Description of the attraction
One of the most significant churches in the capital, consecrated in honor of the Annunciation, but popularly called the Franciscan Church, is located on the Frantiskanska Square in Bratislava, which is located next to the Main Square.
It was built at the end of the 13th century, so it can be argued that this temple is the most ancient of all preserved in the territory of the Slovak capital. This church was founded by the ruler of Hungary Laszlo IV, and another king, Andras III, was present at its consecration. Built in the Gothic style, the church has undergone a lot of changes throughout its history. Its facades were redesigned in the Renaissance and Baroque manner, and it was rebuilt after the destruction caused by fires. Due to constant renovations, only a small part of the original building of the church has survived. As a result of the 1897 earthquake, the Gothic tower of the Franciscan Church, erected in the 15th century, tilted dangerously. It was carefully removed and replaced with a slimmer and sleeker replica. The original can still be seen in the city park on the banks of the Danube.
The Franciscan Church played an important role during the coronation processions of the Hungarian kings. This church was used for the initiation ceremonies of the Golden Spur. For several centuries, the most worthy nobles of the Hungarian court were awarded with insignia precisely under the arches of this temple.
The main nave of the church houses the relics of Saint Reparat, an Italian priest who died in 353. His remains were taken to the Franciscan Church in Bratislava in the middle of the 18th century and since then have been shown to everyone.
