15 most charming Slovak cities & little towns

Banska Bystrica - in the heart of the city centre, view from Clock tower

Banská Bystrica - copper town situated in a valley on the river Hron and surrounded by four mountain ranges, Banska Bystrica (85,000 inhabitants) is natural and administrative centre of central Slovakia. Its geographical location makes it one of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia. The riches of the surrounding mountains provided the food for the first settlers of today's Banska Bystrica, who made their living not only by hunting and fishing but also from silver mining.
In 1255, the Hungarian King Bela IV granted the town substantial priviliges and attracted German settlers who further developed the mining of precious metals, especially copper, in tandem with its original inhabitants. Banska Bystrica's heyday as the centre of copper mining is closely associated with the Thurzo and Fugger families. Thanks to their joint venture founded in 1495, the copper extracted was exported over the whole of Europe and the town experienced a period of prosperity, which was reflected in its architecture. The centrepiece of the town is an irregularly shaped square which, even by medieval standards, was particularly large.
This is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia, with many of its typical burgher houses well preserved to the present day. The square is the liveliest part of the town, especially in summer, when the outdoor cafes and restaurants are busy with the town's university students and tourists, giving the square the atmosphere of a seaside town.
Clock Tower - a dominant feature of the square, today leaning slightly, built in 1552 in the Renaissance style and partially rebuilt in the 18th century. It is open to the public and offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills. The Cathedral of Saint Francis Xaverius - dating from the beginning of the 18th century, with its two unusual turrets which were added during its 19th century reconstruction, is only a couple of metres away in the corner of the square.
The Thurzo House - once the seat of the Thurzo-Fugger company and one of the most beautiful buildings in the centre, with its artistic Renaissance facade decoration, is located on the same side of the square.
The Beniczky House - features an interesting portal and a Renaissance loggia on its first floor. Town Citadel - located at the uppper end of the square, nowadays has no longer any fortifications, although the original buildings have been preserved.
Church of the Virgin Mary - the most precious, the so called "German Church", one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in Slovakia. Originally a Romanesque church from 1255, it was reconstructed in the Gothic style in the 14th century and after a major fire which engulfed the town in 1761, it was finally rebuilt in the baroque style. Miraculously, the late-Gothic altar of St. Barbara by Master Pavol of Levoca from 1509 survived in a side chapel dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron of miners. Museum of Slovak National Uprising - the uprising which began in Banska Bystrica in August 1944, was one of Europe's biggest anti-Nazi movements.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banska Stiavnica - New Castle, built in 16th century

Banská Štiavnica - silver town ( inscripted in UNESCO ) formerly one of the most important mining towns in Europe, Banska Stiavnica (10,800 inhabitants), stretches over the steep slopes of the hills Glanzenberg, Paradiesberg, Frauenberg, in the Stiavnica Hills, in the southern part of central Slovakia.
It lies directly over what were once rich deposits of silver and gold. Wealthy miners built their big style city houses in the surrounding area, houses with through courtyards suitable to an agricultural lifestyle. The former wealth of the once free royal city, with only 10 000 inhabitants, far from mai traffic routes and more or less without any industry, can only be guessed at today.
In its heyday Banska Stiavnica had four times more inhabitants and mined up t fifteen thousand kilogramns of silver a year. The most progressive methods were applied in the mines, such a the operation of mining equipment using water energy. Explosives and mechanisation of the underground transportation were used for the first time. Brilliant mine technicians proved their skills here, specially remarkable is the work of Matej Kornel Hell and Samuel Mikovini, who managed to push through revolutionary reforms at the time of the first serious crisis. They were involved in the usage of water energy and the building of artificial lakes that became the energy base for operating the mines. The City's good reputation led to the foundation of a mining school in 1733, which was upgraded by Maria Theresa to a Mining Academy in 1762 that become the first school of this type in the world. Among the local houses, the especially beautiful and striking Fricov House is worthy of attention. Originally the residence of the family of Fritz von Friedenliebe, it later became the seat of the directorate of the Mining Academy. We cannot forget the Pischlov House where Andrej Sladkovic (famous Slovak poet) met his beloved Maria Pischlova - the celebrated, unforgettable Marina. Also Hellenbachov House, later the mining court and since 1927 a museum, deserves attention, further Jonasov House with the lodging inn U jelena where Joseph II spent a night, Bosanyho House and the houses of the renewed families: Baumgartners, Obereigners, Limpachers and Rubigalls-Rothans. The last two houses are remarkable for their beautiful portals. You will not find so many German signs on facades anywhere else in Slovakia. Many of them are almost metaphysical statements others are votive.

Breathtaking Trinity Pole is located in the lower part of the square and proclaims proudly that it cost the city 64000 guldens. The square is completed by the Church of St. Catharine, dating from the end of the 15th century. Its appearance altered according to the popularity of styles from the Late Gothic through to the Empire style. The Old Castle - dominant feature in Stiavnica. A Romanesque basilica was built here as early as the 13th century. At the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries it was reconstructed into a Gothic church with a protective wall. Two older Gothic towers from the 14th century, the entrance tower and the tower Himmelreich, which served as a prison, were also incorporated into the wall. In the 16th century, at the threat of an imminent Turkish invasion, the church was rebuilt as a fortress. The windows were walled up, the arches removed, and the main nave turned into the courtyard of the fortress. The latest adjustment came in the 18th century, when the top of the entrance tower was raised by adding a new baroque structure. The New Castle - is standing on the Frauenberg hill, opposite the Old Castle. Built as a Renaissance fortress against the Turks in the mid-16th century. It is a massive six storey building with circular corner bastions, to which the town's fortifications were linked. At the same time, the chateau was used as an observation point - it was from here that people were alerted to fires by horns being sounded. And that sound can still be heard all over the town in the summer months, telling the time every 15 minutes.

