The origins of the parish are linked to the first written record of the town of Lipany, dating from 1312, which mentions the parish priest Henrich of Lipany (de Septem Thyliis). Based on documents from the period between 1315 and 1330, it can be assumed that the settlement of Siedmich líp was already functioning as a parish within the vice-archdeaconry in 1302 and even earlier. The existence of a church can be assumed to have gone hand in hand with that of the parish. The church was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries in the Late Romanesque style in the centre of what was then the settlement; it was dedicated to St Martin, Bishop of Tours, and was the property of the lords of Kamenický Castle. The church was founded by Rikolf Tarcai/Tarczay.
Church renovations and alterations
Over the centuries, the church has changed in appearance. The probable original floor plan, dating from between 1300 and 1320, consisted of a nave, a chancel, a choir, a sacristy and a tower. The church ceiling did not have Gothic vaults as it does today, but was flat. It was constructed from wooden beams and wooden panelling, which made the nave appear more imposing. The church tower served as a lookout point for Kamenický Castle and from an architectural point of view, it is clear that the church tower does not form a unified whole with the nave.
The highlight of the church in Lipany is the late-Gothic high altar in the chancel, which dates from the workshop of Master Paul of Levoča between 1512 and 1520. Beneath the church are two crypts – the Dežöfi family tombs; one is beneath the sanctuary and the other beneath the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The frames of the church doors are the work of Master Vincent of Ragusa.
The church is surrounded by greenery – a small park with an ancient lime tree. In the church courtyard stand statues of St Martin, St Jude and St Florian.
Source: lipany.sk
Photo source:OOCR RŠ
Map
Information
The Church of St Martin of Tours is situated right in the town of Lipany, at Komenského 20. It is located in the centre of town, so once you arrive in Lipany, it is easy to reach on foot from the main square, the railway station or the bus stop. If travelling by car, you can park near the town centre and continue on foot for a short walk to the church.
The church is an active parish church, so it is best to visit it during services or to check with the parish in advance to see if you can enter the building.
