Košice (Kaschau) is the second-largest city in Slovakia and also the center of Eastern Slovakia. Visit one of the most historic cities in Slovakia and discover remnants from various eras. The incredible history of the city dates back to the year 1230.
The Hlavná Ulica (Main Street) is the historic center of the city and connects the impressive landmarks of Košice. From this street, admire medieval towers or visit one of the museums. The pedestrian zone stretches 1.2 kilometers (from Maratónu-Mieru Square to Osloboditelov Square) and served particularly in the Middle Ages as the main square of Košice. It combines different styles from past times and gives you the chance to admire masterpieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, or Art Nouveau. The Lower Gate is also located here, an underground complex that allows you to enter the city's fortifications from the 13th century.
Along the way, you will encounter various landmarks of the city. Catch a glimpse of the St. Elizabeth Cathedral and explore the singing fountain behind the cathedral, which plays songs like "Yesterday" by The Beatles with its carillon. If you are a music enthusiast, the State Theatre might also be very promising for you. Enjoy a ballet, theater, or opera performance. Besides the St. Elizabeth Cathedral, you can find the St. Michael's Chapel and the Urban Tower (Bell Tower). Discover the interesting history of the Urban Tower.
Also worth seeing are the imposing noble palaces and stately houses. Admire the Andrássy Palace and the Csáky-Dezsőfi Palace. Here, you can also find art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
The Main Street is only a 10-minute walk from the city's train station, and a visit is worth it at any time of the day! Below, we provide you with more detailed information about some of the wonderful sights in Košice.
The St. Elizabeth Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth, is located in the heart of Košice and shines in its Gothic splendor. It is not only the largest church in Slovakia but also the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe. A landmark you shouldn't miss. Moreover, the imposing building has enough space for everyone! Up to 5,000 people can fit into this religious and cultural center of the city.
Historical Background
The church dates back to the 11th century when a Romanesque church dedicated to St. Michael was built. This church was later transformed into a Gothic-style church. However, the construction of the cathedral we know today only began around 1380 after a destructive fire, which prompted the need for a new church. The aim was to create something magnificent, worthy of the prosperity of the city of Košice. But it wasn't just about the idea; the construction of the cathedral took more than a century, approximately until 1490.
Architecture
The St. Elizabeth Cathedral is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The impressive building is characterized by its unique layout, consisting of an altar, five aisles, two towers, a sacristy with an upper floor, two chapels, and a southern vestibule. The design of the various rooms forms a Greek cross with the central nave and the four side aisles, together with the transept.
The bell tower named Urban Tower was named after St. Urban (patron saint of winemakers). In Košice, it is also known by its Slovak name, Urbanova veža, and represents an important historical landmark. Visit this imposing bell tower located right next to the St. Elizabeth Cathedral! Travel back in time and discover the history of Košice. Admire the cultural heritage of this Slovak city.
Historical Background
The origin of the St. Urban Tower dates back to the second half of the 16th century. At that time, the bell tower was built for the Gothic cathedral and underwent various changes over the years. The bells were destroyed by a tragic fire in 1556. However, a new bell was created from the melted remnants in 1557. The five-ton bell was named Urban. Further changes occurred after 1775, but unfortunately, another fire broke out in 1966, destroying the Urban Bell and the roof of the tower. The original Urban Bell was reconstructed from the remains and has been displayed in front of the tower since 1989. After the last fire, renovations took place until 2021, and the bell tower still awaits further restorations.
The St. Michael's Chapel, along with St. Elizabeth's Church and the Urban Tower, was declared a national cultural monument in 1970. It is known in the city as Kostol svätého Michala and is a hidden gem of the city center. Just like St. Elizabeth's Church, the chapel shines in its Gothic splendor from the 14th century and presents the splendid stories of Košice. Originally, the chapel was considered a cemetery chapel and dedicated to the Archangel Michael (patron saint of the deceased). The St. Michael's Chapel is located near St. Elizabeth's Church and the Urban Tower.
But not only the city itself has a lot to offer, but also the surrounding area. Take the opportunity to explore the beautiful nature of the Dobšinská Ice Cave or the majestic Spiš Castle.
The Dobšinská Ice Cave is located just an hour and a half from Košice and is one of the largest ice caves in the world. A wonder you should not miss! Admire impressive ice formations and descend into the depths of the cave. To explore the cave, you will need a ticket, and a guided tour is recommended. Don't forget to dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear!
Spiš Castle is located 45 minutes from the city and is known as one of the largest fortress complexes in Central Europe. The well-preserved castle has been used as a filming location for major film productions, such as Dragonheart. A tour is definitely worth it and lasts only about half an hour. Equally worthwhile is the view you get from the castle height!
For a city trip, summer is always a great time. Therefore, we recommend visiting Košice between July and August. Enjoy the city and the surrounding nature of Košice in warm temperatures. If you prefer to travel with milder temperatures, May, June, or September are excellent months.
Slovakia has a vignette requirement, which plays a significant role for tourists. The vignette is used to pay the tolls, including those on highways and expressways. For more information about the vignette requirement and penalties for not having a vignette, please visit our guide. In addition to the vignette requirement, there is also a distance-based toll. If you are not familiar with the difference, feel free to check here! We wish you a great trip and are always available to answer questions about the vignette or distance-based toll!