The Holy Trinity Square - is dominated by the monumental yet elegant plague column with the sculpture of the Holy Trinity, built by Dionyz Stanetti between 1759 and 1764. The Knocking tower "Klopacka" - financed and built in 1681 by the miners themselves, "Klopacka" was used for calling miners to work by way of an attendent knocking on a wooden plate. Similar towers were built n most of the mining towns in the country. The groundfloor was used as a prison for the miners. Klopacka offers great views of the historical centre and the Old Castle. The Calvary - erected on the Scharfenberg hill in the mid eighteenth century, the Calvary is the most significant complex of its kind in Slovakia. It consists of 23 chapels with a number of beautiful paintings and sculptures. The top chapel offers stunning views of the whole town and the surrounding hills.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bardejov - medieval city centre

Bardejov - best-preserved medieval town The earliest written record dates back to 1241 and can be seen on the yellowed pages of the Ipatyiev Monastery Chro nicle. The extensive territory of "terra Bartfa" can be found in written records dating back to 1247.
At the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries colonists from Silesia settled down near the settlement lying on the main communication route. In 1320 King Robert granted them exten sive rights, which speeded up the process of transformation of the chartered village "Bardejov" into a town. In 1352 the town obtained the right to hold the 8-day fair and the guarantee of freedom for all who took part in it.

The safety of trade and craftsmanship and the town's independence were protected by the town fortifications with their impregnable gates, massive turrets and water moats. In 1365 Bardejov obtained the right of capital punishment and in 1376 King Louis I. promoted it to the status of free royal town. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the dexterousness of the Bardejov merchants and the development of craftsmanship as documented by 64 professions and more than 50 guilds, raised the town to the peak of its fame and wealth. A number of silent witnesses have been preserved from this period certifying the "Golden Age" of Bardejov. Among them are the secular and ecclesiastical buildings which even today impress the mediaval character of the town. The most precious of them is the monumental St. Egidius Church, which from the point of view of its architecture, is a part of the national heritage in Slovakia. Its 11 gothic winged altars with panel paintings have hardly any parallels in Europe. The artistic feeling and taste of the masters is also witnessed by the church interior.

A special attention is attracted by the rectangular square paved with cobblestones flanked on three sides with burgher houses carrying traces of gothic and rennaissance architecture. The 16th century was marked by the flourishing of culture, education and arts. One of the most precious buildings is the Town Hall whose construction was begun in 1505 by Master Alexander. On the original gothic foundations a renaissance superstructure with a beautiful oriel was built by Master Alexius and Master Jan of Presov. After centuries of flourishment and fame came the centuries of decline, poverty and stagnation. Plague and other epidemics, fires and wars almost destroyed the town, which was falling into disrepair both economically and socially and Bardejov was gradually becoming forgotten.
But Bardejov has not been completely forgotten. In 1950 it was declared a protected city core and an intensive restoration of the cultural heritage was begun. It was for the preservation of its heritage that in 1986 Bardejov was awarded the European prize - Gold Medal – by the International Board of Trustees in Hamburg. Bardejov became the holder of this award as the first town in the CSFR.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bratislava - capital of Slovakia - building of National Theatre

Bratislava - a walk through old Bratislava The present-day capital of Slovakia (430,000 inhabitants) experienced a period of historic glory as the coronation city of Hungarian kings. Ten Roman Catholic emperors of the Habsburg dynasty ( Habsburg - Loraine ) and one queen Maria Theresa, were crowned in Bratislava's St. Martin's Cathedral between 1563 and 1830, together with eight wives of the kings.

Bratislava earned the title of the coronation city as the capital of Hungarian Kingdom between 1536 and 1783 , when a large part of Hungary was under Turkish rule. To keep the memory of the coronations alive, a large copy of the Hungarian crown was placed on top of the spire of St. Martin's Cathedral during its reconstruction. The spire had a completely different design during the coronation period - it had a mcuh smaller Baroque dome.. The historically important Kapitulska street is lined with memorable buildings associated with the development of the Church and scholls in the city. The spine of the old town is two streets, Venturska and Michalska, merging at a fork. Hlavne namestie ( Main square ), situated off these two streets, is decorated by a statue of the Emperor Maximilian II from 1572 ( Knight Roland ).

The Mirbachov palace - one of the most beautiful building in the city, designed between 1768 and 1770. The facade, stairs, corridors and room are noteworthy for their integration in spirit of the so called Bratislava Rococo style. There is a copy of the sculpture of the Triton with a nymph by Tilgner in the courtyard. A number of smaller buildings make a fine sight in the romantic labyrinth of narrow lanes. For example, there is the only preserved city gate - the Michalska Gate, dating from the 14th century. The original Gothic tower was smaller, and the current one acquired its present style at the beginning of the 16th century. Its Baroque dome dating from 1758, boasts a copper statue of the Archangel Michael, a masterpiece by Paul Eller. The space outside of the Gate is in fact a barbican with a Late Baroque historical building, that houses a pharmacy at Red Lobster. A stone bridge continues from here across the preserved part of the old fortified moat. The bridge is nicely decorated with statues of St. John of Nepomuk and the Archangel Michael facing each other. Coming from the old town side you may turn onto Radnicna street immediately after the gate. It is the narrowest lane in the city and was once called Katova ( Executioner's street) street, as the city headman's was located here. The charming courtyard of the Old Town Hall is on Hlavne namestie (Main square). The present appearance of the building is the result of successive reconstructions and expansions lasting the whole century and eventually ending in the unison of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. 

