Banská Štiavnica Calvary
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
A Baroque calvary of chapels and churches climbing a volcanic hill, with a wide view over the old silver-mining town. Walk up from the centre in about 20 minutes.
The Calvary of Banská Štiavnica (Kalvária) is a late Baroque pilgrimage complex on the slope of the Scharffenberg hill (Slovak: Ostrý vrch), about 2 kilometres northeast of the old town of Banská Štiavnica, a mining town in Slovakia. The complex climbs the western side of a lava plug in an old volcano. It was built between 1744 and 1751 and consecrated on 14 September 1751.
The complex has three churches and 22 chapels showing scenes from the last days of Jesus. The path leads to the red Upper Church with views over the surrounding hills; it has a restored lookout tower. Wikipedia calls it the most important Baroque calvary in Slovakia, possibly in all of Europe. It belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity (1993).
Below the complex, a visitor centre explains the history of the Jesuits in Slovakia (information in English, the film in Slovak only). If you come by car, ask there for a parking card. Restoration work with scaffolding is possible, so check the current state beforehand. According to Wikipedia, the calvary is freely accessible all year. Pilgrimages and masses still take place, so please be considerate.
- Nearest town
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.4570, 18.9170
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Slovakia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Skautský domCampsite2 km from Banská Štiavnica Calvary
- Camping StudenecCampsite5 km from Banská Štiavnica Calvary
- Lodenica Hliník nad HronomCampsite14 km from Banská Štiavnica CalvaryTentsFree
- KrupinkovoCampsite17 km from Banská Štiavnica CalvaryTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- MotoCamp SlovakiaMotorhome stopover21 km from Banská Štiavnica CalvaryMotorhomes
- Caravan kempCampsite25 km from Banská Štiavnica CalvaryCaravansElectricityToilets
All campsites in Slovakia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Banská Štiavnica Calvary?
Banská Štiavnica Calvary is in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia, at GPS 48.4570, 18.9170. It is about 21 km from Zvolen.
Can you camp near Banská Štiavnica Calvary?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Skautský dom, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Banská Štiavnica Calvary?
Banská Štiavnica Calvary is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Central Slovakia: castles and old mining towns.
What is there to see near Banská Štiavnica Calvary?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kremnica (28 km), Bojnice Castle (44 km), Vlkolínec (70 km) and Hollókő Old Village (72 km).
When is the best time to visit Banská Štiavnica Calvary?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)