Banská Bystrica region

Banská Bystrica is an important center of Central Slovakia and one of the largest Slovak cities. Banská Bystrica, boasts a rich history, as illustrated by the many monuments. This city has made progress mainly due to mining and trade in metals. Center of Banská Bystrica was declared a historical reservation. Main sights include the object of the town castle barbican, which includes the Church of St Mary of 13 century. The church has a very interesting and valuable altar of St. Barbara. The altar is the work of the popular Master Pavol of Levoča. Main Gothic buildings include Matthias's House of 15 century. Kings Matthias Corvinus coat of arms is depicted on it. Near the castle is the Renaissance town hall with a gallery. Banská Bystrica invested quite a lot in SNP Square and the pedestrian zone and it is no coincidence that today it is the most beautiful in Slovakia. Impressive views of the city provides Hodinová veža Tower. The most beautiful buildings include Thurzos house, where resides Stredoslovenské Mseum. The house has a valuable facade and unique Zelená sieň hall. Rare arcade and loggia facade with murals is located on the Benického house. Next interesting building is the Bishop's Palace, where the the bishop and the first President of the Slovak Matica Stephen Moyzes resided. Banská Bystrica town was associated with the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), which documents Memorial of the SNP.

Banská Štiavnica is one of the most important mining sites located in the beautiful countryside of Štiavnicke hills. The value of high amount of sights is expressed by including Banská Štiavnica in the UNESCO List of Cultural Heritage. The settlement of the city area began already in the 10th century. In the 13th century took place migration of the population of Tyrol. In Banská Štiavnica there are two castles - Old castle and church of the Virgin Mary and New Castle. This was built in the 16th century as a fortress against the Turks. Today there is located the Slovak Mining Museum. Dominant of the city is the Calvary, which is located on the hill top - a relic of the volcano cone. There are 14 sacred objects belonging to the most important baroque works of Slovakia situated in Banská Štiavnica. Other sites are remarkable church of St. Catherine, Town Hall and Square of the Holy Trinity with Baroque sculpture with interesting town buildings. The Architecture documents the wealth of the city, which was in the middle of the 19th century, the second largest in Slovakia and one of the largest in Hungary. One of the sites associated with mining history of the town is so-called Kammerhof - seat of the city estates manager, who was as well the Director of the Mining Academy and enjoyed the title of Count. Mining and Forestry Academy was the first university in the technical field in Europe and was founded in the 1735th. Activity of the Academy was completed in 1919. Other attractions of Banskí Štiavnica include the possibility of visiting Štiavnicke mines.

Brezno, like other towns and villages of this area, prospered mainly from mining industry and iron production. In the city can be visited today the Horehronské Museum, based in City Hall. The main sights are nice historical buildings as well. Hron river flows through the city.

In Brusno there is popular slovak spa located. Digestive diseases are treat here. The nearby park offers pleasant walks.

Bzovík village near the town of Krupina has its major attraction in the form of a major anti-Turkish fortress with distinctive four corner towers and a moat. It is a rebuilt Cistercian abbey from the early 12th century.

Čabraď is a castle ruin of 13 century near the village Čabradský Vrbovok. Its location is worthy of attention, as it lies in the romantic meander of river Litava. The castle served mainly as a fortress against the Turks and was held by Kohárys. They later moved into the mansion in St. Anton and castle began to deterioriate.

Iodobromine water from Číž is used in the local spa to treat nerve and skin diseases. In addition, there are two mansions of 19 century.

The main sights include ruin of the Divín of 13 century. Castle is known for itsowner Imre Ballass, who brutally looted the surroundings. Below the castle is located Renaissance mansion of 17 century. It is interesting that during the Slovak National Uprising guerrillas headquters was situated here. There is also a valuable Gothic church in Divín. Near dam Ružín is used for vacation.

Above the village Podzámčok are well-preserved ruins of a medieval castle built in the 13th century. Castle of Dobrá Niva was in the 16th century seat of the local nobility, but afterwards the property of wives of Hungarian kings.

Village Drienčany is remarkable in terms of natural resources, but also history. It is a place, where served as priest well known storyteller P. Dobšinský. Near the nature area Drienčanský karst is located. There was built a trail that leads through its karst formations and Little and Big Drienčanská cave. For recreation use is widely used warm water reservoir Teplá.

Dudince are known as popular slovak spa town. Musculoskeletal complications and nerve problems are treated here. Many interesting travertine formations are located over here. There were built thermal baths here as well as in the nearby village Santovka.

Fiľakovo is known for its castle, which was during the Turkish invasions od strategic importance. It was a seat of a Turkish sanjak - Turkish administration and the Turks were settled here 40 years long. Interestingly, the castle stands on a hill created by volcanic activity. Fiľakovo id the starting point for hiking in the Cerová vrchovina.

Halič is located near Lučenec and is known for his manor house of the 18th century. In the adjacent Starý Halič, main attraction is valuable church of St. George of 14 century.

The village is situated south of Banská Bystrica. A Gothic-Renaissance castle and wooden church with valuable interior are situated here.