The Primate's Palace ( Primacionalny palac ) was build between 1778 - 1781 on the proposal of the Archbishop Josef Batthyany. It was designed by Melchior Hefele in the monumental pure Classicism style. The balustrade of the sectional facade is decorated with allegoric figures and decorative vases. There is a coat-of-arms with the cardinal's hat above the tympanum, with a mosaic representing the Hungarian rivers. A noteworthy staircase leads up to the first floor where there is a remarkable Mirror Hall. It was here that the Autrian-French agreement, the so-called Bratislava's Truce wasa signed in 1805 by prominent diplomats from both countries, Johann J. Liechtenstein and Charles M. Talleyrand. A plaque at the entrance commemorates this event. History has witnessed many other famous and infamous meetings and negotations in this palace. The rest of the luxuriously furnished rooms of the Primate's Palace are used by the Gallery of City Bratislava. The Gallery displays one of its most valued exhibits here - six tapestries from the 17th century made in English royal workshop of Mortlake, depicting a series of scenes from the Greek legend of Hero and Leandra. The existence of these tapestries was completely unknown until the reconstruction in 1903 when they were discovered under the wallpaper.

Bratislava Castle - some people still remember the ruins, with empty windows and roofless towers, falling into further disrepair for 150 years. It is now only a reminder of the times when those responsible actually had no idea how to manage such a large ruin. Today you may reach this rebuilt landmark of the city, visible from afar, from three sides through four gates. Walk along the Palisady street to the western Vienesse gate or use a parallel entry through the Leopold's gate built in the south-western bastion a little lower than the Vienesse gate. The four-wing castle palace, enclosing a square courtyard, i the work of the master Konrad of Erling (1430). Later reconstructions added an additional storey and four distinctive towers. The spectacular interior is a result of the Rococo renovation carried out during the reign of Maria Theresa between 1761 and 1781. At that time a new palace called Terezianum was also annexed, but it has no survived adn was not included in the reconstruction. Maria Theresa's successor, Joseph II, did not feel as attached to the Bratislava Castle and so, in 1783, it became the seat of the General Seminary for the education of young Catholic priests. The reconstruction began in 1953 and was based on the Castle's appearance in the time of Maria Theresa, however it did not incorporate all the details or furnishings.
Nowadays, most of the Castle is used for prestigious occasions, while the majority of the space is reserved for the Historical Museum. The view over the city and the river Danube from the Castle is magnificent. The inseparable part of the Bratislava Castle is the settlement around it. It began to form, independently, in the 12th century, its development was sometimes connected with that of the city, other times independent of it. Jewish people also had their own autonomous settlement governed by a rabbi. It became a part of the city in the middle of the 19th century, however the Jewish inhabitants were still concentrated in this overpopulated quarter. Today, the Jewish citizens have fully integrated. Old town - from the 15th century it was encircled by tall fortifications, some of the western parts of which have been preserved. Entry into the town was effected through three and later four gates. The only remaining gate is St. Michael's gate. Coronations - St. Martin's Cathedral bosted 19 coronation ceremonies between 1563 and 1830. This glorious era is commemorated by the popular Coronation Ceremony, held every year on the first Saturday in September. Blue Church - the Art Nouveau St. Elisabeth's Church from 1909-1913, popularly knows as a blue church is one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in the town.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trnava - "the Slovak Rome"

Trnava - the peak of Baroque art or the Slovak Rome Trnava (70,000 inhabitants), is one of the oldest Slovak towns, gaining the privileges of a free royal town as early as 1238. Founded at the crossing point of important trade routes, it also quickly rose to prominence thanks to the German settlers who were invited to the country by King Bela IV. A large part of Trnava's unique brick fortifications dating back to the 13th century are standing today. Also many medieval burgher houses and a variety of sacred buildings are well-preserved.

Following the occupation of Hungary's Buda and Esztergom by the Turks, Trnava became the seat of the archbishop of Esztergom for nearly three centuries (1541-1820). It was the presence of the archbishops that determined the town's development for a long time and helped it become a seat of learning. From 1635 to 1777, a university with four faculties existed in Trnava, founded by Archbishop Peter Pazmanyi.
The university complex is one of the largest historical constructions in the town. It includes the first early-baroque building in Slovakia - the Jesuit church of St. John the Baptist, also called the University Church. Another of Trnava's significant monuments is the imposing St. Nicholas Church, built in the late 14th century. Its two Gothic towers have Renaissance domes, a replacement for the original tops destroyed in a fire.

The main square - the Trinity square, dominated by the Renaissance tower from 1574 and the baroque Column of the Holy Trinity. Also in the square are the Town Hall, originally a Renaissance construction rebuilt in the 18th century and the oldest theatre in Slovakia, dating back to 1831. Still standing in the nearby streets are attractive burgher houses of Gothic origin.
After the university was moved to Budapest and the town was no longer the archbishop's seat, Trnava decreased in importance, but regained its status of a Slovak centre of learning at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1846, Trnava was connected with Bratislava by the first horse-drawn train, which greatly helped its development. Nowadays, Trnava is once again a university town and one of the largest in the country, with a strong industrial base.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bojnice - chateaux Bojnice

Bojnice - fairy-tale beauty. Records of the existence of Bojnice Royal Castle, built on a travertine hillside, date back to the early 12th century. After many centuries and many owners, the 19th century saw the castle's reconstruction into a chateau in the romantic style, inspired by chateaux in the Loire valley in France. 

The story goes that the reconstruction had its origins in the love of the owner, Jan Palfy, for a French noblewoman, whose father would not let her marry Palfy unless the living conditions on his estate could compare with what his daughter was used to at home. So, a major reconstruction began in 1889, but neither the count nor his bride saw its completion due to Palfy's death in 1908. It is claimed that his ghost haunts the chateau's corridors, a tale which was the inspiration for the International Ghosts and Spirits Festival which takes place here each May and offers varied entertainment, such as historical games and scary characters.

