Kosice On the Hornad River

Slovakia is officially known as the Slovak Republic in Central Europe. This is a landlocked country bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and the Czech Republic to the northwest.

Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia sitting on the Hornad River. The city is located in the eastern reaches of the Slovak Ore Mountains near the border with Hungary.

Hlavna Ulica/Main Street is home to all of the city's historic monuments. It is part of Slovakia's largest historic center. You'll enjoy exploring the side streets where you can find more churches, museums, and restaurants.

On the north, at the Immaculata Monument (pictured on top), the street divides into two parallel branches. On the outer edge there are stately palaces, municipal buildings, and townhouses. On the inside are squares, fountains, and little parks.

St Elisabeth Cathedral holds a place of pride on Hlavna Ulica. It is the westernmost Gothic catheral in Europe and the largest place of worship in Slovakia.The typanum, the decorative wall surface over the front door shows people arriving at Heaven's Gates, the last judgment, and Christ on the cross. Other high lights include a sun dial above the main window on the south facade dating from 1477, frescoes from the 15th century, and the double spiral staircase that leads to the King's Oratory. To get a great view of the city go up the 60-meter church tower.

Urban's Tower is next to the cathedral and dates from the 15th century. Inside is a small waxwork exhibition of famous people from Kosice's past. The tower's original bell was cast in 1557 and weighs seven tons. In the 1960s the bell was damaged in a fire and once restored placed in front of the tower as a monument.

St Michael Chapel was constructed in the 1300s. It is dedicated to St Michael, the patron saint of the deceased. It became known as the “Slovak Church” in the 17th century since it was the only place where mass was conducted in the Slovak language. At the entrance to sacristy is the oldest known depiction of the Coat of Arms of Kosice dating back to the 14th century.

The State Theater is an impressive neo-Baroque opera house dating back to 1756. The auditorium has lovely gilded stucco work and frescoes depicting the tragedies of Shakespeare. You can ask for a tour and watch an opera or ballet in the evenings.

Levocsky Dom near the State Theater is the oldest inn in Slovakia dating from the 15th century. A memorable event here was the wedding reception for Gabriel Prince Bethlen of Transylvania and Catherine of Brandenburg in 1626. In the 17th century Jesuits turned it into a pharmacy. Now it is a stately inn once more with elegant bay windows and decorated with the Coat of Arms of Kosice.

Beggar's House is a lovely Art Nouveau house dating from 1898 and overlooks the Immaculata. Under the gable is a mural of Elizabeth of Hungary and above it a statue of a beggar, doffing his cap to the people on the street below.

The Old Town Hall is home to the visitor center and the tourist office. The building dates back to 1780. The visitor center has a shop and a small exhibition about the city.

The New Orthodox Synagogue is an active synagogue. It dates back to 1927 and is the largest in Slovakia with a capacity for 800 worshipers. It has a neo-Classical facade. By the entrance you can see the plaque in memory of the 12,000 Kosice Jewish citizens sent to concentration camps in WW II.

In the main square Hlavne Namestie there is small park surrounded by tall fir trees. In the center is a fountain with dozens of jets performing a little show in time to pop and classical music that comes from speakers around the square. At night it is very pretty all lit up.

Tabacka Kulturfabrik offers an interesting look at the artsy side of the city. This is a cultural center housed in a former tobacco factory dating from the 19th century. Here you can hear live music offered by bands as well as Djs. There is a program of temporary art exhibitions and cinema screenings. You can enjoy the bar/restaurant offering Pilsner Urquell on tap.