 19^thcentury. There was earthquaqe in 1834 and in 1845 the town was flooded and the flood extended to the church where several parts of the ground pavement was damaged. During the 19th century there was an iniciative for the church reconstruction in Neogothic style , which was organised by Bishop Ignac Fabry and Imrich Henszimann Fine Arts establisher and monuments inovator in Ugrian.

In 1857 St Elizabeth Church Alliance was establish by members who devoted to the church repairs which took place during 1856 – 1863 under the control of Emperior-Royal Central Commision of Preservation and Repair of Architectural Monuments and as well as under the assistance of Henszlmann. Works were masterminded by builders masters Karol Gerster and Ladislav Frey. Fabry ´s reconstruction affeted change of several portal ´s statues, clapboards to ceramic roof-tiles, stock of new window – panes, repair of south hall and Romantique interior paiting. But on the other hand very important static violation of the church which was evident at that time was not removed and repaired. Some of the pillars were off center their central line. Their bases were standing on colour blade layer which was soaked by ground water. Arch ruptures were covered by mortar or were covered by wood. Such unprofessional practise led to desctruction and state of disrepair after big windstorm in 1875.

Big reconstruction in 1877 – 1896

In 1872 was established Ugrian Temporary Monuments Comission, where Imrich Henszlmann was the comission secretary. Big reconstruction was realized between 1877 – 1896 and was the main priority of Monuments Comission and was financed mostly from state budget of Ugrian government. Imrich Steindl, profesor of Mediaval Architecture of Budapest Technical University and the most famous architect of Ugrian Neo-Gothic, was named as the main architect of reconstruction works. Based on the ruptures in arches he decided that pillars´ allocation in aisle is the mail reason of state of disrepair of the church statics. He worked out completely new purist projection of church reconstruction where three aisle church was re-built to five aisle church and adding arches in side aisles. Originally medieval star arches at the main as well as side aisles were rebuilt to network ones. Old choir was removed and on its place Steindl builded expanded replica with more pillars. Next works involved exterior – adjusting of external walls and gavels, supporting pillars, water-shoots and window´s carved works, portals decoration and change of Matyas tower roof. Late Gothic chapel of St Joseph at the north part of church was completely removed. Neo-Gothic tower which was crossing main and side aisles,flèche was created. Primary Steindl´s plan was to rebuilt all Neo-Gothic additional building and components in church. But those suggestions were declined by commistion and which requested for cheaper Exchange of old stone parts for the new ones. Re-Gothic (re-gothisation) of towers was not realized due to lack of money. This fact reflected in cheaper construction material. During Exchange of base system in 1878 – 1882 cheap but low-quality sandstone from close stone-pit Spiššké Vlachy was used. Its quick dilapidate outer surface resulted in removing of pinnacles and gargoyles because it endagered pedestrians. With next reconstruction after 1882 good quality sandstone from Banská Bystrica was used. The main Master builded of big reconstuction in 1877 – 1880 was Josepf Weber. In 1880 – 1896 Friedrich Wilhelm Fröde from Wien was the main master builder. Supervision was done by Austrian architect Friedrich von Schmidt. After what a famous architect, Schmidt´ s student, Imrich Steindl has started to work on Budapestt parliament (in 1885), Otto Sztehló beceme his successor. This architect used preservative method at Matyas tower in contrast with previous purist method of his forerunners. Zigmund tower, Matyas tower (except of roof), inner side of exterior walls, Medieval portals with reliefs, stone inventory of interior and whole temple (just intrior part) were kept from Neo-Gothic reconstruction. In 1896 was newly delivered Neo-Gothic interior equipment (altars, statues, pictures), which was bought and donated for Košice ´s Catherdral by Ugrian clergy, Košice Bishop and maecenas Zigmund Bubics. In 1906 cathedral crypt was built under the north side aisle according to project of Frigyes Schulek. This crypt was prepared for imposing relics of Francz Rakoczy II. and his companions from Turkey.