The chateau's impressive interiors, reconstructed in the 19th century in the spirit of the Tyrolean Gothic style, include the unique Gothic altar, the work of a prominent 14th century Florentine painter. It is installed in the chateau's pentagonal tower. Even today the chateau in Bojnice can take us into the world of fairytales.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trencin - view on Trencin castle

Trenčín - the legendary Town of the battles and love Trencin (60,000 inhabitants), is one of the few towns in Slovakia that can boast of being a documented settlement stretching back to Roman times. An inscription on the Trencin castle rock is tangible evidence that a Roman legion once spent a winter here and set up a military camp which became known as Laugaritio.

The inscription is the northernmost relic of the Roman's stay in central Europe, commemorating the victory of Emperor Marcus Aurelius over the Quadi in 179 AD. It can be inspected throgh a glass wall in the reception area of the Art Nouveau Tatra Hotel, which was built right under the castle rock in 1901. Trencin as a town gained regional influence only in the 13th century, when the oligarchic Csak family ruled at the castle. They gradually took control of almost the whole territory of today's Slovakia, at the expense of the throne. Although the town had been linked with the events taking place at the castle and with its history from long before, it began writing its own history in 1412, when it became a free royal town with all the accompanying priviliges and obligations. Thanks to the influence it enjoyed during the following centuries, the town was the target of numerous raids and attacks, but more or less successfully managed to fend them all off.

Nowadays, Trencin is an important town of the Povazie region, with a magical atmosphere which you can enjoy in its enlarged central square, in the centre of which stands a baroque plague column dedicated to the victims of the epidemic that struck the town in 1710.
The square is surrounded by burgher houses and its dominant features are an early-baroque church and monastery. Originally Jesuit buildings, they have been known since 1773 as the St. Francis Xavier Church and monastery, and represent a unique symbiosis of architecture, sculpture, painting and artistic stucco decoration. The last of the buildings enclosing the square is the well-preserved Lower Gate of the town fortifications from the 15the century. Behind it lies another smaller square with cafes and restaurants, and a popular water sprite fountain in the middle.
The cupola of the adjacent large Art Nouveau synagogue from 1912, designed by Richard Scheibner from Berlin, is an integral part of the town's panorama. A long covered staircase, built in 1568, leads from the town to the castle. It provided the defenders of the town with quick access to the walls, close to the 14th century Church of the Birth of Virgin Mary. Together with the unique two-floor Gothic St. Michael's Charnel House from the 15th century, which sheltered an ossuary, and a town vicarage, the church forms a fortified area on the platform under the castle, called Marienberg. A dominant feature of hte alley leading down to the town is the very interesting Executioner's House from the 17th century.

Trencin castle - one of the largest castles in Slovakia, it was built as a border fort at the western border of Hungary, protecting the Vah valley. In the 11th century there was already a stone castle on the site with a monumental watchtower. The base is formed by Gothic palaces from the 14th and 15th centuries, whic were encircled by an elaborate complex of fortifications, protecting the castle's strategic position. In the Renaissance period, the complex was expanded with the addition of a star-shaped gunnery-fortification by Italian constructors. It was thanks to this that the Turks did not succeed in seizing the castle in 1663. The castle served as a residence for one of the most significant oligarchs in the country in the early 14th century - Matthew Csak - who, at the expense of the royal rulers, seized two-thirds of the territory of present-day Slovakia. The 30metre high castle tower offers a beautiful view over the Vah valley and the surrounding mountains. Legend has it that the 80 meters deep castle well in the lower courtyard became a symbol of an everlasting love between Omar and Fatima. The Turkish merchant Omar was supposed to have dug the well in order to redeem Fatima, who had been taken captive. In reality, the digging of the well in the rocky massif was very difficult and the task took over 40 years to complete. The castle was ruined as a consequence of many fires and the ravages of time, however solid reconstruction started in 1900 and went on after World War II.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kremnica - "gold town"

Kremnica - gold town Let's go for a walk through Kremnica and its surroundings. Let us discover the history of this town which is also called the "golden town", whose ducats granted the thrones of many monarchs. In this town you can feel the history in every street, house and church. Each building tells a story about a period in time, and from this mosaic a brief picture of our history can be composed. Please also accept our invitation to the surrounding villages.

Take a breath of fresh air, enjoy the nice views and admire the grand mountains which are protecting the valley. Listen to the sounds of nature and our traditions, which span the eons of time. Kremnica belongs to the medieval towns, which, in times of their glory, were attended by monarchs, and other men of note, who had tried to capture the town and possess the rich deposits of gold. It is assumed that gold and silver were minted in Kremnica from the tenth century. However, the real boom came up in the 14th century. On November 17th 1328, the Hungarian King Charles Robert of Anjou granted the settlement of Cremnychbana with privileges of a free royal minting and mining town. At the same time he established the royal mint, which produced large amounts of golden and silver coins. Kremnica's ducats - so called Florins belonged to the most valuable coins in Europe. Ever since it's founding in 1328 Kremnica's mint continues to operate which makes it a rarity within the European mints.

Gold and coins brought fame and glory to the town. Kremnica was the home of the chamber earl, who was the head of the mint chamber, which managed 12 mine galleries. He was responsible for mining enterprises and, as the monarch's deputy; he controlled the exploitation of precious metals and the quality of the coinage. Kremnica had a leading position in the union of seven middle-slovak mining townsdue to its gold production. In the 14th century in Hungary, Kremnica was also called "Golden Kremnica". The town's historical centre together with the castle creates a very unique and individual example of gothic urban planning. Today's visitors are not coming to Kremnica because of the gold, but because of the town history, the well-preserved monuments, the beautiful scenery and the ability to enjoy sports and tourism throughout the year.

