Banska Bystrica

Banska Bystrica is one of the largest cities of Slovakia and administrative centre of the region with the same name. Banska Bystrica is very popular among tourists because it is situated in the centre of the country and practically all the tourists visit it. Banska Bystrica has been known since 1255.

The city appeared in the centre of trade roads along which different metals were delivered from the Ore Mountains to other places. Gold and copper are extracted near Banska Bystrica.

The first thing the tourists want to see is the “Falling Tower” in Banska Bystrica. It is not so famous as the Piza Tower but still known in Europe. The deviation from the axis is only 68 sm, but there are two chronometers there.

Like in other big cities of Slovakia there is a Castle in Banska Bystrica. It was built in the 14th century on the territory of the fortress and is the beauty of the city. It is open for tourists now. There are many interesting buildings in the fortress, for example, the Old City Hall (now there is a Gallery of Arts there) and the Church of Virgin Maria Ascension which has another name of the German Church.

There are not only a lot of historical monuments but also many banks in Banska Bystrica. In the 15th century one of the representatives of the old noble family Turso organized in Banska Bystrica one of the first European bank networks, which is famous now as “the heart of Financial Empire”. There is also a very beautiful palace in the central square of the city which belonged to Turso. Now there is a Museum of Central Slovakia there.

Banska Bystrica is not far from some of ski resorts, for example, from Donovalov, which is situated in the Low Tatrie. That is why you may not only enjoy the old architecture but also enjoy skiing in one of the best winter resorts of Slovakia.