Banská Štiavnica is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in Slovakia. This reputation is due to its unique architecture, stunning natural scenery, and the one-of-a-kind system of artificial lakes called tajchy, which now serve as refreshing swimming spots for visitors. What can you see and experience in Banská Štiavnica? Here are tips on attractions, natural wonders, and experiences.
The most beautiful monuments of enchanting Štiavnica
One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is undoubtedly the Old Castle. Originally a medieval fortress built in the 13th century, it served as a defensive stronghold against Turkish invasions. Today, the castle is a museum where you can explore exhibits on the town’s history and mining heritage. Its massive tower offers a breathtaking view of the entire town. The castle also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals.
About 750 meters from the Old Castle, near the Jewish cemetery, lies the New Castle, also known as the Virgin Castle. Built in the 16th century as part of the defensive system against the Turks, it is situated on a hill overlooking the town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Today, it serves as a museum featuring exhibits focused on Turkish invasions and the military history of the region. The interior includes a display of historical weapons and militaristic artifacts.
Perhaps the most photogenic part of Štiavnica is the Calvary. This iconic Baroque monument from the 18th century is located on Scharffenberg Hill. It consists of three churches and 22 chapels that depict scenes from the Stations of the Cross. The Calvary is a popular pilgrimage site, and on clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kremnické Hills and the Low Tatras.
Another significant religious building is the Church of St. Catherine, known as the Town Church. This Gothic church, built in the 15th century, is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of miners. The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and altars that showcase the artistic mastery of the time. You can find it between the Town Hall Square and the Holy Trinity Square.
Holy trinity square – the heart of Štiavnica
Holy Trinity Square is the heart of the historic center of Banská Štiavnica and one of the most beautiful squares in Slovakia. The square’s dominant feature is the Baroque Plague Column of the Holy Trinity, erected in the 18th century in memory of plague victims. The square is surrounded by numerous historical buildings, including the town hall, bourgeois houses, and churches. It is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists, and various markets, festivals, and events are often held here. Come, sit down with a cup of coffee, and take your time – Banská Štiavnica deserves it.
Unique Tajchy
You have likely heard of, and the lucky ones among you might have even swum in, the beautiful artificial lakes of Banská Štiavnica. The system of tajchy in Banská Štiavnica is an exceptional engineering feat unmatched not only in Slovakia but also in Europe. These artificial reservoirs were originally built to supply water to the mines and smelting plants in the mountainous mining environment, where water shortages were common. Engineers Samuel Mikovíni and the Hell brothers designed and implemented this sophisticated system in the 18th century, collecting rainwater flowing down the mountain slopes and directing it into the reservoirs. Originally, about 60 tajchy were built in the Štiavnica Mountains, of which approximately one-third have been preserved.
Today, the tajchy no longer serve their original purpose but have become popular recreational and relaxation spots. Počúvadlo Lake, covering an area of 11.73 hectares, is the largest and most beautiful tajch, ideal for swimming and camping. The highest tajch is Ottergrund Lake, located on the eastern slope of Paradajs Mountain at an altitude of 939 meters. The water in the tajchy is usually cold, but the beautiful nature around compensates for the chattering teeth.
Nature, culture, and experiences for children
The surroundings of Štiavnica are perfect for nature lovers. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts can enjoy walks through the picturesque Štiavnica Mountains and the surrounding forests, where they will find well-marked trails and cycle paths. For those who enjoy swimming, the tajchy offer refreshing spots to cool down on hot summer days.
Banská Štiavnica is also rich in cultural events, including various festivals, concerts, and exhibitions held throughout the year. Well-known events include the Salamander Days, the Festival of Beautiful Music, the 4 Elements Festival, and the Living Chess Festival.
For families with children, there are interactive museums and educational programs, such as the Open-Air Mining Museum, where children can experience the life of miners firsthand. You can also visit the Banská Štiavnica Wooden Nativity Scene or the TERRA PERMONIA Creative Workshops with the little ones.
A top experience will be a visit to the Maximilian Hell Primary School with a kindergarten, the first in the world to teach falconry as a mandatory subject. The school includes the unique Aves Nature Park, where students, in collaboration with teachers, breed various birds of prey, such as owls and spectacled caimans. You can see exotic birds, green iguanas, tamarins, and beautiful fish here. The guides are the children themselves, and they do an excellent job!
Nature lovers will appreciate the educational trails Padajs and Kisyhýbel, as well as the local arboretum, also known as the Feistmantel Garden. Here, you can admire 282 species of trees, including cork trees and massive sequoias. If you are in good shape and not afraid of climbing, you can ascend Sitno, the highest peak of the Štiavnica Mountains.
Restoration of Banská Štiavnica after the fire
After the devastating fire in 2023 that struck the historic center of Banská Štiavnica, the town lost several significant historical buildings. The flames destroyed the famous Bank of Love, the neighboring restaurant building, the roof of the Mining Museum, and several other buildings. In total, seven buildings were affected.
The reconstruction of Banská Štiavnica after the devastating fire in 2023 is being carried out with the cooperation of the town, conservationists, and experts in historical architecture. The work done so far has focused primarily on restoring the ancient town hall and unique bourgeois houses. Traditional craft techniques and materials are used to preserve the historical character of the buildings. The town has also received support from national and European funds. However, life has not fully returned to the damaged buildings yet. It is estimated that this could happen in 2025, or possibly later.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for Banská Štiavnica to regain its shine and glory. The most romantic town in Slovakia, which in 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, certainly deserves it.