Discover Leutschau: UNESCO Old Town and architecture

Leutschau (Levoča) is a destination for travelers who want to focus on historic urban fabric and sacred art. The historic center of Levoča, founded within fortifications in the 13th and 14th centuries, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. When choosing a hotel in Leutschau, your planned focus may therefore be decisive: architecture and urban history, museum visits, or a cycling route each offer a different emphasis for your stay.

Old Town and fortifications

The fortification system of Levoča is 2.5 kilometers long and is considered the best-preserved in Slovakia; two-thirds of its original length remain. Its length and the preserved portion provide two different points of reference: one describes the system’s extent, the other how much of its original length has survived. Together with the founding of the Old Town within the fortifications, the defensive structures form a focus in their own right, alongside the individual buildings and collections.

Basilica of St. James and views

The Basilica of St. James dates from the 14th century and has eleven Gothic and Renaissance altars. Its late Gothic winged altar, from the workshop of Majster Pavol z Levoče, is 18.62 meters high and is considered the tallest winged altar in the world. The number of altars represents several works of art and styles; the winged altar stands out for its height. Visitors who climb the tower reach the top via 216 steps. From there, the view stretches across the historic Old Town, the High and Low Tatras, Slovak Paradise, and Mariánska hora.

Historic houses, museums, and theater

The house of Majster Pavol z Levoče preserves its appearance from the 15th to 16th centuries. An exhibition of the Spiš Museum is dedicated to his life and work. As of August 26, 2026, the exhibits are temporarily on display in the historic Minorite monastery, in the cloister and chapter house, during reconstruction. If this exhibition is a priority for you, check in advance how it is currently being presented.

The Historic Town Hall houses a permanent exhibition on the history of Levoča. The Museum of Special Education offers a different approach: it is interactive and experience-oriented, with a nationwide focus. The town theater dates back to the 13th century and is considered the second-oldest theater in Slovakia. Thus, urban history, an interactive museum subject, and theater history offer distinct cultural highlights.

The Máriássy House also brings together architecture and an art collection. It has a Renaissance courtyard with arcades, typical of Levoča; the Levoča City Gallery is located in the house on Námestie Majstra Pavla. In the oldest part of the town house with the Breuer printing works, two hall houses dating from the 14th century remain. These examples differ in their architecture and period, adding to the view of the Old Town beyond the basilica.

Further highlights and practical information

Mariánska hora above Levoča is one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage sites in Slovakia. A 21.7-kilometer route from Levoča to Kežmarok is listed for a cycling leg. It passes through Zbojnícka lúka, Brezová, Hradisko, Tvarožná, and Ľubica. This allows you to add a specifically named route option to a cultural stay; check the surface and signage locally.

Levoča Tourist Information offers city tours with qualified guides and arranges tours with external guides on request. Two free visitor car parks are located in the moat of the fortifications. As parking regulations may change, check the latest information before traveling; advance inquiries are recommended for a tour with external guides.

Discover more destinations: Korytné, Spišské Podhradie, Dravce, Granč-Petrovce, Bijacovce.

Return to the regional travel overview: Levoča District.