Jurkovič's Way of the Cross at the Holy Host
A unique work of art with a deep spiritual dimension
Jurkovič's Stations of the Cross at Svaté Hostýn represents a unique combination of sacred art and architecture, which attracts the attention of not only believers, but also lovers of art and history. This Way of the Cross, built between 1912 and 1935 according to the design of Dušan Jurkovič, a Slovak architect and national artist, differs from ordinary Ways of the Cross with its distinctive style and deep spiritual dimension. The paintings were made in cut ceramic mosaics.
Way of the Cross to the Holy Sepulcher
The way of the cross leads, like the old way of the cross, from the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to the Holy Sepulcher. The path in the spirit of Wallachian folk buildings is made up of 13 chapels decorated with mosaics.
On 31 January 2018, Jurkovič's Stations of the Cross was declared a National Cultural Monument.
The unique style of Dušan Jurkovič
Inspired by folk architecture and art nouveau, Jurkovič's style is characterized by rich symbolism and the use of traditional materials such as wood and stone. Each of the Stations of the Cross is made up of a chapel that organically fits into the surrounding landscape and thus completes a harmonious whole.
Reliefs and mosaics
The chapels are decorated with reliefs with biblical scenes and mosaics, which enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the place of pilgrimage.
A deep spiritual dimension
Jurkovič's way of the cross is not just a collection of works of art, but above all a path to a deeper experience of Christ's suffering and resurrection. As pilgrims walk the Way of the Cross, they pray and meditate on biblical texts that are placed at each station. The quiet beauty of the surrounding nature and the well-thought-out architecture of the individual chapels help to focus and calm down.
First stop
The first stop was created last – Jesus sentenced to death. The creation of this work took acad. painter J. Koehler in the studio of the RAKO factory for twenty years. He and his team managed to create a world-unique technology of fine relief modeled from ceramic glazes.
The perfect composition expresses the biblical message – evil against good and in between the indifference that leads to destruction.
Eleventh stop
At the north-eastern tip of the meadow, the road rises sharply and it was therefore necessary to build a staircase and a viewing terrace. It offers a view of the entire area.