Church of St. Katarina is a roman-catholic church. Originally two-aisle late gothic church from the second half of 15th century was built thanks to the reconstruction of an older building from 14th century. The name St. Katarina was first mentioned in 1526. In 1560 the church caught fire and most damage was done to the tower. The church is a Sub quadrate, hall type, two aisle church with a temple netting vault in the north chapel. There can be found a dedication keystone dated 1488. Panels of the temple are ornamented with paintings of saints and on the walls are stone epitaphs. The double-aisle of the church has a straddle vault with stone formerets and neo-gothic strip painted decorated partly with vegetable motifs. The north and south solariums are accessible by twisted stone stairs. The Organ loft on the west side of the aisle has a new organ. This organ is comparable with other European organs. The church interior is neo-gothic and comes from 1885, field altars - main (st Katarina) and four side altars are ornate and gold-plated. Under the high seat is in the wall stocked a stone breast-piece of a man (with polychrome)from beginning of 16th century. On the side altar is a late gothic sculpture of Madonna (created in about year 1500). Renaissance marble baptistery with a neo-gothic cover is placed in south chapel. The Castle fortification is Gothic, and was built at the end of 14th century , just like double castle wall with a gate and three bastions. While strong reconstructions were substantially cut down and ended with battlements.

The Town fortification is attached to the castle fortification. North - entrance gateway. In front of the gateway was originally a deep ditch spanned by a wooden falling bridge, which was later replaced by a brick bridge. Tower getaway with gate and gate-way is from 14th century and integrated into castle parkan system. The square four floor tower with a pass on the ground floor has key and slot openings the top floor which were used as gun pits. In the middle above the entrance is a stone pitch nose and on the south facade (inside facade) is restored renaissance plaster. Ossuary of St. Ondrej is the oldest castle building was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is a two floor building built in late Romanesque and gothic style. Initially it was devoted to St. Michal. First written mention about this chapel known as ossuary comes only from 1506. only the lower part of the ossuary is preserved and has - charnel house with Romanesque six parts vault with not profiled stone ribcages and a hexagonal keystone. Top part is Gothic and comes from 14th century. It has gothic elements and in the interior are restored wall paintings of miners and saints. Small (clock) tower is placed on the west side of castle complex in parkan wall of the castle walls. It was built also in 14th century and has four floors separated by stone string course. In the tower are baroque bells. Temporary name Clock tower was used because on the third floor was a clock placed. Entrance castle staircase and south tower. Roofed stairs were built out into the older keystone tower at the end of 18th century. In the top rooms are bells placed.
Town hall (former) - initially a four floored domestic tower of rectangular shape which was built at the end of 14th century and is situated between the castle walls. After a fire the Town Hall moved into the town. Undermining the town from the 19th century and consistent landslips after an earthquake in 1879 caused damage to some town buildings including the castle complex. Most damaged was the Town Hall. As a consequence of this, in 1887 two floors were removed and finished with battlements. Miners bastion on the east side has semicircular keystone on which is a polygonal extension of the building. On the outside -southeast side is located the town stone coat of arms. The bastion was rebuilt in 15th century and most likely it is part of a chapel.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kosice - 2nd largest city of Slovakia, view on St. Elisabeth cathedral

Košice - the capital of the east.  In terms of its size and importance in the Slovak Republic, the city of Košice ranks right after the capital Bratislava. It lies in the eastern part of Slovakia, not far from the borders with Hungary (20 km), Ukraine (80 km) and Poland (90 km). The advantages of this location, near the borders of three states and lying on important domestic and international transport routes, translate into the preconditions for good commercial connectivity. This is significantly enhanced by the existing railway junction and airport with international status. The city occupies the Košice Basin formed by the wide valley of the River Hornád, contained by the outlying ridges of the Slovakian Ore Mountains to the west and the Salt Hills to the east. The city centre lies at 208 metres above sea-level, and the climate in Košice is moderately warm with average temperatures of 19° C in July and -3° C in January. The city is the administrative centre of the Košice Region, and is divided in itself into four Districts. As an independent legal entity it is divided into 22 city wards, each with its own local government. Overall specialist, administrative and organizational responsibilities are borne by Košice’s Municipal Authority in cooperation with the ward authorities. The city of Košice is governed by the Mayor and the City Council, and each ward also has its own elected council and council leader. Košice has a strong economic background, and the city creates employment opportunities for the population of the surrounding region as well as its own.
The biggest local employer is the U. S. Steel Košice steelworks, and of the total number of registered employees in the city as a whole, the great majority work in the industrial sphere. The education and transport sectors are also strongly represented here. The average age of citizens is 35.13 years, which has led to Košice becoming known as the city of youth. The education system is significantly represented in the city, with over 45 basic schools, 10 grammar schools, 4 commercial academies, and 15 specialized secondary schools covering industrial technologies, agriculture, health care and the arts. There is also the Technical University with 8 faculties, P. J. Šafárik University with 4 faculties, the University of Economics and the University of Veterinary Medicine.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Levoca - medieval town, since 2010 inscripted in UNESCO, view on Thurzo house

Levoča - gem of the Spiss region. It was proved that the town and its surroundins were settled in the New Stone Age. The old Levoca was situated on the left side of the road from Levoca to Spisska Nova Ves, where the archaeologists excavated the foundations of a Roman church, the size of which was quite respectable: it is 23.5m long, the width of the nave is 12m and the apse is over 8m. It was the Church of St. Nicholas dating back to the 11th-12th century . The next large settlement, or a little town and a rotund church from the 11th century are situated next to what is now Kosicka Gate. When in the 12th century, and also after Tartar Raid in 1241,the German colonists arrived in Levoca, they found the original settlements- the little towns which, with their own new dwellings, became the foundation of the present town.

