Piaristic Church of St. Francis Xaverský (Piaristický kostol)

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier (originally Jesuit, since 1776 Piarist) dominates western Mierové Square. It rightfully ranks among the most beautiful baroque sacral monuments in Slovakia. Particularly intriguing is the illusory painting of the dome above the nave. In reality, the dome does not exist, but the painting creates the impression that there is one.

Historical Background and Construction of the Piaristic Church

The foundation stone was laid by the Jesuits in 1653. The church was designed and built between 1653–1657 by builders of Italian origin, Pietro and Gothard Spazzo, in the early Baroque style as a single-nave building with side chapels, above which are located gallery oratories. They based the design on the Roman church Il Gesù, whose architecture became the model for many Jesuit churches, especially in Central Europe. This type of church, in an adapted form, was used for the University Church in Vienna (1623–1631) and the University Church in Trnava (1629–1637, Antonio and Pietro Spazzo). The layout and twin-towered façade of the Trenčín Jesuit church clearly reference these churches in Vienna and Trnava.

Consecration and Patron Saint

The Piaristic church was consecrated on July 1, 1657, by Archbishop of Esztergom György Lippai (Lyppay). It was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552). Veneration of St. Francis was especially widespread in Rome. The Jesuit church in Trenčín was probably the first in Slovakia built in his honor.

The Fire of 1708 and Interior Renovation

During a major fire in Trenčín on May 14, 1708, the entire interior of the church and neighboring Jesuit monastery was destroyed. In July 1708, Jesuit friar and artist Andrea Pozzo (1642–1709) was called from Vienna to Trenčín. He had designed and decorated the University Church interior in Vienna between 1703 and 1705. Pozzo was invited to design the new interior of the Trenčín church. However, Pozzo died in Vienna on August 31, 1709, and likely did not visit Trenčín or complete the plans.

In the winter of 1711–1712, Jesuit friar Christoph Tausch came from Vienna to Trenčín. He was an architect and painter of Tyrolean origin (1673–1731). He became the author of the overall renovation project, site supervisor, and executor of the painting works.

 

Artistic Decoration and Significance of the Frescoes

The ceiling paintings depict scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier, the patron of the church and the city of Trenčín. The fresco above the presbytery shows the saint being carried by angels to the Holy Trinity, who receive him into heavenly glory. In the area above the choir gallery, St. Francis Xavier is depicted as a missionary, blessing priest, and preacher, rising among the angels. In the lower right corner, an allegory of the four continents symbolizes the global mission of the Society of Jesus: a woman with flowers (Europe), a woman on a camel (Asia), a Black woman with horns of plenty (Africa), and a woman with a palm branch (America).

Tausch is the author of the frescoes in the choir and presbytery. He also painted the main monumental altarpiece showing St. Francis Xavier baptizing Queen Neachille. The gilded tabernacle and silver statue of the Immaculata were created in 1767 by Viennese goldsmith Ignác Anton Tober. The statue shows the Immaculata standing on a crescent moon with a serpent.

Decoration of the six side chapels illustrates major theological themes (Holy Trinity), the role of martyrs (St. George), figures of the Jesuit order (St. Ignatius of Loyola), and supports Jesuit evangelization and education in the Catholic faith (Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, Christ’s Passion). The theological content of the paintings shows typical Jesuit artistic traits – many angels accompany the central scenes. Sculptural decoration of the side altar was created by B. Baumgartner between 1723–1735.

 

Opening hours: The Piaristic Church is open 1 hour before services, which are held Monday–Saturday at 6:00 and 18:00, and Sunday at 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, and 18:00.

Admission: Voluntary

Contact:

Kolégium piaristov v Trenčíne
Palackého 4, 912 50 Trenčín
Tel.: + 421 (0)32 743 70 86

Gallery

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