The main attraction of this village is a Benedictine monastery built in 1075. It was built for the purpose of promoting settlement in central Slovakia. At the moment Pallotines reside over here. In this monastery Nitra Code was written, which is the first known Latin document on slovak territory.

Jasná ski resort as the biggest ski area in Slvakia offers excellent conditions for winter sports, entertainment and active leisure on the north and south side of Chopok with 36 km of ski runs.

This village was connected to Levice and there is located quite a rare Romanesque church of the 13th century over here.

Kordická brázda offers a beautiful landscape. It is a part of the Kremnické vrchy hills, located at their foothill. This provides ideal conditions for recreational activities. In the village Kordíky there are preserved buildings of folk architecture. Visit of  Tajov village can be interesting target, as this is the birthplace of important slovak personalities J. G. Tajovský and  J. Murgaša. Králiky village is well known center of tourism in Slovakia, where it ummer and winter activities can be performed.

In Kraskovo, which is located on the volcanic area Pokoradzká in Revúcka Highland can be found early Gothic church of the 13th century with medieval paintings. The church is one of the monuments of the Gothic Road.

Kremnica is one of the most famous mining towns in Slovakia. Located in the Kremnické vrchy mountains. In Kremnici State Mint is located, which is the oldest in the world. Commemorative coins and medals are produced here. In the 14th century craftmes of Kutná Hora established coins production here. Silver hungarian pennies, and gold florins, known as Kremnica ducats, were minted here. The attractions, include Museum of Coins and Medals. The main sights of Kremnica are the City castle with a Romanesque rotunda of 13 century and Gothic church of Sst. Catherine with a lookout tower, as well as the Main Square with Baroque Holy Trinity Column. This column is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia. On the square visitors can look up the Franciscan church and monastery, town houses and the town hall of the 15th century. Very interesting are the city fortifications with Red and Black tower, as well as Lower gate. Kremnica offers quite a lot opportunities for recreation as well. Skiing, cross country skiing and hiking can be found in popular resorts Skalka and Krahule. Skalka is known for cross-country ski competition Biela stopa, which is currently one of the most popular sport events in Slovakia. In addition, in Kremnica thermal baths can be visited.

Krupina is located in a beautiful valley of Krupinica and in the past was one of the pillars of anti-Turkish defense. It was a walled city, where remnants of the fortificationas can be seen until today. An important observation function had guard in the tower Vartovka. It  is now a good view point. The main sights include the Romanesque basilica of 13 century. City Museum offers expositions associated with the history of the city and its famous natives A. Sládkovič and E. M. Šoltésová.

Levice is an important administrative center of southern Slovakia. In the 17th century it was attacked by the Turks, who finally conquered the city. It was freed after a year of occupation. The most important historical monument of the city is Levice Castle. Today it is partly a ruin. The castle includes well preserved Renaissance castle, which is part of the so-called lower castle and its the place where Tekovske Museum resides. Levice are surrounded by marshes and therefore there was built a drainage channel Perec, which can be still found over it place today. In Levice decorative stone and precious so-called gold onyx is mined. Tourist attraction and a place of relaxation is thermal pool Margita-Ilona. Near Levice is located Brhlovce village, which is popular for its unique rock dwellings. These homes were carved into the local rocks. At the present, they have status of reservation.

Lučenec  is one of the largest cities in the region and therefore an important administrative center. The city was the point of frequent clashes and looting and therefore historical monuments were distroyed. The history is best known for winning battle of J. Ziskra against J. Hunyady in 1451st.  The monuments that preserved are baroque-classical church, nice Zlatá ulička lane and renoved Redoute.

Modrý Kameň is the smallest city of Slovakia. The city was founded under the medieval castle of 12 century and it was the administrative center of Novohrad. In the 20th century, however, that position was overtaken by Veľký Krtíš. These cities are known for mining brown coal, although this is declining. Gothic castle is a castle ruin now and in the nearby mansion visiters can view the Museum of Puppet Cultures and Toys.

Nová Baňa was a mining town. It is located in the Middle Hron area. The city became rich thanks to gold mining. From the past preserved the remarkable town hall and Gothic church. Town hall was created by rebuilding the city walls and is the seat of the Municipal Museum.

Ostrá Lúka has a beautiful location and is known for Renaissance manor house, whose owner was M. Ostrolúcky. Ostrá Lúka is popular thorough the story of friendship of his daughter Adela Ostrolucká and very important slovak revivalist Ľudovít Štúr.

If you like to ski, PARK SNOW Donovaly is the right choice for you. It is among the top resorts in Slovakia and is a great tip for those who want to enjoy a relaxing, but also action holiday or weekend. Ski resort PARK SNOW Donovaly is located in the picturesque countryside between the Nízke Tatry and Veľká Fatra mountain ranges and it offers high-quality services to all visitors.

Poltár city is famous for the production of glass and ceramics. Valuable historical monuments as Turkish bridge and classicist manor house can be found here as well.

Poniky village became known because of coarse plundering by the Turks in the 17th century. This event was described by the poet J. Chalupka in one of the most famous Slovak poems - Turčin Poničan. The local church of 14 century is remarkable because of mediaeval paintings.

