St. Elisabeth Church

Bratislava, Slovakia

The Church of St. Elizabeth, commonly known as Blue Church is consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary, daughter of Andrew II, who grew up in the Pressburg Castle (pozsonyi vár). It is called 'Blue Church' because of the colour of its façade, mosaics, majolicas and blue-glazed roof.

The one-nave church was built in 1907-1908, four years after the plans of Ödön Lechner to build a church in the Hungarian Art Nouveau style. The so-called Hungarian secessionist style forms dominate in the church. Lechner also drew plans of the neighbouring high school and of the vicarage.

The ground floor of the church is oval. In the foreground there is a 36.8 metre high cylindrical church tower. At first, a cupola was planned, but was never constructed; instead, a barrel vault was built, topped by a hip roof. The roof is covered with glazed bricks with decoration, for the purpose of parting.

The main and side entrances are enclosed with Romanesque double-pillars, which have an Oriental feeling. Pillars are also located near the windows. The façade was at first painted with light pastel colours. Later the church got its characteristic blue colour. A line of blue tiles and wave-strip encircles the church.

The interior is richly decorated with altarpieces. On the altar there is an illustration of St Elizabeth, depicted giving alms to the poor.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1907-1908
Category: Religious sites in Slovakia

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ivana Todorovic (15 months ago)
Very beautiful art nouveau church, dating from early 20th century. One of the must see things in Bratislava, due to it’s uniqueness. Outside of working hours you can look at the interior trough the glass door - you can see blue benches and a bit of wall decoration, plus the altar from the distance.
Sam MacSmith (2 years ago)
Short review: there’s really nothing much to it. Longer review: The Blue Church is a very beautiful and interesting church with its iconic blue color and architectural features, it makes an interesting stop by to take some beautiful pictures and admire the art, but that’s it, a quick stop. Given that it is separated a bit from the other attractions and it’s open at specific times only, you wouldn’t be missing out on a lot if you don’t make a stop here.
Swati Murteli (2 years ago)
One of the most unique churches. The blue color is so soothing. Very beautiful architecture and color. But unfortunately we couldn't go inside the church. Do check the timings before visiting. And I just wish people wouldn't park the vehicles exactly in front of the church, that ruins it's beauty.
Adel Armanous (2 years ago)
7.10.2022 +++ Blue Church +++ A church with extraordinary architecture i have attended more than 300 church but I have not seen any other church in such a style. really beautiful and the blue color too The Church of Saint Elizabeth is a Roman Catholic church in Bratislava, Slovakia. It is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Due to the coloring of the facade with a blue majolica mosaic, the church is also known as the Blue Church The church is definitely worth a visit!
Nikos Gkekas (2 years ago)
A one of a kind blue church. It has the same colour theme inside. It worth making the walk from old town to view this unique but beautiful church. Give a look to the opening hours before visiting as they are a bit odd.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.