Saint Elisabeth Cathedral, Kosice, Slovakia
An important exposition of late Gothic art from Slovakia is being held at this moment in Paris in the Musée national du Moyen Age (in the Quartier Latin). The exposition will last till 10th January 2011 and is unique in Europe, as it is the first time Slovakia is presenting its Gothic art outside its borders. France is the cradle of Gothic art, so it is not surprising that this exposition is held there. More than 300.000 visitors are expected and for sure this will finally make Slovakia’s history and rich culture widely known.
The Gothic style has come to the present-day territory of Slovakia only in the 15th century, and especially in the east of the country there are many towns that have been built in these late middle ages and where up to the present much has been preserved. This is where the so-called Gothic route lies, which leads past towns, villages, churches, castles and fortifications. In the second town of Slovakia, Kosice, not far from the border with the Ukraine, we find one of the largest Gothic cathedrals of Central-Europa.
One says that modern Europe ends there where the Gothic style has reached. It is therefore maybe not surprising that the eastern border of Slovakia has become the outer border of the EU as well. Slovakia was always part of modern Europe.
A visit to above-mentioned exposition is a wonderful introduction to your visit of Slovakia.