Big reconstruction 1978 until today

In 1970 area of St Elizabeth Cathedral was declared as National Cultural Monument. All profiled architectonic shaped (pinnacles,gargoyles,gadroon) were destroyed either by rain water or were unmounted.Also the stone decoration at the north portal was very much defected by weathering. Cathedral reconstruction started again in September 1978 by detailed architectonic documentation. After a short break, works started in 1984. In the meantime authorities started with complex solution of Košice centrum monuments innovation, which was in 1983 declared as the biggest town monuments reservation in Slovakia. One of the factor that contributed to higher care of church was exluding motor-vehicle traffic from the main street in 1984 and tram traffic in 1986. During reconstruction it was decided to use method of maintain stage from the big reconstruction from the end of 19^thcentury.First the roof of the main and side aisled was repaired where were changed ceramics coloured enamelled tiles but with origin patern from 19th century. Flèche was reconstructed and it was necessary to add 264 pieces of plumber decorations. In 198 – 1992 the most damaged part of temple and sacristy were reconstructed. The works were done by Polish company Pracownie Konserwacji Zabytkow from Vratislaw. It was necessary to construct new crown gardoons,gargoyles and pinnacles – according to accessible documents and projects from the town´s archival collection. Similarly staircase towers were done. At chrličů reconstruction it was done according to origin Medieval paterns which are retained in museums. This reconstruction included also interior repair of temple . in 1992 – 1995 the south facade (cleaning and preservation), including window-pane was done. Zigmund´s tower was under consistent innovation in 1995 – 1997 when Rococo copper helmit was replaced. Cleaned and gilded plumber decorations are originals from 1775. In 2008 reconstruction of Rakoczy crypt was finished and in 2009 reconstruction of the most precious noth portal was finished. Today there are works at exterior of the north facade of the church and west portal and interior of crossed north aisle. Matyas tower is waiting for reconstruction.

Architecture

The base of space composition is formed by central nave with five bays which is divided by cross aisle with one bay in axis. Apparent substitution of idea are four subordination spaces, indrawn into ground plan of building and inserted between arms of main and cross aisle. Instead of basilica rose central formation of Greek cross, supplemented by narrowed and shorted side areas. In the first decades probably the enclosure walls were built and the main outline of space disposition was finished. In next few years the question of portals and arches construction should have been solved. In spirit of the main conception the excellent stone-sculpture works between 1420 – 1440 enriched construction structure by three big portals. The north, south, west portal in Košice have difficult profiles, eventuated in dynamic curves, alternating by horizontal and vertical cornices of relief boards and were decoratively enriched by pinnacles.Those architectonically work through profile ceiling and allow new conception using decorative regards and play of light and shade.

Vaulting

As it is seen from reconstruction of V. Mencl, the conception of figural vaulting is based on individual parts of split arcades ´s curves and inter vault parts. Their shape difficult play is formed by scheme of sun stars rising with its spikes out of splitting pillars. For each sun star an individual pattern of its middle is very important. From its diagonal vectors it is creating shapes of cross, rhomb and trapezoid. In subordinate spaces, which are clutched by arms of main Greek cross of the mail aisle and side aisle, at connecting walls and east side the sun stars scheme is losing in tangle of cranked rib networks. Master Štefan built sacrarium over anteroom at south wall and he is adding adoration chapel of St. Cross to its east side and chapel of Mettercia to the west side. At the north side there is chapel of St. Joseph. In these parts the ribs are not reaching head of lisena but they are gathering to arch construction. The vaulting of the chapels is based on irregular star net vault.

Windows

Master Ján of Prešov demolished old walls and suggested atrial type which can be seen mostly at tripple aisle. As from art point of view he used efficiency of smooth walls and large windows in order to white-our interior.

Heraldries at windows of main aisle

From the main altar towards west gate are decorated by windows of the main altar with heraldries of Košice, Abov´s chair and Hunyady chair as well as heraldies of the countries of the King Matej Korvín: Dalmatia, Vladivostok, The Big Bulgaria, Transylvania, Ugrian, Serbia, Slavonia, Croatia, Czech, Moravia and Silesia.