Pukanec can be proud on its history of prosperity. In the 11th century the city belonged to the society od central Slovakia mining towns. Since the city is located near Štiavnické vrchy hills, there were deposits of silver discovered here. The city later - at 19 century transformed into the village, which was a consequence of the decline of mining activities. From the Turkish era fortifications preserved, but also a Gothic church with a rich interior.

Revúca is the administrative center of the river Muráň valley. In the past, iron was produced here. In the 16th there were 15 factories producing iron in Revúca. The town belonged to the late 19th century under the governors of Muráň castle. The main architectural monument of Revúca is the rococo mansion, where first slovak gymnasium was located. It was founded in 1862. The sights include late Gothic church from the 15th century. Revúca is an excellent starting point for hikes into Muráň Platou National Park.

Significant administrative center of southern Slovakia. Rimava river flows through the city. Rimavská Sobota has renoved center with a pedestrian square. In the middle of the square is located Classicist building of the church and town houses stretching around.  Reservoir Kurinec is used for vacation purposes. It is located south of the city.

This village is famous for valuable Romanesque church of 12 century.

This village is an interesting well-preserved complex wine production architecture with home wine cellars. It is a historical reservation of folk architecture. There was a museum with vine production theme established here.

The skiers will find Ski resort Bačova Roven *** in Nízke Tatry mountains under the well-known Čertovica, on the outskirts of the village Vyšná Boca.

Ski Park Ružomberok lies above town of Ružomberok and is very easily accessible by the new cableway from Hrabovo.

Sliač is known except military airport for its spa. The spa is focused on cardiovascular diseases treatment. Besides them near Kováčová spa and thermal baths is located.

Village Slovenská Lupča is interesting for its same-named castle of 14 century.

Špania dolina Valley is has a long mining history that document the many preserved original mining houses. There is a Romanesque church with well-preserved medieval paintings, but also technical monument in the form of Špania Dolina water duct. The importance of it was in supplying water from slopes of Nízke Tatry mountain range, which is away from here up to 15 km.

Staré Hory are one of the oldest mining villages near Banská Bystrica. In the 16th century there was a fairly large smelter located here. Through the village passes an important road towards Donovaly – a saddle that connects northern and southern area of the Low Tatras, but especially the main highway arteries of Slovakia. In addition Donovaly is slovak top skiing destination. The main sights include Baroque building of the Mining Office and local Gothic church, where is located valuable statue of the Virgin Mary.

This village is rare for its history, as it was located the Great Moravian fortified settlement here. In the 11th century a castle was built here, which was a center of Tekov area. Around the castle was established Tekov town where local governor resided. When he moved to Levice castle, the Tekov castle deterioriated.

Svätý Anton is remarkable mainly due to local baroque-classical mansion of 18 century. This mansion was owned by the bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand Coburg. Currently, there is situated hunting museum with quite a large collection of trophies over here. In addition a nice park is located near.

Ski resort Tale Ski, Golf & Hotel Resort is located in the South of Nízke Tatry mountains. Elevation difference of the ski run represents 280 meters.

Tisovec town is located in the southwest Muráň Plateau. Located in attractive natural area mountain ranges. In the T. Vansová – famous slovak writer, musician M. Lapšanský and polician V. Clementis worked here.

Turecká village is currently an important starting point for tours to the Veľká Fatra mountains. It is located under the hill called Krížna. In Turecká it is possible to ski in the local ski center or ski tour up to the ridge of the Veľká Fatra.

Vígľaš is best known for its castle, which is now a ruin. The castle was built as a hunting castle in the 14th century and was rebuilt several times. Eszterházy has contributed to its transformation into a prestigious mansion.

Vyhne similar to the other cities of the region have mining-connected past. At the present, however, are known better throug local thermal baths. The local attractions include local brewery, which is the oldest in Slovakia. Templars founded it in the 15th century. Vyhne natural beauties include Stone Sea, which is a remnant of volcanic activity in this area, namely the gradual weathering of rhyolitic lava flow.

Winter Park Martinky Ski resort is located in Malá Fatra mountains. Elevation difference of the ski runs is 306 m. Total trail length is 13.3 km.

Zip is a village known mainly through local early Gothic church of 14 century, which belongs to objects of the so-called Gothic Road sights.

Zvolen lies at the confluence of the rivers Hron and Slatina and is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia. The city was established under Pustý hrad castle - power center of the wider surroundings up to 14 century. Among the most famous monuments is included the Renaissance Zvolen Castle. The biggest attractions of the castle is a valuable hall with 78 ceiling portraits of Roman and Habsburg emperors. During the summer festival Zvolenská zámocké dni takes place. On Zvolen square, which is one of the largest in Central Europe, is located a Gothic church from the 14th century, but also building os the Theatre of J. G. Tajovský. Zvolen is the seat of Technical University. The university has a forestry focus. Of of the main attractions in Zvolen includes the so-called Borová hora - concentrating up to 1200 varieties of roses.