SK, Banska Stiavnica: Ancient Beauty Set in Nature – VIDEO

This pIcturesque town is sitauted in the middle of collapsed Stiavnice stratovolcano. Since ever it has been linked to precious metal mining, mostly silver. This mining town also includes churches, chateaus, palaces, burgher and miners' houses lining narrow streets and roads with hundreds of steps. Their unique beauty made it to the UNESCO's World Cultural and Nature Heritage.

Step by step, we introduce you to the most interesting and rarest sights in the city. We also take a peak into the surroundings and tell you of some events taking place there. Let's start with the chateau.

There are two chateaus in Banska Stiavnica. The old chateau is situated in the city center on the slopes of Paradajs hill. It is the oldest landmark in the city. There you can visit the church tower walk on the ramparts, see the pipe workshop, or smith's exposition. The Novy chateau is only several meters from here. It is a watch castle built to prevent Turkish raids. This Renaissance structure includes four bastions and embrasures resembling a missile. Inside, there is an exposition on campaigns against the Turks. The highest floor is a scenic patform.

If love the panoramas you must visit Calvary,another unique landmark in Banska Stiavnica. This Baroque-style sacral compound consists of chapels and churches all situated on Scharfenberg, a cylindrical hill. On the top, you get amazing natural panorama.

Back in the city center you must visit The Holy Trinity Sqaure. Its main feature is unique Holy Trinity column in the center of it. The square is lined by burghers' houses.  There is mineral exposition you need to see. St Catherine's, a late Gothic church is situated close from here. Behind the church, there is a town hall with hands replaced. Should you continue furhter down the main street you will pass by beautiful historic buildings. Moreover, you will see the so called Trotuar, an unusually highly elevated sidewalk. There are stores and restaurants in these buildings. Enjoy some good lunch or a cup of coffee there.

Once you get rested visit another impressive structure – Kammerhof. There you learn about the history of mining in Slovakia. Then move on to the Mining Academy. This one was the very first institution of its kind in the world. In the botanical garden. Huge sekvoya trees or Japanese cedar trees are some of the things you can see there.

If you want more experience more than just mining and the history of it go to the Mining Museum, an open air museum in nature. You can try mining on your own in an actual mine. Perhaps visit local mines or teichs, which are nature pools in summer. Ponds around here are great place for ice skating in winter.

Game enthusiasts should visit a little chateau and a museum in Svaty Anton. Tourists will appreciate hike up to the legendary Sitno. There used to be a castle. Pocuvadlianske Lake is situated down below. Bikers can enjoy great local biking trails.

Banska Stiavnica is persistently vibrant city where many cultural events happen the highlight of which are the Salamander's Days, the Days of St Hubertus, 4 Elements, "Goose Bumps" and others. So, if you love places crowded by tourists so plan a trip for the time some event is happening there. If you want to enjoy romance through ancient mining town be sure to travel there off the season.

GPS: 48°27'34.2"N 18°53'33.4"E
Text: Oskár Mažgút
Video and photos: Jozef Dovičin
Music: Keep Going – Myuu