Interior

Altars

The Altars Main altar of saint Elisabeth

This altar was crafted in the period of 1474-1477 and is ranked among the most remarkable monuments of the Medieval art in Slovakia. Two pairs of both-side decorated wings each containing six gothic paintings are adjointed to the central part. As a whole, it is a set of 48 paintings in three themed cycles – Elizabethan, the Passion and the Advent. Such construction of an altar is unique even in the european scale.

Altar of the Visitation

The winged altar was crafted to order of a rich merchant of Kosice named Michal Gunthert in 1516. The guiding motif of the altar, located in the arche, is a scultpure of the visit of Mary with Elizabeth. On both sides, the altar has a pair of movable wings. When opened, they represent scenes of the Angelic salutation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi and the Flight to Egypt.

When closed, they depict the sacred personages: Sainth Catherine, John the Baptist, Saint Barbara and JJohn the Apostle. 

The predella is painted with the motifs of Vir dolorum, Mary, John the Evangelist, Saint Michael the Archangel, Margaret the Virgin. The latter were patrons of the Gunthert family. Alike the main altar of the Saint Elizabeth, the upper part of this altarpiece is late gothic. It is decorated with three groups of sculptures: the legend of three marriages of Saint Anne, statues of the Apostotles and of Mary on the top.

Altar of Anthony of Padua

The particularity of this altarpiece resides in the fact that it is composed of two late gothic altarpieces from the the first half of the 16th century, which were saved after a great fire of the city of Kosice in 1556. The paintings on wings are the oldest dated of the all altarpieces paintings in the cathedral. They depict 16 saints on both sides. In 1860, the altar image of Anthony of Padua painted by Frantisek Klimkovic was placed in the original arche.

Altar of Mettercia

The neogothic altarpiece from the end of the 19th century was manufactured to order of bishop Zigmund Bubics, for the purpose of emplacement of new-found late gothic painting of Mettercia. The rare painting of tyrolean origin from 1516 depicts Saint Anne and ancestry of Isaiah. The painting was made to order of the family of pharmacist Bartolomej Czottman, while his wife and he are also depicted with their coats of arms, among which the coat of arms of Kosice is placed in accordance to the latest grant of arms. A mortar, as a symbol of pharmacists is featured beyond the municipal coat of arms.

Altar of Saint Anne

It is one of the series of neogothic altarpieces from 1896 bought for the cathedral on the occasion of millenial celebration of Hungarian’s arrival to the homeland, as well as of the termination of restoration works. The altarpiece was a gift from incumbent bishop Zigmund Bubics.

Altar of Wise Men

Bought in Paris, it was a gift from Zigmund Bubics in 1896.

Altar of Saint Joseph

A gift from Konstantin Schuster, the bishop of Vac, in 1896. It was crafted of pieces bought in Brussel by Ludovit Lantay, the sculptor from Piestany.

Altar of Saint Stephen

A gift from Frantisek Pogac, the canon of Košice, in 1896. Crafted by Ferdinand Stufflesser, the tyrolean carver.

Altar of the Three martyrs of Kosice

The Three martyrs of Kosice were beatificated in 1905. Ludovit Tihanyi crafted the alterpiece dedicated to them in 1923 in Banska Bystrica. Their remains are stored in the predella.

Altar of the Holy Cross

It is historically the youngest altarpiece in the cathedral, which was crafted in Kosice in 1931 by Vojtech Buchner in commemoration of victims of the World war I. Two iron panels feature names of all the people who contributed to the construction of the altarpiece.

Not installed altars

Altar of the Last Supper A triptych altarpiece from the last third of the 15th century is segmented in the deposit of the East Slovak Museum.

Altar of John the Baptist

A neogothic altarpiece crafted for a rare oil tempera painted panel from 1516. It was installed in the cathedral until 1944. After reconstruction works in 1965-1970 the panel was obtained by the East Slovak Museum. One side of the panel depicts scene of the Baptism of Christ in Jordan and the other depicts the torture of Saint John. They are of high quality with a notable impact of the Dutch and Flemish renaissance.

