Bobrov Calvary – Bobrov

On a hill above Bobrov there is a Calvary, to which a Stations of the Cross with fourteen stations leads. It was built in the early 1890s by Bobrov native and Spiš canon Štefan Koštialik. The stations lead from the parish church up the hill to the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which had stood here since 1834. When the Calvary was built, the chapel was completely renovated because it was badly damaged by a storm in 1889.

The Calvary was solemnly blessed on August 15, 1894. Over 20,000 believers and about 50 priests came to Bobrov at that time. Pope Leo XIII granted the pilgrimage site a plenary indulgence in 1893.

What will you see?

The pilgrimage begins at the stone gate with the inscription Salve, Regina, Mater Misericordiae, from where an alley with the Stations of the Cross leads. At the top of the hill stands a monumental cross with Christ and the figures of the Virgin Mary, the Apostle John and Mary Magdalene. In addition to the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, there is also the Chapel of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, which impresses with its unusual architecture with elements of oriental sacral buildings.

Bobrov pilgrimage

Every year on the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15), a two-day pilgrimage is held here, which is unique in Slovakia for its ceremonies. On Saturday evening, a procession with banners, paintings and a statue of the deceased Virgin Mary leaves the parish church. On the way to the hill, the Stations of the Cross are prayed, a Holy Mass follows at the Calvary, and the statue is then placed in a tomb in the chapel behind the Calvary. This is followed by a night vigil with a program for youth, Eucharistic adoration and a midnight Stations of the Cross. On Sunday, the pilgrimage culminates with a solemn indulgence mass, usually celebrated by one of the Spiš bishops.

Good to know

• Calvary is open all year round, admission is free.
• The gate to Calvary is a short distance from the parish church in the center of the village, the ascent along the Stations of the Cross is short.
• Most people stay here during the pilgrimage around August 15th - if you want peace, come outside of it.
• The trip can be combined with a walk to the Orava Dam or a visit to the Slanice Island of Art.

Source: Bishopric of Spišské Podhradie. Photo: MOs810 (CC BY 4.0) – Wikimedia Commons