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SLOVAKIA - ŠTIAVNICKÉ VRCHY - The Region around Banska Stiavnica

Place where not only nature grab your attention

Stiavnicke vrchy mountains are the biggest volcanic mountains in the Western Carpathian Mountains. They spread on two different climatic types of what the evidence is a horizontal and vertical overlapping of thermophilic flora and fauna types with montainy carpathians types. The other characteristical feature of Stiavnicke vrchy mountains is their rich mining history documented by unique technical monuments and also by an idiomatic regional style. By appearance and number of minerals there is no such a similar region in Central Europe. The region is also rich for mineral springs. Only in a village of Sklene Teplice itself, rises 12 healing springs.

The region is famous for its unique mining hydro-system. There used to be over 120 reservoirs and ditch network of approximately 130 km. These artificial lakes are now very popular among holiday-makers. Surrounded by the hilly landscape and picturesque scenery of the Štiavnické vrchy mountains (Sitno is the highest mountain with the altitude of 1009 metres above sea level) they provide a wonderful resort. The Štiavnické vrchy mountains offer a network of walking routes leading through areas full of historical remnants (mining tunnels and surface mining areas) but, first of all, with marvellous flora and fauna.

Banská Štiavnica - a visible record of architecture, history and ecology.

In the heart of Stiavnicke vrchy mountains a town with a glorious history was built. From the very beginning this town – Banska Stiavnica had been closely connected with mining. From the 13th to the 18th century the Banská Štiavnica ore-field was among the richest in Europe – producing both silver and gold. In the 18th century Banská Štiavnica had its heyday. Silver and gold ore proceeds were highest in 1740 (600 kg of gold, 23 000 kg of silver). And together with economic and technological development the town experienced a great boom of culture and property development. Numerous houses were rebuilt lavishly and the town became gradually a real centre of social and cultural life. In the 18th century it boasted of the third largest population in the whole Hungarian Empire.

Today, Banská Štiavnica serves the world’s cultural public as a visible record of architecture, history, and ecology. Visitors of the town and its surroundings can directly study the developments of architectural styles and the influence of more than thousand years of the influx of settlers in the region. The museums and archives of Banská Štiavnica contain exceptional materials documenting the history of the town and its overall importance to world civilisation. Banská Štiavnica itself is tangible and difficult to overlook proof of the creative work of man against the background of the incredibly valuable symbiosis between man and nature.

Attractions in a close neighbourhood:

Banska Stiavnica

The Open – Air Mining Museum - Just 1 km outside the town. An attractive exposition placed in former mediaeval mines. Follow the underground path, through old galleries, where silver and gold were exploited. On the surface is an exhibition of mining architecture and machines.

The Mining exhibition – Kammerhof - The largest complex of historical buildings. Former seat of chamber counts. Nowadays houses an exhibition concerning everything about mining as well as an exhibition of Slovak art.

The Mineral exposition - Beautiful minerals from all over the world. In the court yard there is old mining gallery.

The Old Castle ( 13th – 18th century ) - Jewel of mediaeval architecture. Exposition of sacral art,world famous tobacco pipes from Stiavnica as well as smith´s art and baroque sculptures.

The New Castle ( former fortress ) - Historical exposition on the wars against the Turks in Slovakia, unforgettable panoramatic view of the town.

The Jozef Kollar Gallery - Art from the 13th to 20th century, paintings , sculptures, precious gothic sculptures and paintings from Master M.S..

The Svätý Anton Manor House - Svaty Anton is 5 km from the town Banska Stiavnica. Manor house – former country seat of Bulgarian Tsar, exciting hunting and art exhibition.

Hodrusa Hamre

Baňa Všechsvätých (Mine of All Saints) – The exposition of different styles of mining.

Sklene Teplice

Spa with thermal mineral springs. Healing effects on locomotive organs and nerve diseases.(caves steam spa)

Vyhne

Spa and historical village.

Šašovské Podhradie

Ruins of Šašov royal castle.

Many hiking and cycling tracks lead along many natural jewels of the region. (as Bralce, Kamenne more, Kamenny jarok, Kapitulske brala,…) Water reservoirs offer a chance for swimming and water sports. For swimming there are thermal pools in Sklene Teplice and Vyhne as well as inside swimming pools in Banska Stiavnica and Vyhne.

There are same small ski tracks directly in the region and for advanced skiing there are tracks in Kremnicke vrchy mountains and Velka Fatra mountains.