Altar of the Death of Mary

Original gothic altarpiece was not installed in 1943, only predella was preserved, which is for the once lost in the the archival store of the cathedral.

The bronze baptistery

The roman-gothic baptistery from the 14^th century is the oldest monument preserved in the cathedral. It comes from the old church of Saint Elizabeth, the ancestor of today’s cathedral. The leg of baptistery is decorated with triangles, the chalice is ornamented with zoomorphic reliefs of lions, gryphs and eagles. The upper brim is lined with an illegible latin inscription. The lid dates back to 1914.

Wall frescoes

In 1892, during larg-scale recontruction works, a number of original gothic frescoes was discovered hidden under a layer of plaster since the period of Reformation. Three of them are in the south apse: The Savior on the Day of Judgement in aureola (sitting Christ holding a sword, Mary and Saint Peter below him), Twelve Apostotles and the Ressurection of Christ (with his right hand holding a battalion and blessing with his left hand). In the nothern side apse next to the entry of sacristy another set of genuine gothic frescoes could be found: the Descent from the Cross, dating back to the 16^th century, conceived as winged wall altarpiece. Paintings on the right side are: the Flagellation and the Coronation with Crown of thorns and on the left side there are: Christ nailed at the cross and Christ before Pilate.

Calvary

The sculpture of Calvary dating back to 1420 is one of the oldest articles of cathedral’s inventory. Its components are: 4.34m tall cross with 3.12m tall nailed Christ in the centre, 2.73m tall statue of Mary on the right side and 2.5m tall statue of John the Evangelist on the left. Originally, the group of statues was installed in triumphant arche of the nave until 1936, when it was reinstalled in the royal oratory. This monumental wood carved piece of art is notable for its deep theatricality of emotial expression of the period christian culture.

Four wooden gothic polychromed sculptures

Four wood carvings crafted around 1470, whose autorship is attributed to Jan Weysz, the woodcarver from Presov, correspond to the period style of the main altarpiece of Saint Elizabeth. The sculptures are 108-112cm tall and their current installation is secondary, i.e. in the choir’s pillars of the western portal. Originally they probably formed a component of bounteous décor of unpreserved upper part of Saint Elisabeth’s altarpiece. Four polychromed sculptures represent Saint Stephen, his son Saint Emeric of Hungary, Saint Ladislaus and Stanislaus of Szczepanów, the polish bishop.

Mater Dolorosa on column

Polychromed wood carving from the period of 1500 is 112cm tall. It is installed on a late gothic twisted column. Above the statue, a gothic ciborium was additionally inserted into southern side wall. The expressivity and the pleating of the gown attest high level of late gothic wood-carving in Kosice.

Lantern of Matthias Corvinus

The pinnacle with a niche for lantern built on a stone twisted collumn dates back to the end of the 15^th century. The pinnacles‘ tympanums are ornamented with the coat of arms of Kosice, Kingdom of Hungary, of Czech and Dalmatia. One unidentified coat of arms is present as well as the one of the Hunyadi family. Originally, the lamp illuminated area in front of the southern portal towards to neighbouring cementary. It served its purpose until the early 20th century when it was adapted to gas-lighting. It was installed to its current place on the tower wall of Matthias in 1940.

Choir

The pipe organ choir was completely replaced in the period of large-scale recontruction works in the end of the 19^th century. Current replica is a bit longer and has more pillars than the original one. Four polychromated sculptures described above are secondarily installed on the pillars and complemeted with another four neogothic sculptures of Kings of Hungary: Charles I of Hungary, Louis I of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxemburg and Matthias Corvinus. New pipe organ was crafted by Angster from Patkostolie. Access to pipe organ is through a stairway in the southern tower. The original one was discovered on Kosice by a collector, austrian Count Johann Nepomuk Wilczek who bought it and had it transported to his castle Burg Kreuzenstein near Vienna.

