Banska Bystrica

The first written record about the town is a founding document by the Hungarian king Bela IV from the year 1255. Banska Bystrica became a town, growing quickly as the mining activity expanded. The royal privileges attracted German settlers to the town. They were miners who in the second half of the 13th century built a Romanesque one-nave church of the Virgin Mary [photo]. The Slovak citizens built the Church of of the Holy Cross next to the Romanesque church in 1452. This church was built under the town walls near Mahias House [photo], a Gothic building from the year 1479. Thus a castle complex was formed with the townhall, barbican and fortress.

Eloquent testimony about the prosperity and the development of the material and spiritual culture of Banska Bystrica in the 15th and 16th century are given by a number of important buildings. The most precious are in the historical core, i.e. on the square area and in the main streets.

The old homes of wealthy town burgers, built on Gothic foundations, are among the most important Renaissance buildings of Slovakia. The historical core of Banska Bystrica is a heritage reservation, and the castle area has been declared a national monument object. Other architectural and artistic monuments in the area near the castle is the house of Matej, in late Gothic style; the Renaissance Town Hall ; and the church with the chapel of St. Barbora. The altar is the work of Pavol, the master of Levoca. Its southern side shows an interesting relief, the Olive Mountains. This work of art dates from the beginning of the 16th century.

The rich patricians built showy houses in Gothic and Renaissance style. Some of them, e.g. the house of Thurzo or the house of the Benicky family have high architectural and historical value.

In 1589 the town was completely surrounded by stone walls. The remnants of the town fortress and walls witnessed much hard fighting against the invading Turks (in the year 1526).

Thanks to its situation, its rich historic past and its many mediaeval remains, Banska Bystrica is one of the most important and most beautiful mining towns in Slovakia.

Another chapter of the history was writen during World War II. Banska Bystrica was a centre of antifascist resistence, the political and military centre of Slovak National Uprising.

A symbol of this event is a monumental memorial with an unusual architectonic design.

According to the last census the population of Banska Bystrica is about 90000. With its favourable position and the great choice of opportunities it offers for tourism and winter sports, Banska Bystrica is now an important international tourist centre. Make use of the recreational, sporting and tourist facilities offered you in Banska Bystrica. This town is one of the great secrets of Slovakia, and you will always be glad to return.
VIDEO SHOT FROM CENTRE OF BANSKA BYSTRICA[21,5 MB]

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