All buildings of churches and chapels are set into the western side of a solid lava column in the middle of an ancient volcano – a hill named Scharffenberg (Slovak: Ostrý vrch).

The Jesuit Father Francis Perger proposed to the City Hall a project of magnificent Calvary comprising three churches and 22 chapels, probably based on the architectural design of major historian, cartographer and architect Samuel Mikoviny.

The owners of the land in the year 1744 released the top of the hill with its western slope to the city in order to allow implementation of the Calvary complex as proposed by the Father Perger.

The cornerstone was solemnly blessed by the presence of large numbers of believers and the priesthood on the Feast of Exaltation of the holy Cross – on 14 September in 1744.

The wooden reliefs from Calvary chapels and wood carvings from the Upper church are attributed to the workshop of Dionysius Stanetti (1710–1767), a major baroque sculptor, established in the city of Kremnica.

The upper church has been painted by Austrian baroque painter Mr. Anton Schmidt, born and graduated in Vienna, settled in the city of Banská Štiavnica.

The state of the Calvary in the first decade of the 21st century was marked by the passing of time, but it also became the victim of vandalism and theft of the art decor and furnishings.

After the last destructive attack of vandals in the spring of 2004, the original elements of the decoration of Calvary (wood reliefs and sculptures) have been gradually moved into safety.

The restoration works are currently focused on renovation of the Holy stairs (the Middle church) and Chapel of Jesus´Tomb as well as gradual completion of the sculptural decoration of damaged or stolen statues.

The main work done during the years 2008 – 2018 – Complete restoration of the Lower Church: restoration of facades, frescoes, altars and relief of The Last Supper, installation of infrastructure and technical facilities, repair of the roof, stairs, tiles, doors and gratings – Building of a natural amphitheatre behind the Lower Church – Electrification of the area, sewage system, opening of the exhibition in the Lower church – Recovery of most chapels, restoration of the chapel Ecce Homo – Complete reconstruction of the sculpture The Virgin Mary – Revitalisation of green areas, treatment of the alley, partial repair of the path, walls and stairs – Complete restoration of the Upper Church: restoration of facades, frescoes, altar, roofs, lookout tower, portal and statues of 3 crucified and building of security system – Building of the new Infocenter at the base of the Calvary – Launch of the evening lighting for the Upper church and several chapels – Gradual completion of sculptural decoration – Publication of the guide Pilgrimage through the Calvary of Banská Štiavnica The Calvary is again a very popular touristic site.