Pastophorium

Stone pastophorium for storing the eucharist, which is located in the northern pillar of triumphal arch, is the most accurate stonemasonry work in the cathedral. It was crafted by Master Stefan around 1477 The pastophorium with hexagonal plan is ornated with complex composition of pillars moldings, friezes, arcades and archs. The twisted niche for storing the eucharist is located on the first floor of pastophorium. The metal-tipped door decorated with thumbnails of coat of arms of some lands and noblemen date back to the 15^th century. The tiny plaster sculptures of prophets and kneeling angels replaced former missing parts in the end of the 19^th century. Since the Council of Trent, the pastophorium lost its function and the staircase leading to the pastophorium therefore lost its purpose and was removed in 1860.

The relief of Saint Elisabeth

It originated on the same period as the stone pastophorium and the autorship is also attributed to the Stefan. It is composed of three parts which do not fit together because of their compositions. The relief by itself is decorated in abrupt manner in contrast with hexagonal ciborium with bolt ending with filigree scenes from the Old Testament. The tip of the ciborium in the shape of pinnacle is ended with composition of nestled pelican which is the symbol of Christ’s blood. In the 19th century the relief was complemented with a latin inscription S.Elisabeth ora pro nobis positioned above the console.

Epitaph of Reiner

The baroque epitaph of Melichar Reiner’s family, who was a municipal retreeve is one of the few neogothic reliques preserved in the cathedral and dates back to the beginning of the 17^th century. The image of Flagellation is between two family coat of arms, above, there is a sculpture of Christ Crucified and above the tympanum, there is a baroque group of sculptures of two angels on the sides and Christ holding the Earth in the middle.

Aurole of Madonna

Another baroque relique in the cathedral which appropriately exponentiates the aesthethic interior décor is hanging aureole from the first half of the 18^th century, installed under the triumphant arch. The double sided sculpture of Madonna with child is in the centre of the aureole.

Pew

Some of the cathedral pews are from the 18^th century and crafted in baroque style, other are from the end of the 19^th century. Oppositely positioned canonical pews in presbytery were crafted during the period of large-scale reconstruction works of the cathedral in accordance with design of the chief architect Imrich Steindl. He also designed the patronal pew of communs with ravishingly engraved and painted coat of arms of Kosice.

Chapel of Mettercia – Announciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of two chapels in the cathedral is the Chapel of Announciation to the blessed Virgin Mary located in the area between Matthias Corvinus‘ tower and vestibul of the southern portal. It was built in 1477 by Stefan and allegedly, his portrait is on the console of cross-ribbed vaults. The builder holds a paper stripe in his hands. The altarpiece of Mettercia is installed in the chaple, hence the other name. Parents of ugrian primate Juraj Szatmary had it built, hence the name of the chaple is also Chapel of Szatmary. In the beginning of the 19th century, a crypt of bishops of Kosice was established under its floor. Their gravestones are embedded into enclosure walls. Ignac Fabry, Zigmund Bubics, Augustin Fischer-Colbrie and Jozef Carsky are buried here.

Chapel of Saint Cross

The second Chapel of the Dome is the Chapel of Saint Cross also built in year 1475.It's donor was the city consul and reeve Augustín Cromer,why the chapel is also called Cromer's chapel.Nowadays is used as the sacristy.

King's empora

To the period of building od the cathedral belongs the construction of king's oratory.Empora was created on the first floor of polygonal arch of the south annex of transept aisle.On the wall under the empora is very significant epigrafic relic from the acting time of John Jiskra from Brandys in the function of Košice captain.

Twisted staircase

The twisted staircase ist from the 1/4 of 15^th century and it is the staircase going to the king empora.The stairs are devided into two arms of staircase and the west arm heads to the attic of cathedral.It is constains and therefore it is assumed it had mainly just decorative character.This twisted staircase is the oldest existing one in Europe.