The oldest document, where Levoca is mentioned for the first time, was issued by Hungarian king Belo IV in 1249 and he documented the act of presenting the grounds to the Spis Prior. It says that: "The border of the ground called Jablonov descends to the road which leads to Levoca." In 1271 Levoca becomes the center of the Saxons' province and, like the other Spis towns, uses the rights of free king's towns: they have autonomy, judicial authority, personal freedom, the right to mine ores, exploit forests, perform crafts, carry on trade and the right of store, which caused a long-lasting conflict with the town of Kezmarok, which won it only thanks to a trick. The conflict is known as "Hundred-year War" and Levoca was the winner.

In 1402 the citizens of Levoca were freed from the right of store of other towns, in 1419 the rulers freed Levoca's merchants from the thirties duty all over Hungary. Thanks to its advantageous position on the crossroads of trade routes and and substantial support of the both political and economic priviliges from the rulers, finances started to flow to the town's treasure, as well as to the burghers' purses, allowing general development. It was the period of architectural, educational, cultural, artistic and crafts splendour. The fires in 1550 and 1599 caused a lot of damage. But the strong and rich town recovered succesfully from those disasters and kept its significant position till the end of the 16th century. The town of Levoca used to be surrounded by the well -preserved Town-Wall, which was rebuilt several times. The architecture of the burghers' houses in the square was changing from Gothic to Renaissance, as we know it now. Due to the fires, only the remains of the Gothic house have been preserved and they are discovered during the reconstructions.
The Town Hall is built in Renaissance style, too. Religious brotherhoods, and especially churches , were the centers of spiritual culture. The most important were: the Church of St. Nicholas, Holy Spirit, St. John and probably the Church of St. Elizabeth, too. But the most significant of them is the church of European importance, the Church of St. Jacob. Since the 15th century the town supported education by giving certian sum of money to school. There were a library, pharmacy, bath and some doctors worked here as well. In the last century of this millenium the town becomes administrative center of district and later county importance. It is also a town of schools. Still its most impressive treasure is its heritage- artistic. They were why the town has become historical reservation in 1950. Life is coming back to the restored historical buildings thanks to the restorers- artists and skillful craftsmen. In the stylish buildings, there are new centers of social, cultural and economic life of the town.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skalica - rubin's town

Skalica lying on the border with the Czech Republic ranks among the ancient Slovak towns which could boast of the attribute “Free Royal Town“ in the past centuries. Its history is long and rich. Periods of building activities, development and prosperity were followed by periods marked by wars, uprisings, plundering and destruction, epidemics or natural disasters. Skalica has an important position on the historic map as well as on the present map of Slovakia for several reasons. Favourable conditions of life were the reason for the intensive settlement of the territory as early as the Early Stone Age (4,000 B.C.).
The settlement continued in the Late Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, La Tene times, Roman times, Early Slav times, and Great Moravian times. The first written mentions of Skalica date from 1217 and 1256 when it was mentioned in documents as Zakolcha. On October 6, 1372, Lewis I, king of Hungary awarded Skalica privileges of a “Free Royal Town“. The original of the document wasn´t preserved but the later confirmations tell us that the town was guaranteed the right of building the town walls, its inhabitants were free from paying taxes and other fees and the goods produced by the inhabitants of Skalica were tollfree throughout the kingdom.
Skalica was also awarded privileges of organizing weekly fairs and annual fairs. Thanks to the other privileges of Sigismond of Luxemburg and his successors, Skalica became an important economic, cultural and spiritual centre of the neighbourhood as early as the first half of the 15th century.
From the point of view of economics and thanks to the number of houses Skalica ranked among the 5 or 6 biggest and most important towns in Slovakia in the 17th century and it was on a level with other royal towns: Bratislava, Košice, Trnava, Bardejov or Prešov. Crafts and trade flourished in Skalica and different guilds were founded. Skalica drapery, which developed at the end of the 18th century, was well-known everywhere in Hungary. As for the agriculture, it was viticulture that developed most.
Viticulturalists founded their association, the so-called Brotherhood of St Urban more than 300 years ago. It was based on the principle of guilds of craftsmen. Some of the historical sights, for example The Church of St Urban, patron saint of viticulturalists and the guild Altar of St Urban with the emblem of viticulturalists in the Parish Church date from this period, too. High-quality red wine is still made here and numerous small houses called “búda“ which can be found in vineyards offer you a chance to taste this delicious drink. The spiritual and social life of the town has been influenced by several monastic orders since the 15th century. The Franciscans settled down in Skalica probably in the thirties of the 15th century. The Carmelites and the Jesuits came in the 17th century. The Jesuits founded a secondary school – gymnázium in 1662. The Paulines came later and the Merciful Brethren came at the end of the 18th century. Besides the spreading of catholic faith they also helped develop culture and education.
Skalica went in national history in the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century when it became a centre of the national-liberation fight against Magyarization and together with Martin and Ruzomberok it became an intellectual centre of this movement which stopped its activities in 1918 when Czechoslovakia was founded. In 1918 Skalica became the seat of the Temporary Government of Slovakia for several days and in 1923 it became a district town. It lost this status in 1960 when the territorial reorganization took place and Skalica became part of the big Senica district. Skalica became a district town again in 1996.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nitra - mother of Slovak towns

