Article Slovakia’s unique Gothic Route

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Slovakia offers unique experiences with  its history. Thematic routes are an outstanding way of getting to know a country through traditions and cultural heritage. Discover beautiful nooks and crannies and historical treasures off the main tourist paths—and take away some inspiration on how to slow down. 

One of Slovakia’s most beautiful thematic routes in is the Gothic Route in the Gemer and Malohont regions. It comprises an exceptional collection of medieval wall paintings adorning more than 20 churches. The paintings date mainly from the 14th century; they were done in the Italian fresco technique and reflect the spread of progressive painting styles from Italy to the transalpine regions. While similar works have largely disappeared elsewhere, here they survive remarkably intact, almost untouched, paradoxically thanks to the Reformation, during which they were covered with white paint. 

The paintings document the lively cultural exchange and international character of Gothic Europe. Influenced by contacts of the Gemer nobility and inspired by journeys to Italy, local noble families invited Italian master painters to decorate their family churches in Štítnik and Plešivec. These then became the models for local painters. 

The wall paintings served mainly as a so-called biblia pauperum (bible of the poor) for believers who could neither read nor write. Their artistic language transcended linguistic and ethnic boundaries, and the frescoes illustrate how European art was shaped not only in wealthy cities and courts, but also in small rural communities.  

The uniqueness of this collection, located in 12 churches in the Gemer and Malohont regions, was awarded with the European Heritage Label. This title is given, based on a strict evaluation, to localities or objects that represent European history and reflect common European values ​​and their influence on the development of culture and society.  

The churches of the Gothic Route are divided into four thematic areas: Štítnický, Jelšavský, Rimavský and Rožňavský. They include the Evangelical churches of the Augsburg confession in Rimavské Brezovo; Rimavská Baňa; Kraskovo; Kyjatice; Kameňany; Štítnik; Ochtiná; and Koceľovce; the Catholic churches in Chyžné; Rákoš; and Šivetice; and the Reformed Christian Church in Plešivec. 

The churches are open to visitors in the summer during opening hours. Other times of year, the churches are happy to host to interested parties by prior arrangement. On the boards at the entrance to the churches you’ll find three QR codes with links to an article about the church, an audio guide and a virtual tour of the exterior and interior. All information is available in Slovak, English and Hungarian. 

If you’re in the Gemer and Malohont regions and wish to experience natural beauty along with culture, you’ll find inspiration for trips and regional details to plan your sojourn in Slovakia!