The singer stage

The stone balcony which is located on the north wall of main aisle in a place of presbytery belongs to original accomodation of the cathedral.We assume that it's purpose was to depict the canvas by actors and singers with different medieval alegories and mysteries during the worship ceremony.

Statue of saint Florian

Saint Florian was the patron of firemen and was protecting from fires.Town let built it's statue in 1748,which first stayed near the chapel of saint Michael,later on near the south wall of Uroban tower,until the ear 1940 when it was replaced on contemporary place-to the entrance hall of south portal.

Adyton

Building of adyton belongs to the third part of construction of dome,to years 1440-1462.In adyton are neogothic statues on consoles from Jana Marschalek from the end of 19^th century.They represent saints.Nowadays window planes were crated by Karl Geyling in Wien in 1860.On planes are ilustrated coats of arms of minor canons.

The sacrificial altar

The youngest element of cathedral's inventory is the sacrificial altar of the celebraiting priest.It is located in front of the main altar.It is carved from one piece of sandstone in a shape of two arms creating an elipse.The sacrificial altar stands on tabernacle of the shape of heart.Near the altar is new ambon (place for preaching) and sedeses (chairs).All the three objects were created by Michael and Thomas Baník in 1994.

Pulpit

Stone pulpit with wooden shelter is the masterpiece of sculptors W.Aubram and R.Argenti.On the twisted staircase are on the parapel of balustrade placed statues of argurs and church fathers.

Crypt of Rákocy

Beside the north wall of the Dome was in year 106 built crypt for remains of Frans II.Rákocy and his playfellows.The crypt and four stone sarcophagi were designed by professor Frigyes Schulek from Budapest.In one sarcophagus are buried together prince,his mother Helen Zrínska and his older son Joseph.Southly from him is sarcophagus of general count Anton Esterházi,north from his is buried Mikuláš Šibrik and in the fourth sarcophagus on the other side of crypt is buried count Mikuláč Berčéni and his second wife Kristína Čáki.

Apotheosis of life Frnas II.Rákoci

Monumental mural painting above the north portal of cathedral is from years 1914-1916 and it's author is Andor Dudics.It is triptich.

Exterior

North portal

Design of north portal is very rare acording to medieval tradition in which on the north sides of churches wasn't used to have portals.Also it's statue decor is the most decorative from all the three portals of cathedral.The reason for this is probably it's turning to the main area of hapening in medieval Košice-to the city market and city hall.The portal is known as The golden gate,because it was gilted in medieval age. The north portal composes of two entrance doors above those is arc with relief of The last judgement.The relief is devided into two parts-areas.In the lower one is visualised crowd of people heading to gates of heaven,where there are welcomed by an angel and the others who are going to hell are heading to leviatan jaws with devils and are enchainment.The upper part visualises The last judgement,two angels with horns are announcing the end of the world.The other figures represents the 12 apostles.Around relief of The last judgement is in three degrees placed five frame reliefs decorated by pinnacles,profilation and traceried motives.Two lover reliefs are refering to life of saint Elisabeth.The others three are creating the scere from Calvary.At the top is Kristus crucified on the cross in a shape of tree of life.Interesting is shaping of other two crucified on Golgote,on the left side is the saved soul carried by angel to heaven,while on the right side the soul is carryed to hell by devil.Under the scene of Crucifixion are on the left side crying women around Virgin Mary under the cross and on the right side is John the Evangelist surrounded by roman soldiers. During the great reconstruction of Dome they added niches along the both gates of north portal by neogothic statues of saints.THe niches are original and it's not known what statues stood on them during the last centuries.The other neogothic statues decorate the portal of the east gavel.The statues are: Ugarian kings Karol I.Róberh,his wife Alžbeta Piastovská and Ľudovít Veľký.Neo-gothic statues of north portal are masterpiece of Budapest sculptulor Ľudovít Lantay.

