Location: Banska Stiavnica
Top Things to do in Banska Stiavnica
Top 10 Things to do in Banska Stiavnica, Banska Bystrica Region
Banská Štiavnica (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbanskaː ˈʃciawɲitsa] ( listen); German: Schemnitz; Hungarian: Selmecbánya (Selmec), pronounced [ˈʃɛlmɛd͡zbaːɲɒ]) is a town in central Slovakia, in the middle of an immense caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano. For its size, the caldera is known as Štiavnica Mountains. Banská Štiavnica has a population of more than 10,000. It is a completely preserved medieval town. Because of their historical value, the town and its surroundings were proclaimed by the UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993.
Restaurants in Banska Stiavnica
1. Banka Lasky
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
The only LOVE BANK in the world is a unique place where people from around the world store their symbolic keepsakes of love, friendship or another special moment of happiness. LOVE BANK - is inspired by the true love story between Marína and Sládkovič - is created from the verses of the World's longest love poem - consists of 100 000 Security Boxes You can find the only LOVE BANK in the world in the basement of the house that is a part of 500-year-old gold mine. It is the house where Marína Pischlová lived for the most of her life. This house is a building of national and cultural significance as well as being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reviewed By 850lu
Looking at the house from the outside I wasn't really impressed by the whole project and the idea. But after seeing all attractions, the interior of the house and the love bank I was really surprised how beautifully it all has been put together. From the whole reconstruction of the house to the presentation of the love story it all made very nice and interesting experience. You will not find anything similar anywhere in Slovakia. I have also seen the famous house of Romeo and Juliette in Verona or the love museums in South Korea and I must say that the experience there was really poor. This one actually made a point and especially it was based on the true story. I was actually quite impressed how well it was all done. You can feel the inspiration from other exhibitions like Harry Potter studios or the book and mirror installation in Bratislava, but it doesn't matter at all, because after all you'll be glad that you paid the money for something unique and exceptional.
2. Old Castle Banska Stiavnica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
The Old Castle - whose origins reach back to the early 13th century - is a review of all existing architectural styles by itself . Originally an Romanesque Chapel of St. Michal built by the community of miners was in the period of Turkish invasion in the 16th century fortified with walls, bastions and towers – and from that time it was used for military purposes. In modern times Old castle was used as a police station, an ice – stock, a town’s archive and library even as a gym! A museum since 1900 offers archaeological exhibition, exhibitions of tobacco pipes manufacture (a famous craft of Banska Stiavnica), blacksmithing, Baroque sculptures, old interior watches, torture devices, gun dartboards, exhibitions “The miners are coming”, “Calvary in exile” and more. The baroques tower offers magnificent view of the city.
3. Open-Air Mining Museum (SMM)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
The Mining Open – Air Museum with 40 000 visitors a year is one of the most popular sites in the region. On the ground the exposition shows old mining buildings, equipment, machines and geological history. Millions years ago here was the biggest volcano in Middle Europe. The most interesting part is the mine. Equipped with helmet, mining coat and lamp, you will go 60 meters deep and during a 1,5 km walk learn about the hard work of miners from Middle Age until the end of the 20th century.
Reviewed By 27gill - Southampton, United Kingdom
This is outside the town but is on a bus route. There are plenty of displays of mining history and equipment on the surface and the museum is well laid out for families. The real highlight is the tour underground through the tunnels with miners lamps for illumination. There is a long climb down to the entrance then its fairly flat inside, but the tunnel floors are uneven so its not suitable for people with limited mobility or small children. Some places are unlit with very narrow tunnels and low roofs. There are lit displays and equipment but it feels very much as if the miners have left things as they were when the mine was operational.
4. Banska Stiavnica Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Centuries of mining brought intensive use of wood and surrounding forests came to its limits. This - among aesthetical values - was the reason why the Botanical garden was established in 1838 on the ground of Mining Academy. Would exotic plants adapt and grow fast enough in Middle Europe climate? More than 250 different kinds of domestic and exotic plants make the scenery. Lean on our Giant Sequoia or Lebanese Cedar to refuel energy or just sit on the bench and relax.
Reviewed By laczkozsu - Debrecen, Hungary
After climbing up the streets and stairs to the bulding of Mining Academy we went into this nice park to relax. This is a huge area (7 hectares). It was used for practical courses for students from 1850's. Now it's open for public, free entrance. It's well cared for and clean with lots of green. We saw some exotic plants and trees: e.g.sequoia or cedar. We was walking and relaxing. Our favourite part was the tiny pond with beautiful water lilies.
5. Kalvaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By 811petraj
Tough you have to walk to the steep hill it ´s definetely worth it. However it ´ s not suitable for smaller kids. The view is breathtaking.
6. Banskostiavnicky Betlehem
7. Tajch Klinger
8. Old town area of Banska Stiavnica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By JurajU_12 - Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
Small area with nice bars and shops with good walking zones and proper signs for orientation. You can see a lot of beautiful historical buildings and mining equipment/minerals available. Great place to walk would be suburb part of old town with tiny streets on the hill.
9. The Holy Trinity Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 100 reviews
The main town square was formed at the beginning of the 16th century and today it is the core of the town. The Town Hall and the St. Catherine church, rich burgers palaces on the square sides and the plague column with of the Holy Trinity statuary form one of the city´s architectural highlights.
Reviewed By RolandNavratil - Trnava, Slovakia
Beautiful centrum of the town. Especially when good weather, just to sit and relax. You can continue up the street and you will appear in the forest and in 15min by beautiful blue water lake Velka Vodarenska.
10. New Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
The New castle overlooking the city used be part of the fortification system and one of the important watchtowers. Nowadays it explains the history of the Turkish invasions in the 16th century and its influence on the life of mining towns. The life – size sculpture of Turks by Dionysos Stanetti and the weapons belong to the most attractive artefacts. By the way, such as tempting target as Stiavnica – the Silver city - was never conquered.
Reviewed By Zeduke
Three-in-one attraction: 1. Historic exhibition, primarily concerning the defensive role of the castle and its importance in wars against the Turks. 2. Offers a good view over the historic city. 3. A good looking structure to take pictures of.
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