The town is situated in Hornád Valley and is surrounded with headlands of Levoča Hills and Spiš-Gemer Iron Mountains. Despite the fact that the archaeological findings come just of 8th century, the first written notice regarding „Villa Nova“ comes from 1268. The community of Nová Ves (New Village) was established by German colonists, and, with connection of older Slavonic seats and these German ones, there was created a town, having many privileges, which secured local citizens the law for their autonomy and certain advantages in judicature area.

The economic development of the town was secured by great afforested area, where rich finding places of iron and copper ores were to be found. So, metal-founder and  bell-founder local workshop of Master Gaal became well-known from this reason. In 1876, Spišska Nová Ves obtained a position of mining town. During this time period, a development of foundry industry was arriving. All these events, described above, had also the consequences in construction of Košice-Bohumín railway.

As main dominanta and most valuable monument of the town, it is Roma-Catholic Church of  Blessed Virgin Mary, placed in the city centre. This building could be proud on the highest church tower in Slovakia, 87 metres high.

This tower has seven clock dial-plates, driven ahead, together will all bells, by the only clock-machine. Tourist information centre is organitzing the mounting to the top of the tower. The other church, Protestant one, coming from 1790-1796, in classical style, is situated on the square. City centre is also characterized, from its north part, with so called „Provincial House“, including well-known Levoča Gate. This house was in past local town hall. At present, you find there Spiš Museum.

On the square, the tourists could admire Reduta Building with powerful entrance portal, constructed in Art Deco style. At present, it is a seat of Spiš Theatre and Town´s Cultural Centre, where various social events are organized. On the other hand, local cultural life is secured with another offices, such as Spiš Artists´ Gallery, Spiš Culture Centre or Spiš Library. No distress could be made, as far as sporting activities are concerned. This fact enable winter sport stadium, sport hall, swimming pool, football playground or horse-riding area and lawn - tennis courts. In suburbs, ZOO-garden, sport airport and Rittenberg ski-area. are to be found. During summer months, so called Spiš Markets are organized regularly there. Many merchants offer their products on the square.

This advantageous position of the town enables to realize another tourist activities. The interesting persons as well as the enthusiasts can know (recognize) the beauties of Slovak Paradise, High Tatra Mountains or the next attractive places of interest.

Text: Karin Bogschová

Translation. ing. Jan Jonáš

Source: www.spisskanovaves.eu

Photo: Karin Bogschová, flickr.com