There are not so many towns endowed with such beautiful surroundings and such an ideal location as Nitra. They say that Nitra, like Rome, was founded on seven hills. Its name is connected with the beginnings of the history of Slovakia, with the names of Pribina, Svatopluk, Sts. Cyril and Methodius and even with the mention of the first Christian church on the territory of Slovakia and with the introduction of the old Slavonic alphabet. The beginnings of its settlement go back as far as the earliest times, as has been documented by numerous archeological findings on the town's territory. This area was a densely populated region some 30 000 years ago.
The first peasant settlements were on the territory of the town some 6 000 years ago. In the fourth century B.C. the territory of Slovakia was inhabited by the Celts who remained here for a long period of time. They were skillful smelters and smiths whose huts and workshops were found at the foot od Martinsky vrch (Martin hull). Even the Dacians left some traces behind here.
The Slavic history of Nitra started near the end of the 5th century when the first Slavs arrived here. As early as the first half of the 7th century, some western sources mention a state formation of Slavs, the Samo Empire.
The Samo Empire was a predecessor of the subsequent state formation - the Great Moravian Empire, one of whose centres was Nitra. Precisely during the time of the Great Moravian Empire, the foundations of the renowened fame of ancient Christian Nitra were laid, as was recorded in extremely precious documents from the 9th century. One of these fortified settlements may have been the residence of Prince Pribina under whose rule Nitra was an important political, military and economic centre. Pribina showed great wisdom as a statesman and had great insight into European politics, when in about 828 A.D.,he, being a heathen himself, allowed the first Christian church in Nitra to be consecrated. This act was performed by Adalram, the Archbishop of Salzburg. The Pribina church is the first historically documented witness to the Christianity of the Slavs on the territory of Slovakia. This great events is mentioned in a document "Conversione Bagoariorum et Carantanorum" dating back to 870-871. Unfortunately, the exact site of the shrine has not as yet been located, but it is probable that the church did not stand on today's castle hill. In its later development, the Nitra principality was forcibly annexed by Mojmir to the Moravian principality in about 833, and a new state entity was formed which is mentioned in sources under the name Great Moravia.
After the dethronement of Mojmir, Rastislav became the ruler of Great Moravia. His reign is connected with a very important event, namely the comming of the Byzantine missionaries, Constantine-Cyril and Methodius, in 863. Constantine-Cyril developed the first Slavic alphabet, which was called "glagolitic", he also translated the first liturgical texts into Old Slavonic. Methodius, whom Pope Hadrian II had authorized to be consecrated as a bishop in 870 and later as archbishop, was named as a papal legate for Pannonia and for the Upper Danubian Slavs.

Nitra was at the height of its fame during the reign of King Svatopluk . In one of the most valuable written documents for Slovak history, in the letter from Pope John VIII to Svatopluk, dating back to 880, "Indistriae tuae", Svatopluk is addressed as king and the Pope informs him of the appointment of Viching as bishop of Nitra, by then, probably had a municipal character, and it consisted of five fortified settlements and twenty communities where skiled craftsmen plied their trade. Until the beginnig of the 14th century Nitra remained the resedential town of the principality that bordered the newly formed Hungarian monarchy. Also, during the Middle Ages it was the site of important historical events, and it was often plundered by various armies. The Benedictines took up the organization of ecclesiastical life, their monastery of St. Hyppolite on the slope of Zobor hill was the oldest in Slovakia. In 1248 the ruler Bela IV, in appreciation for protection from the Tartars, promoted Nitra to the status of free-royal town with privileges similar to those of Székesfehérvár.
The medieval Nitra was divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town, the latter being further divided into several separate parts, each with its own alderman and local seals. Four new independent parishes came into being in connection with the churches of St. Michael in the square Na vrsku, St. James in the central square, St.Stephen in Parovce, and Our Lady on the Calvary hill. From the second half of the 18th century, Nitra escaped from military hardships, this made possible the renovation of the town and modifocations on the castle and especially on the Cathedral. Peaceful times made the construction of several buildings in the Upper Town possible. As a result of the town's development, the population grew beyond 10 000, in the 19th century. In 1873 Nitra became the town with its municipality presided over by a mayor and by numerous public councilmen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kezmarok - the pearl under the High Tatras

The origin and the foundations of this church date back to Romanesque time of the 13th century. Present Gothic church originated in the years 1444-1498. The owner of the castle Zápoľský and the town supported reconstruction. Both sponsors immortalized their coats of arms in the small entry into the church. In the interior are three different types of arch: reticule arch in the aisles, star arch in the nave and cross arch in the sacristy. The interior of the church, altars / of Apostles, Ordeals and Coronation of Madonna/ and the font are in the Gothic style from the year 1472. Renaissance bench under the big choir comes from the year 1518 and on this bench were places only for the Mayor and the counselors. The curiosities are both organs. The small one is from the year 1651 and is the oldest one of its kind in Slovakia that is functional. To the most precious things belongs the crucified Jesus on the main altar and was made in the workshop of Master Vit Stwosz at the turn of 15th and 16th century.
In the time after the reformation when the most of German inhabitants converted to Protestants the church belonged to the evangelical congregation during the years 1531-1673, 1678-1687 and 1705-1709 as well. In the year 1997 was the church sanctified by The Holy Father John Paul II to the Basilica Minor.
The existence of the first town school in Kezmarok dates back to the years 1383-1392 /Latin school at the Holy Cross church/. Lyceum was built during the years 1774-1776. The extension of the building for two more floors gave the Lyceum current look /1820-1865/. After the reformation, yet in the year 1531, the school got the character of an evangelical grammar school. The academic classes were open in the years 1787-1852, together with the former school at the departments of philosophy, law and theology. The academic classes made the character of Lyceum and only a degree from the Lyceum allowed one to study at the university. Many at the Lyceum in Kezmarok performed their profession, honored scientists educated the students from the whole central Europe. Many of them are known as reputable artists, scientists and writers of German, Slovak, Hungarian and Serbian nationality and it was a sign of the tolerance and outspokenness of this school.
Many of well known personalities can document this, for example: Fröhlich, Buchholz, Šafárik, Hviezdoslav, Alexander, Genersich, Medňanský, Kazinczy and others.