The West Portal

According to liturgical custom the main entrance to the church is the west portal. Even if it consists of three gates, entrance has the most simple stone decoration. Two sides entrances are without figure decoration. Above the main gate are two reliefs. One of them which is directly over the gate shows Christ in Getseman garden piteously praying to the God Father. To the left from the Christ are apostles Peter, John and Jacob, from the right comes soldiers headed by Judas. In seddle finish of the portal is the scene of Pieta, Virgin Mary holding Christ body, surrounding by Maria Magdalene and Mary Joseph. The most upper relief expresses angels holding Veronica ´s towel with Christ face print. The whole symbology of portals relates with local tradition of Holy Blood. At the end of 19^th centrury two Neo-Gothic statues were placed to the main gate from which only one – statue of John the Baptist preserved.

The South Portal

The south portal differs from the previous two portals by the fact that it is place to the ante - room under the king´s empora. It has two gates as the north portal. But there are not figure´s relief as it is at north portal, by they are finished by saddles with triangle circling pikes above which is other raw of saddles. The portal makes the impression of triple level entrance to the cathedral. Interesting component of the portal is aerial bolt of gothic arch of ante – room with leaves ornaments. Very interesting is also baldachin of the statue in the middle of portal which is formed by flying rooks. The other rook and beast hold devices of torment. Based on this it is supposed that under the baldachin previously was statue of Christ. Today there is statue of Imaculata from the end of 19th centrury made by statue maker John Marschalko. The other statues at the portal are saints, emperor Konštantín Veľký, Elizabeth Ugrian, Prague ´s bishop Adalbert, apostle Andrew (patron of Košice archdiocese), Xavier and bishop Teodor. These statues has nothing to do with symbolic of the portal, they present patrons and donators of the big reconstruction of Cathedral at the end of the 19th century. The middle portrait belongs to architect Imrich Steindl, the other belongs to Fridrich Wilhelms Frödem, Imrichi Seideni, Ľudovít Steinhausi and Otto Sztehló. .

Zigmund Tower

The north tower which was built in the second period of church construction in 1420 – 1440 was finished in the third period of construction in 1462. This is proved by Košice ´s arm with sculpted year 1462 over the portal of the west facade which is also the entrance to the tower. The tower stays at four – square floor plan and has three levels. From the fourth level it is narrowing to octagon floor plan. Simply decorated tower has between floor cordons decorated by cresting with geometric motive. Between fourth and fifth floor the decoration is complemented by rosette – roses, while each of the is profiled to different shape. Zigmund tower was heavily destroyed between 1490 – 1491 when Košice were besieged with John Albrecht army. The tower was reconstructed by Mikláš Crompholz from Nisa, under the guidance of Vaclav from Prague iiin 1494 – 1497. After the fire in 1775 tower was build up a little bit and on the top of it a Rococo monkshood was mounted, which created the sixth floor of the tower. The monkshood is covered by copper sheet with gold coated plumber components. On the top of it there is copper cross which is 3 m tall. On the first floor there is mechanism of big clock, on the second floor there is construction for bells establishment. On the third floor are two bells from 1926. Alexander Buchner had new bells casted – The God´s heard which has 1 530 kg and which holds names of killed people in the World War I. There is also fire brigade room which was used until seventies of the 20th century.

Mathew Tower

The south tower was built in the second period of cathedral construction in 1420 – 1440. It had fourth – square floor plan. After the construction break the works on building the tower followed in 1462 when the north tower was finished. The works were managed by Master Stephan until 1477. He constructed it in more decorated and massive way in comparison with the north tower, even if it was not built up to planned height. It is finished at a level of crown cordon of the main aisle by decorative wreath where are heraldries of countries belonging to King Matej and heraldry of Košice. The tower is now covered by octagon metal-sheet roof. Curiosity of the tower is labyrinth of circular staircase linked to each- other. Its importance has not been clear. The entrance is from the west choir of cathedral and its staircase also allows accession to organ. Rich decoration of exterior is complemented by statues of Matej Korvín´s supporters which are from Budapest sculptor František Mikula from the 20^th century.

The sun dial

On the exterior wall of the south fasade above the biggest window of the Mettercie chappel is situated the sun dial of horologe type from the year 1477.

