SK, Kysucké Nové Mesto: The Oldest Town in the Kysuce - VIDEO

Since its foundation, it has changed its name several times, until 1920 when it was given its current name. This small and formerly large, bustling, but also quiet town was granted market rights as early as 1325. Later on, the town rights were regularly extended and the inhabitants were mainly engaged in agriculture, sheep breeding, trade and crafts.

Kysucké Nové Mesto has been shaping its present form for centuries, but the biggest and fastest changes took place after World War II. The importance of the town grew after 1950, when the Precision Engineering Plants (later ZVL) were established, which provided jobs for thousands of Kysuceans and started significant changes in the town. During this period, new housing estates, schools, offices, shops, sports facilities and much more were built.

However, the most interesting thing for the visitor is the preserved historic town core formed around two parallel streets and lined with townhouses that meet at the central Svobody Square. The architectural and historical complex has been declared a conservation area since 1991.

If you go sightseeing, you must not miss the Church of St. James, which was dedicated to the patron saint of the parish as early as the end of the 13th century. Over the centuries there have been several fires which have affected its appearance. The present neo-Romanesque style dates from 1906. The valuable interior consists of a Baroque altar, a wood carving of Calvary from the 18th century or a sculpture of Christ in white marble. The crypt is located under the church and a Baroque sandstone cross from 1796 stands right in front of it. At the bottom of the cross are sculptures depicting souls in purgatory and the inscription.

The second Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which was originally built from a chapel built in 1738 - 1746, is also interesting. Another unusual building is the Pastoral Centre with a statue of Don Bosco. 

But let's return to the centre of the town's conservation area, where there is a sandstone statue of St. John of Nepomuk from 1761. You will also come across the so-called Panský dom, which used to be the town's courthouse and was the seat of the town court. Nowadays it houses various organisations and a hotel. At the splendid historical building, now a pharmacy, we come to the Town House No. 195 on Belanského Street. The building is a testimony to the oldest historical building in the town.

The two-storey Renaissance building of the Brewery on a square plan from 1650 - 1670 is also remarkable. If you move to the city park, you will discover a monument commemorating the untouched graves, as there was once a cemetery on this site. There is also a statue of the Divine Mercy.

Among the more modern monuments or attractions you can find here, for example, a bench in the shape of an open book (Ulica CSA), which was donated to Kysucké Nové Město by the partner town of Gogolin.  Their pages depict a maiden in simple folk dress with the breathtaking Kysuce countryside in the background. If you want to know more about the bench, scan the QR code and listen to its story.

We must also remember another bench dedicated to love (near the upper church). Here, lovers can declare their love by placing a lock on one of the wrought iron bars or a message placed in a prepared heart-shaped container and enjoy their time together on this bench.

Of course, there are many more interesting buildings, such as Radola Chateau or other sights in the centre and beyond. You can read about them HERE. Simply the oldest historical town of Kysuce is definitely worth seeing.

GPS: 49°18'18.7"N 18°47'17.1"E

Text, photos, video: Pavol Jemala, Slovensko zdola

Music: Pixabay.com; Reflected Light - 147979