Banská Štiavnica is located in the country side of central Slovakia. If you exit the highway, you follow a winding, serpentine road through a hilly landscape, on the other side of which lies the old mining town. Banská Štiavnica is the oldest mining town in Slovakia and became wealthy thanks to its silver and gold mines. The town lies within the caldera of an ancient volcano and was home to the first Mining and Forestry Academy in Europe, founded in 1762.
That’s why Banská Štiavnica is a unique example of a historic mining town that played a key role in Europe’s economic and technological development. Its well-preserved architecture, mining systems, and cultural landscape reflect its outstanding universal value.
During our stay in the mountain town, we visited the Štôlňa Bartolomej, which also serves as an open-air museum. For about 90 minutes, we were guided through the dark tunnel — a bit low in places for tall people like Moritz. Equipped with protective jackets, helmets, and flashlights, we descended about 50 meters underground.
A walk through the old town and an evening visit to the botanical garden rounded off the day.
Before setting off for Budapest the next morning, we climbed the Calvary Hill. The path leads past 19 chapels and two churches depicting the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, as well as the sorrows of his mother Mary. The stations were built in the late 1740s. From the top, there was once again a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Next stop: Budapest.