In the central region of the country is the town of Banska Stiavnica. The main monument there is the Old Castle, which dates from the 13th century, built in Gothic style. Within it stands the Slovak mining museum, and the castle itself provides a great view of the town. The castle was built to defend the Slavs from both the Germans and the Asian tribes to the east.
Banska Stiavnica Information Center
Námestie sv. Trojice 6
969 01 Banská Štiavnica
Phone: +421 (0) 45/ 694 96 53, +421 (0) 45/ 692 05
www.banskastiavnica.sk
Bardejov, a medieval town in northeast Slovakia, contains the church of St. Egidius, a Gothic-style cathedral built in the late 15th century. This is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, with many sculptures. In addition, there is also the town hall, itself a monument to the town's past, built in the 16th century. For those interested in Gothic architecture, Badejov should be the main destination.
Tourist Information Office
Radničné námestie 21
085 01 Bardejov
Phone: +421 (0) 54/ 474 40 03
www.tik-bardejov.sk
In western Slovakia stands Trnava, which tourists visit because of its monuments and sacred art. The main monument is the Gothic-style Town Tower, built in 1574, which gives an excellent view of the town. In addition, the Renaissance-era St. Nicholas cathedral is a sacred monument that draws many tourists. In 1238, Trnava was the first Slovak town to be granted municipal freedoms and trading liberties under the Hungarian empire.
Tourist Information Center
Trojičné námestie 1
917 01 Trnava
Phone: +421 (0) 33/323 64 40
www.trnava.sk
Situated in the far west of the country, Nitra Castle is the town of Nitra's main 12th century monument. From the same era here is also the church of St. Emeram. Both of these monuments are built in the Gothic style and represent the best of the high Middle Ages among the western Slavs.
Nitra Tourist Information
Phone: +421 (0) 37/16 186, 741 09 06
Štefánikova 1
949 01 Nitra
www.nitra.sk
Podolinec lies in the far north of the country. This is very much the Renaissance enthusiast's destination. The main monument is the church of the Ascension of the Virgin, built in the 13th century, with later Renaissance additions. Therefore, like so many other monuments in the country, it is eclectic, including Gothic and Renaissance styles in a single building. It is surrounded by middle class homes of roughly 15th century vintage.
Tourist Information Center
Nám. sv. Mikuláša 21
064 01 Stará Ľubovňa
www.marmon.sk
