Banská Bystrica Region

7 wonders of the Banská Bystrica Region

The inhabitants of Banská Bystrica region have voted for following 7 wonders of the Region.

Zobraziť 7 divov Banskobystrickeho kraja na väčšej mape

1. Pustý hrad  (deserted castle) - castle ruins

First time documented in the Gesta Hungarorum  - in the chronicle written from one unknown notary of the Hungarian king, he is generally cited as Anonymous. The chronicle was written about  1200. The 76.000 m2 big area was populated already in Bronze Age. During the Kingdom of Hungary it became for certain time a centre of the administrative county (comitatius Zoliensis). Originally were there 2 castles   - the Upper Castle and the Lower Castle. The oldest building is the residential tower from middle of 12th century.  In 13th century was the large area fully fortified. Further followed the Gothic modernisation at the end of 13th and beginn of 14th century. Today takes there the archaeological research place. 

2. Hronský Beňadik - Monastery

The former Benedict abbey. It was founded by Hungarian King Geza I. In  1.075 under the name Monasterium Ecclesia Sancti Benedicti.  Because of strategic location was the monastery in 1530 fully fortified against the Ottomans with corner towers wih cannons. In that time the monastery has belonged to Archdiocese of Esztergom. In 18th century was the monastery adapted to the needs of Archdiocese. From that time is dated the barocque wing of the building. The monastery church is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the Slovakia. Many architectural details indicate knowledges about art of the Parler family Nuremberg and Prague and work of stonemasons lodge at the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. Foto - Impresie Hronský Beňadik

3. Banská Štiavnica

The town and its surroundings were proclaimed by UNESCO to be a Word Heritage Site since 1993 . Description see Banská Štiavnica . Foto - Impresie Banská Štiavnica

4. Čierny Hron Railway (Čiernohronská železnička)

The narrow gauge (760 mm) forest railway has been opened in 1909  (it is more than 100 years old) and was used for wood transport. In the past  the railway net had many branches leading through Čierny Hron valleys. At the present time exists railway only thanks to enthusiasts and is used for tourists.   During summer season from 1.5. till 15.9. move the train according time schedule on the reconstructed train line from Chvatimech to Čierny Balog and in  Vydrovo valley (Vydrovská dolina) - together 14 km. The transport is provided with steam locomotives, diesel-electric locomotives, historical coaches. The railway belongs to the state cultural monuments. Pictures - www.chz.sk/foto.htm

5. Špania dolina

  Picturesque village in the mountains with rich mining tradition, well known also because of the beautiful bobbin lace made in this village.  Description Špania Dolina   , Foto - Impresie - Špania Dolina

6. Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa v Kremnici)

        The Kremnica Mint is one of the oldest continuos manufactoring company in the world. The Mint was founded by Hungarian king Charles I. Robert of Anjou on 17.11.1328  and since that time work the mint continuos. The mint produces not only coins, but also medals, plaques, badges,official and distinctive marks, tie clips, key chains, insignias with chain, tags and business cards. Material used at this production are gold, silver, brass, copper and aluminium in various surface designs, shapes and sizes. It is possible to visit the Mint - the tour is divided into 2 parts - Old Mint and New Mint. In the Old Mint there are also some machines with mark Vulkan, which are over 100 years old and they work till today. Description Kremnica  , Foto -Impresie Kremnica

7. Wooden Articular Church in Hronsek

The wooden Articular Church in Hronsek is since 2008 listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Description - Wooden Church in Hronsek , Foto - Impresie - Drevený artikulárny kostol v Hronseku + kaštieľ