The library in the Lyceum is the biggest school library in central Europe. Contains 150 000 titles in different languages, most of them are in German. There are also precious and significant incunables /from the time before the year 1500/ and incunabulum from the 16th century /Luther’s bible, Melanchton’s manuscripts and many others/.
The castle /Thökoly château/ belongs to the so-called town castles. It was built directly on the territory of town to protect the town from enemies. Building the castle is connected with the family Zápoľský. The castle was mentioned for the first time in the year 1463 and in the year 1528 became a property of the Polish noble family Laský. The castle was acquired unlawfully by the family Thökoly in the year 1579. Four generations of this family lived in the castle till the year 1684. During this time the Thökoly family rebuilt the originally gothic forth into distinguish renaissance residence. During the years 1657-1658 the chapel was built to the castle.
The family Thökoly- especially the Hungarian patriot Imrich Thökoly- was in opposition to the politics of the Habsburgs. After the defeat in the fight against the Habsburgs and after the departure to Turkey the family lost all their property. The town got the castle from its last owner Ferdinand Rueber in the year 1702. The castle was used for different purposes, for example a storehouse. During the second half of 19th century the decision was made to open the museum in the castle, which was declassified in the year 1931. Today the whole area is a town museum with different expositions which give evidence of the historical development since its beginning to the 20th century. The old market is one of the oldest parts of KeĹľmarok. The foundations of the houses are from the 13th century and some of them still have the elements of so-called tower houses. On both sides of the street are still preserved typical artisan houses of Spiš with hip roofs and thatches. The house number 46 with broad frontage was built as the House of Spiš to hold the celebrations, theatres and concerts. Nowadays it is the seat of the town’s Cultural centre. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piestany - mud with the price of the gold

The most famous Slovak spa town, Piestany (30,000 inhabitants) is situated on the river Vah, between the towns of Trnava and Trencin.It is well-known for the healing properties of its hot springs, with a temperature of 67-69 degrees of celsius, as well as its healing mud, both of which rank among the world's best and most famous.
Unlike other famous Slovak spa towns, Piestany is not located in the mountains but on a plain, in an area with a very pleasant climate. The powerful effects of the hot springs and the thermal sulphuric mud of Piestany were already well-known in Roman times. The first written record of the town dates from 1113 and the first descriptions of the healing springs from 1545. Initially, spa guests bathed in hotel dug in the ground and filled with thermal water, and were provided with very basic accommodation in the houses of local residents.
Only at the beginning of the 18th century, after the already famous spa became the property of the Erdody family, were the first, initially woode spa buildings constructed.
One of the people who underwent treatment in the spa in such primitive conditions was Ludwig van Beethoven in 1801. In 1889 a fundamental change took place after the businessman Alexander Winter hired the spa from the Erdodys. Following several years of massive advertising at home and abroad, he succeeded in turning the small-town spa into a world-famous health resort frequented by aristocracy. Indian maharajahs, Arab sheikhs, as well as crowned heads.  

In 1898, the statue of the "Crutch breaker" became the symbol of the spa. Nowadays, just as in the past, guests from all over the world visit the spa again, and, following extensive reconstruction, the town is trying to receive its days of glory.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modra - welcome to the region of pottery and good wine

The town of Modra is located on south slopes of Little Carpathian Mountains. The first signs of settlement of this area date back to 3 thousand years B.C.. The beginnings of permanent settlement of this area in the 9 th century has been confirmed by well-preserved walls of the castle on Zamčisko in Modra-Harmonia, as well as the discovery of the burial-ground in the north-east of the town.
The first written notice of Modra town dates back to the 12 th and 13 th century. Modra received a privilege of servile Royal Town by Hungarian monarch Ludovit I. in the year 1361. Modra has got more rights and freedom by the privilege of Maximilian II from the year 1569. The monarch Rudolph II promoted Modra to a Free Royal Town in the year 1607 and he has also conferred to the town its own coat-of-arms. Between the years 1610-1646 the town has built its own fortification with three gateways. Some parts of the fortification as well as gateway called Upper Gate (“Horna Brana”) are preserved up to the present.
Modra has belonged between the most important towns in Hungary during the 17 th century, with a developed viniculture, forest management, guild system, educational system and culture. Many historical and cultural sights are situated in the town area. The Church of St.Stephan King with the town tower at the square, Town Hall, where the museum of Ľudovít Štúr is situated, Lutheran churches on Dolna Street. The main square has kept the original appearance with the typical single-floor bourgeois houses and houses of the winegrowe.
The town of Modra is located on south slopes of Little Carpathian Mountains. The first signs of settlement of this area date back to 3 thousand years B.C.. The beginnings of permanent settlement of this area in the 9 th century has been confirmed by well-preserved walls of the castle on Zamčisko in Modra-Harmonia, as well as the discovery of the burial-ground in the north-east of the town. The first written notice of Modra town dates back to the 12 th and 13 th century.
Modra received a privilege of servile Royal Town by Hungarian monarch Ludovit I. in the year 1361. Modra has got more rights and freedom by the privilege of Maximilian II from the year 1569. The monarch Rudolph II promoted Modra to a Free Royal Town in the year 1607 and he has also conferred to the town its own coat-of-arms. Between the years 1610-1646 the town has built its own fortification with three gateways. Some parts of the fortification as well as gateway called Upper Gate (“Horna Brana”) are preserved up to the present.
Modra has belonged between the most important towns in Hungary during the 17 th century, with a developed viniculture, forest management, guild system, educational system and culture. Many historical and cultural sights are situated in the town area. The Church of St.Stephan King with the town tower at the square, Town Hall, where the museum of Ľudovít Štúr is situated, Lutheran churches on Dolna Street.
The main square has kept the original appearance with the typical single-floor bourgeois houses.

Any questions about Beautiful cities & towns in Slovakia ? 
We have visited the them many, many times and are ready to share our knowledge with you  

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
phone: International 00421 918 630 630 Slovakia 0918 630 630