What to do and see in Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia: The Best Places and Tips

The Old Castle - whose origins reach back to the early 13th century - is a review of all existing architectural styles by itself . Originally an Romanesque Chapel of St. Michal built by the community of miners was in the period of Turkish invasion in the 16th century fortified with walls, bastions and towers – and from that time it was used for military purposes. In modern times Old castle was used as a police station, an ice – stock, a town’s archive and library even as a gym! A museum since 1900 offers archaeological exhibition, Exhibitions of tobacco pipes manufacture (a famous craft of Banska Stiavnica), blacksmithing, Baroque sculptures, old interior watches, torture devices, gun dartboards, Exhibitions “The miners are coming”, “Calvary in exile” and more. The baroques tower offers magnificent view of the city.

The baroque-classicist manor house in Svaty Anton (St. Anton) was built at the route connecting Southern Balkan with Cracow and northern Baltic Sea. Inspired by the symbolic of the calendar, the building has 4 entrances, 7 arcades, 12 chimneys, 52 rooms and 365 windows. A number of famous European architects and artists participated in its building and decorating. The Kohary and Coburg families made an essential contribution to the history of the manor house. Here, they concentrated beautiful pieces of furniture, artwork and crafts from all around the world. Elderly people in the village still remember its last user - Bulgarian Tsar (emperor) Ferdinand Coburg, who lived here in exile until 1944. The manor house is a museum of art, history and hunting.

The Mining Open – Air Museum with 40 000 visitors a year is one of the most popular sites in the region. On the ground the exposition shows old mining buildings, equipment, machines and geological history. Millions years ago here was the biggest volcano in Middle Europe. The most interesting part is the mine. Equipped with helmet, mining coat and lamp, you will go 60 meters deep and during a 1,5 km walk learn about the hard work of miners from Middle Age until the end of the 20th century.

The main town square was formed at the beginning of the 16th century and today it is the core of the town. The Town Hall and the St. Catherine church, rich burgers palaces on the square sides and the plague column with of the Holy Trinity statuary form one of the city´s architectural highlights.

The New castle overlooking the city used be part of the fortification system and one of the important watchtowers. Nowadays it explains the history of the Turkish invasions in the 16th century and its influence on the life of mining towns. The life – size sculpture of Turks by Dionysos Stanetti and the weapons belong to the most attractive artefacts. By the way, such as tempting target as Stiavnica – the Silver city - was never conquered.

Centuries of mining brought intensive use of wood and surrounding Forests came to its limits. This - among aesthetical values - was the reason why the Botanical garden was established in 1838 on the ground of Mining Academy. Would exotic plants adapt and grow fast enough in Middle Europe climate? More than 250 different kinds of domestic and exotic plants make the scenery. Lean on our Giant Sequoia or Lebanese Cedar to refuel energy or just sit on the bench and relax.

Free information about the town and its surroundings, museums and galleries and events. Database of accommodation facilities and transport. Guided tours upon request. Free Wi-Fi zone.

In the highest point of Štiavnické vrchy with an excellent orbital outlook to all cardinal points. For its imposing location it creates a significant land dominating point. Changing of the Panonian and Carpathian flora is characteristic for this region. There are several protected plant and animal species here. The peak itself was inhabited already in prehistoric ages. During archeological works a huge Lužice stronghold was dicovered here. The medieval castle belonged to Koháry family, later to Coburg family. Sitno and its environs is considerd a birthplace of European tourism in moderate locations. Observation tower at the foot of the peak is in operation from Mai to September, at the same time it operates as information centre and also exposition of CHKO (Nature reserve) is located here.