Construction started in 1368 after permission was granted by the Archbishop of Esztergom in response to a letter from the local nobleman Dominik Balog. His letter sought permission to build a church in Stránske, as it was difficult for the residents to get to Rajec for mass, especially in winter and in the rainy season. In the late 15th century, the church underwent Late Gothic modifications (support walls, Gothic windows) and was converted to a Baroque style in the 18th century. On 15 January 1858, an earthquake of unprecedented magnitude, with an epicentre near the Minčol peak in the Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountains, devastated this invaluable little church. The church was closed in 1877 because the structure is unstable. The statues were moved to the parish church in Konská and the bells were used for military production in World War I. Despite ongoing repairs, visitors can still access the ruins (enter at your own risk). The repair works are being done by OZ Obnova Slovenskej zeme, a civil society organisation. The church can be reached by following the 14th Century Route thematic hiking trail, which starts at Hotel Diplomat.
Did you know?
The external walls, the stone tower, the cylindrical arch supports and some of the Gothic architectural elements such as narrow aperture windows, window details and the southern portal from the 14th and 15th century have been preserved to this day. The remains of Renaissance wall paintings can still be seen on the triumphal arch.
Contact:
Ruins of the Gothic Church of St Helena, Stránske
Tel.: +421 41/5493 745, +421 911 211 991
E-mail: podatelna@stranske.sk; obnovaslovenskejzeme@gmail.com
Web: www.stranske.sk