Gargoyles

The great reconstruction of the Dome from the late 19.^thcentury is responsible for the contemporary zoomorfic gargoyles few of which pieces are located in some collections of the museums.Nowadays gargoyles were created acording to the original artwork and by this way were also created some new gargoyles in years 1985-1991.Except the function of convey the water from the roof the garoyles were also used for the daunt.With the animal motives (lion legs,the head of the raven) there are also the motives of gorgons (dragons,werewolves),but also tere is one gargoyle on the east fasade of Mathew's tower which dispays drunk woman with the glass in one hand and the bottle in the other one.

Flèche

The tower at the crosspoint of the main and the transpet aisle is the product of neogothic remaking while the great reconstuction of the Dome at the end of 19.^thcentury.It is created of the wooden skeleton,which is metaled by copper.

The Frans II. Rakocy memorial

In 1906 were the remains of Frans II. Rakocy and his band carried Fron Turkey to Košice and entombed in the cathedral crypt.24.july 1938 is the date when the memorial of the curuc revolt was reveiled.The memorial was designed by Sipos and Vojtech Loffler.Vojtech Buchner mould it with bronze.

The monarch dotations

In the Middle age and during the modern times was St.Elisabeth Cathedral the biggest church in Ugrian kingdom.Its building happened to be very prestigeous issue for the burgeios,wealthy merchants and craftmen of Košice.

Legends of the cathedral

In ages there were created and maintaining legends of the cathedral,most of them have their roots in the medieval times of building the dome.Construction continuing over the century gave the birth of the legend of the hollow stone,which the builders put on the unknown place in the cathedral.If the stone was put away,the whole cathedral would fall.Also there is a legend about the gargoyle of the drunk women-it is says she was the muster builder alcoholic wife.The legend says that because of that she was disreputated him by her appearance int he town,he made her a gargoyle forewer.Also there is a legend about lantern of king Mathew.The lantern was said to have a power to give away the guilt from every criminal who stood under it.The last legend is about the Crist blood.While the common Sunday mass the priest splited consecrewed goblet full of wine on the floor where the image of suffering Crist created while some believers heard the Crist moan,they said.

References

In this article it was used translation from the article Dóm svätej Alžbety at slovak Wikipedia.

Further readings

• BORODÁČ, Ladislav. Košický dóm. Národná kultúrna pamiatka. Martin : Východoslovenské vydavateľstvo pre Mestskú správu pamiatok v Košiciach, 1975. (slovak)
• Dóm sv. Alžbety v Košiciach. Košice : Sáša pre Arcibiskupstvo Košice a Farnosť sv. Alžbety Košice, 2000. ISBN 80-967096-4-X. (slovak)
• JUDÁK, Viliam. Pútnik svätovojtešský : kalendár na rok 2011. Příprava vydání Mária Vyskočová a Slavomír Ondica. Trnava : Spolok svätého Vojtecha, ročník 139. ISBN 978-80-7162-824-8. Kapitola Katedrála svätej Alžbety v Košiciach, s. 54-56. (slovak)
• LUKAČIN, Alfonz. Staviteľ chrámu. Košice : PressPrint, 1999. ISBN 80-968272-1-9. (slovak)
• MARKUŠOVÁ, Kristína. Dóm sv. Alžbety. Sprievodca po košických kostoloch. Košice : Štroffek pre Historickú spoločnosť Imricha Henszlmanna, 1998. ISBN 978-80-967800-0-6. (slovak)
• POLÁKOVÁ, Mália. Dóm sv. Alžbety v Košiciach. Národná kultúrna pamiatka. Martin : Obzor pre Východoslovenský krajský výbor Združenia katolíckeho duchovenstva Pacem in terris a Rímskokatolícky farský úrad sv. Alžbety v Košiciach, 1983. (slovak)
• WICK, Vojtech. Dóm svätej Alžbety v Košiciach. Košice : Tlačiareň svätej Alžbety, 1936. (slovak)

External links

http://www.cassovia.sk/svalzbeta/