The Evangelical Articular Church in the village of Leštiny, Orava Region, is one of the rarest
examples of wooden sacred architecture in Slovakia and has been included in the UNESCO
World Heritage List since 2008.
The church was built in the years 1688 – 1689 as an “articular church”, that is, according to
the strict conditions of the tolerance laws, which restricted the construction of evangelical
churches. That is why the original building was erected without a tower or bells.
Over the centuries, the church has undergone several modifications. In 1775 the original wall
paintings were replaced by newer ones. In the 1770s timber boarding was added to replace
the rustic façade. In 1877 a belfry was built next to the church and later connected to it by
means of a covered staircase.
An interesting feature is that the church was built on a steep slope, which the builders
levelled using a stone foundation.
The church was built from local spruce wood and its dominant feature is a shingle roof. The
interior will impress every visitor: a Baroque altar with rich woodcarving, original floral wall
paintings from the 17th century, and an 18th-century pulpit, richly decorated and artistically
crafted. Together they create a unique spiritual atmosphere that has retained its value to this
day.
The church in Leštiny is not only a historic monument but also a living place of faith, where
regular services are held. The place is also important for Slovak culture – the poet Pavol
Országh Hviezdoslav, one of the giants of Slovak literature, was baptised in this church.
How to get there?
Leštiny is located 7 km south-east of Dolný Kubín, neighbouring the village of Vyšný Kubín.
Parking
The village of Leštiny has narrow roads lined with private houses and there is no designated
parking lot for visitors to the monument. Cars may only be parked in front of the local grocery
shop or in a wider section of the main road for the time strictly necessary.