Banská Štiavnica – historical city in Štiavnické vrchy (Stiavnica Mountains) is one of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia. Since 1993 Banská Štiavnica is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage with it surroundings. The city is couple of kilometres south-west of Zvolen, what makes it a great trip destination from any part of Slovakia. When traveling from Bratislava you might be there in less than 2 hours thanks to new R1 highway. We spent only couple of hours in Banská Štiavnice but the little town really is worth visiting. If you plan to stay in the middle of Slovakia and enjoy the nice countryside, there is plenty of hotels and accomodations near Banská Bystrica.
We enjoyed the view of Plaza Of Saint Trio (Námestie svätej Trojice)
Plaza in front of Town Hall (Radničné námestie) and New Castle (Nový zámok)
We saw mining tools, equipment and learned something about history of mining in Štôlňa Michal, which offers short walk through 75 m long tunnel and costs only 0,5€ per person. If you want to dig deeper, you have to visit official mining museum in Štôlňa Bartomolej. It is one of the most important mining expositions in Europe. You will have chance to feel it yourself. The moisture in the air, yellow helmet on your head and battery in hand. Lot of historical tools and English speaking guides offer great experience for all age categories.
We had been lucky to even see a nice rainbow over the Calvary.
If you belong to the romantic souls you will have chance to express your love by with a lock near the house of one of the Slovak author´s platonic love – Marína.
The area offers much more than mining and nice historical buildings. Fot welness fans there are plenty of spas nearby Dudince, Sklené Teplice and Vyhne. If you prefer hiking you should go to Štiavnické vrchy and visit – Sitno.
