Attractions and Places To See around okres Banská Štiavnica - Top 12

The view from Nový zámok shows the historic center of Bańska Szczawnica, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1993. From the tower, the layout of the medieval town, churches, the Old Castle, and the buildings that arose during the development of silver and gold mining are clearly visible. The New Castle was built between 1564 and 1571 as an observation point and a defensive element against Turkish raids, which is why its location provides a wide panorama of the entire town valley.

The history of the city on the wall is a painted timeline located on one of the walls in the center of Banská Štiavnica. The artwork depicts the most important events in the city's history — from the medieval development of silver and gold mining to Banská Štiavnica's inscription on the UNESCO list in 1993. The mural shows, among other things, old mines, the Mining Academy founded in 1762, and the city's characteristic monuments. The whole was designed in the form of simple illustrations and dates, thanks to which it serves both a decorative and educational function.

The Old Castle was built from the reconstruction of a 13th-century parish church, which in the 16th century was converted into a defensive fortress against Turkish raids. The complex was expanded with walls, bastions, and towers, creating one of the most important defensive points of the city. The castle preserves Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, old fortifications, and a tower with an alarm bell that warned residents of danger. Currently, a part of the Slovak Mining Museum (Slovenského banského múzea) operates here. Inside, you can see exhibitions dedicated to the history of the city, crafts, old guilds, and the mining traditions of Banská Štiavnica.

The New Castle was built between 1564 and 1571 as a defensive fortress against Turkish raids. The building stands on a hill above Banská Štiavnica and, together with the Old Castle, formed the town's defense system. The tower also served as an observation point — guards watched for threats from it and transmitted alarm signals to the inhabitants. The characteristic six-story building is today one of the most recognizable points in the town's panorama. Currently, the castle houses an exhibition of the Slovak Mining Museum dedicated to the history of the fights against the Ottoman Empire and the ancient weapons used for the defense of the mining town.

ERB Brewery & Restaurant is located in the historic building of the former mining school in the center of Banská Štiavnica. The venue combines a restaurant with a craft brewery that brews its own beers on-site. The name "ERB" comes from the German word "Erbe", meaning heritage, referring to the city's mining history. The cellars of the building have preserved vaults and elements of old architecture related to the Austro-Hungarian period.

The Andrej Kmeť Grammar School and monument commemorate Andrej Kmeť – one of the most important Slovak scientists and national activists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kmeť was involved in archaeology, botany, and documenting folk culture, and also co-founded the Slovak Museum Society. The monument stands in front of the historic grammar school building in the center of Banská Štiavnica. The sculpture depicts Kmeť with a book and scientific materials, emphasizing his research and educational activities. The grammar school building itself was one of the important schools in the city's mining region.

The Piarg Gate is the only preserved gate of the former defense system of Banská Štiavnica. It was built in the 16th century during the threat of Turkish invasions, when mining towns in Central Europe began to strengthen their fortifications. The gate led towards the former settlement of Piarg, today part of Štiavnické Bane, from which it derives its name. Elements of Renaissance architecture and former defensive openings have been preserved above the passage. For centuries, it was one of the main entrances to the city and part of the walls protecting the rich silver and gold mining center.

The Church of St. Catherine was built at the end of the 15th century in the late Gothic style and is one of the most important religious monuments in Banská Štiavnica. The temple stands on the main town square and was mainly associated with wealthy burghers and mining officials. The church was consecrated to St. Catherine of Alexandria – the patron saint of scholars and philosophers. It is distinguished by its high tower and the Gothic vaults preserved inside. During the Reformation, the temple was taken over by Protestants, and later it returned to Catholics. To this day, it is one of the most characteristic buildings of the historic city center, inscribed on the UNESCO list.