Accommodation in Banská Štiavnica: UNESCO World Heritage and Mining History

Culture

Several architectural and artistic periods meet at the Starý zámok: the complex combines a Romanesque basilica, Gothic elements, a Renaissance fortress and Baroque art. The same building houses the archaeological exhibition “Baníci prichádzajú…”. The Nový zámok complements this historical picture as a Renaissance fortress built between 1564 and 1571 against the Ottomans, while also serving as a watchtower. Its exhibition covers the military situation and the armaments of the fortresses built against the Ottomans. Weapons of the Hungarian and Turkish armies, as well as painted shooting targets, are also on display.

The Calvary of Banská Štiavnica is also part of the town’s cultural profile. It is a Baroque sacred complex connected with its natural surroundings. Another historical link is preserved at the Dedičná štôlňa Glanzenberg, where a commemorative plaque marks the visit of Emperor Francis Stephen of Lorraine in 1751.

History

The mining history can be explored at several sites, each with a different focus. The historic Kammerhof is a visitor attraction where the development of Slovak mining, from archaeological finds to modern technologies, is presented. The exhibition there showcases mining work from the earliest archaeological finds through to the 20th century.

The Banské múzeum v prírode is located about 1 km from the town centre, below the Tajch Klinger, and offers tours of original mine workings. It presents the development of ore mining in Central Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century. The underground exhibition includes a horse-powered Gápel. This is the only surviving hoisting machine of this type in Slovakia powered by a cable-pulling mechanism for a mine lift. The Dedičná štôlňa Glanzenberg also has an accessible section that is 500 m long and reaches a depth of 32 m.

Nature

The Štiavnické Vrchy Protected Landscape Area protects the natural surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage site to which Banská Štiavnica belongs. Under Act No. 543/2002 Coll., it forms a buffer zone covering 62,128 ha. Water is also part of the landscape around the town: the Tajch Klinger is among the reservoirs closest to the town centre of Banská Štiavnica.

Several educational trails connect this landscape with geological and town-related impressions. The Milan Kapusta educational trail passes by the Tajch Ottergrund and offers views of Banská Štiavnica and its distinctive buildings. Along the Terézia ore vein, it is laid out as an easy 6.1 km hiking trail and starts at the Červená studňa saddle.

The Kysihýbel educational trail is also an easy route. It is 6.5 km long and begins about 400 m beyond the town sign at the end of Banská Štiavnica. The route leads to the Feismantel Garden and passes a red rhyolite quarry and an underground andesite quarry.

Getting Around

The main sights in the centre of Banská Štiavnica can be visited on foot. Expect hilly terrain in the historic centre. The starting point of the Milan Kapusta educational trail at Červená studňa can be reached on foot from Trinity Square in about 45 minutes via a green-marked route covering approximately 1.5 km.

The Informačné centrum Banská Štiavnica provides information about the town and free basic maps. The information centre also provides information about cultural monuments, museums, exhibitions, events and excursion tips. For other destinations, you can go directly to the following places: Banska Bela, Banský Studenec, Vysoká, Štiavnické Bane, Ilija, Dekýš, Svätý Anton.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Banská Štiavnica.