History & description
The Calvary complex of Banská Štiavnica was built in 1744-1751 on a steep conically-shaped hill of volcanic origin named Scharffenberg, dominating the area of Banská Štiavnica. The hill on which Calvary is built sits opposite and creates a landscape backdrop for the city. Its 25 buildings are a gallery of fine art illustrating the theme of Christ´s Way of the Cross. From the base of the hill to its summit, the buildings are arranged in a symetrical composition.
The Lower Church features a central chapel with the theme of the Last Supper. A solitary stone sculpture depicts the Seven Sorrrows of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Stairs and “Ecce Homo” chapels are centrally located on the hill. The Upper Church features a sculptural representation of the Crucifixion and a replica of Jesus’ Tomb. These principal buildings are surrounded by chapels connected by winding paths. Seven Stations of the Cross (on the left side) correspond with the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The first three chapels originally stood in front of the entrance to Calvary, featuring motifs of Christ preparation for the Way of the Cross and were moved to the main alley of trees in the 1970´s.
The chapels are decorated with pilasters, as well as carved stone coats of arms of the donors above the door jambs, framing the original Baroque wooden reliefs inside. The main buildings, with the exception of Jesus’ Tomb, are architecturally much richer, with central cylindrical chapels rendered in high artistic standard and flanked by twin towers.