in most peoples minds reveals an association with a historical mining town. Most tourists recall traditional school trips. Thousands of students visit Štiavnica even today. The reason is that Banská Štiavnica is a place, which clearly documents meaning of word such is „rich“, „historical“ or „mining“. Unforgettable ambience has been created over centuries of hard work of our fathers, and has left a message to our generation and generations of our children. The message is sometimes clearly exposed, sometimes well hidden in various corners of this scenic little town.
many people think of gold and silver. These precious metals have brought Banská Štiavnica to its fortune and fame. The power of these two metals brought to this - previously unknown - territory Celtic explorers, in search of gold and silver. Archaeological treasures found in Banská Štiavnica document this part of our history.
There is a famous story on how the town was established. Its main character is a shepherd, which was guiding its sheep through meadows overlooking a valley that is today a center of Banská Štiavnica. Suddenly, the shepherd noticed something shining, moving through the grass. As he approached the shining mystery, he noticed two lizards – one of them covered with golden powder, the second one covered with silver powder. When lizards noticed the shepherd, they ran away and hidden themselves under a rock. The shepherd followed both lizards, and under the rock he discovered rich deposit of gold and silver. This mysterious story has spread very fast, and brought hundreds of new settlers into Štiavnica territory. Both lizards found their way to the court of the arms of the royal city of Banská Štiavnica, and have had accompanied people of Banská Štiavnica for centuries....
some people think of traditional mining settlement in the center of the town. This settlement has started to form as early as in 13 th century, when Banská Štiavnica already had belonged to important urban centers. One of proofs that document this statement is a historical fact that the town has received urban status and special rights no later than 1238. Among interesting historical artifact belongs urban seal from 1275, which is the oldest one in the World featuring mining symbols. During this period there were already existing predecessors of what we know today as the „Old Castle“ (The Church of Virgin Mary) and the Church of St. Nicolas.
a few people perhaps recall various catastrophes. People in this town have survived dozens of them. Among the most tragic ones belonged wars and an earthquake, which put a scar on Štiavnica during the years 1442-1443. The destruction caused by the rampage and forces of quake have had changed life of the town, as well as plans for its expansion ever since. Wars, fire, black plague diseases, quakes were not the only destructive natural forces which put affecting people in the town and its vicinity throughout its history.
The deeper were miners digging into the ground, the more and more dangerous encounters with underground water were they facing. Water was the key reason for the first experimental utilization of gun-powder for mining purposes in 1627. During 16 th and 17 th century, even though there was still a plenty of gold and silver in their underground deposits, voices advocating for the closure of mines were adding up. Water accumulating deep in mines was a problem too difficult to solve....until an idea stroke a mind of J. K. Hell – the Chief Mining Machine-master. Mr. Hell and his devotee Samuel Mikovínyi had saved Štiavnica mining industry by creating a water pumping mechanism, which was powered by ground water accumulated in unique system of 60 water reservoirs and tens of kilometers of channels. About 22 of these man-made reservoirs have survived till today, and are popular destination for fishing and water sports enthusiasts.
for many this means rich architectural treasure. Visitor can find here fragments, or even perfect samples of all architectural forms and styles – ranging from Romanesque till Classicist style. During the 18 th century – thanks to expansion of mining in Štiavnica area, many valuable Baroque monuments were constructed. One of the most monumental is the Calvary complex which has been overlooking the town from a hill nearby. And more: Famous symbol of the Renaissance era - The New Castle; the memorial of the black plague disease – the Holly Trinity Statue; the Knocking Tower - notification facility for miners, or small houses of poor miners spread around the valley – who would not fall in love with Banská Štiavnica? The vast choice of architectural monuments is so rich that everyone will find his favorite sight among them.
many recall their years of studies. Banská Štiavnica is and has been a town of students. The most outstanding one was the first mining academy in the World, established in 1762 by the emperor Maria Theresa as first educational establishment of its type. After the academy was moved to Hungary in 1918, the students traditions continue in high schools which are well known till today. During the centuries, variety of outstanding personalities of Slovak history had studied in Banská Štiavnica, among them also writers and poets A. Sládkovič, S. Petoffi, M. Hattala, P. Dobšinský, J. Botto, A. Hykisch and many others....
tourists imagine a paradise, offered to them by the natural beauty of Banská Štiavnica landscape protected area. Vast array of hiking paths, great opportunities for biking or cross country skiing, well protected environmental and technical monuments – all this is just a fragment of an offer that no tourist can turn down...And after an enjoyable hike, there comes bathing in water reservoirs, good food and accommodation. For those who prefer winter travel maintaining of cross-country trails becomes a good tradition, and apres-ski – bathing in natural cave in highly mineralized thermal water is the great choice. Banská Štiavnica does not sleep in winter.
no one should forget about what the whole region has to offer. Who would not want to know beautiful chateau in St. Anton, just 6 km away from Banská Štiavnica? The chateau with its amazing park and forestry museum are favorite destinations for both local inhabitants and tourists. Scenic villages around the town offer numerous possibilities for relax in clean, natural environmental full of unexpected beauty. It is worth to travel to Banská Štiavnica vicinity and visit its neighboring villages – you will be thrilled to discover what they have to offer.
we can not forget of inscription of the town and its treasures into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. This special recognition has helped to recognize the Štiavnica' s region as area with a great potential for a tourism development. The main motivation for the inscription were well preserved technical monuments, which together with natural beauty of the region form a unique scenery – in the harmony of a natural environment and a human activity.
In simple words – when you say „Banská Štiavnica“, you will always hear about a place that is well worth the visit. Whenever you will come, you will not want to leave until you do know more. And we will guarantee to you, that it will always take you a long time to explore the beauty of our region. We are looking for your visit a place, in which there is always something happening!
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