Spišská Nová Ves: Old Town, Spiš and Slovak Paradise

• Region: Spišská Nová Ves is in eastern Slovakia and is an important town in the Spiš region.
• Townscape: The elongated, lens-shaped main square forms the town centre.
• Sights: The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Town Hall, the Provincial House with the Spiš Museum and the Reduta are highlights of a town-centre walk.
• Nature excursion: The town and the villages to its west serve as the northern gateway to Slovak Paradise.

Start at the main square and take time to appreciate its varied buildings. The Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary dominates the square; its Neo-Gothic tower is 87 metres high and is described on the official tourism portal as the tallest church tower in Slovakia. Opposite stands the Provincial House, which houses the Spiš Museum. The Town Hall, the Evangelical church and the Reduta are also landmarks in the town centre.

For more cultural sights in the region, consider Levoča and Spiš Castle and Spišská Kapitula. If you want to choose museums with a particular focus, find more ideas in the guide to museums and galleries in Slovakia and the overview of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Spišská Nová Ves lies in the Hornád Basin, between the Levoča Mountains to the north and the Slovak Ore Mountains to the south. This makes the town a good base for combining culture and nature. A trip west takes you towards Slovak Paradise; use the overview of Slovakia’s national parks to compare other landscapes.

You can also combine a visit to the Spiš region with a trip to Levoča or Spiš Castle. The best order depends on how you are travelling, where you are staying and how long a hike you want to do. For further planning, consult Slovakia’s regions, practical travel information and general holiday tips.

The main buildings around the square can be linked in a single walk. If you want to visit their interiors, check the current opening days for the church, museum and other cultural venues; event and opening-hour information may change. If you are planning a hike in Slovak Paradise, set aside a separate day trip and check the status of your chosen trails before setting off.

The official tourism portal has more information about Spišská Nová Ves and its sights. If you are combining the town with a nature excursion, decide in advance whether you want to focus on a walk around the town centre or a longer trip in the national park.

What should I see first in the town centre?

The main square is the natural starting point. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Town Hall, the Provincial House with the Spiš Museum and the Reduta are all close by.

How much time should I allow for the town?

That depends on whether you simply walk around the square or also want to visit the museum and other interiors. A subsequent hike in the national park requires a separate time allowance.

Is Spišská Nová Ves a good base for Slovak Paradise?

Yes. The town and places to its west provide a northern gateway to the national park. Choose your specific starting point to suit the marked route and current conditions.

Which cultural sights can I add to my itinerary?

Levoča and Spiš Castle with Spišská Kapitula are natural additions to a trip through the Spiš region. Check the latest visitor information for each site before visiting the interiors.