Calvary Church

In the 18th century, Banská Štiavnica had three large churches and several chapels. The Baroque style came with a new attractive architectural and artistic language, and all of the original churches were renovated in the spirit of this style. But, on top of this, the Jesuit priest Francis Perger inspired the people of Štiavnica to build a Calvary complex. He chose Scharfenberg Hill (Sharp Hill) and prepared a unique design to honour the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.

Father Francis collected money from wealthy mining families—even from the Emperor himself—and from the poor. The donors have their coats-of-arms affixed to the chapel facades. When the Calvary was completed, everyone who saw it knew it was something extraordinary. The steep ascent to the Upper Church is rewarded by a wonderful view of Banská Štiavnica and its surroundings.

After years of decline, the complex is being renovated thanks to the work of activists. In 2016, the Calvary Infocentre was established in response to the growing number of visitors to the Calvary. It was opened in the restored premises of an older building in the driveway near the first chapel. It includes a gift shop, a cinema, and an exhibition on the Calvary's past and present, as well as the history and activities of the Jesuits in Banská Štiavnica—to whom we owe the Calvary and the construction of other important monuments in the region.