Summary of Attractions
Amateur historians will find delight in Košice, Slovakia’s captivating second city located in the eastern part of the nation. The Historic Centre is brimming with remarkable landmarks; however, the good news is that these treasures are closely situated within a few intersecting streets.
Your journey will primarily center around Hlavná Ulica (Main Street), diverging into two parallel paths that border significant monuments such as the Gothic ensemble including the Cathedral, Urban Tower, and St Michael Chapel. This initial exploration will guide you through a medieval dungeon, a melodious fountain, an opera house with economical seating options, and lead you to an extraordinary collection of gold at the East Slovak Museum.
Let’s delve into the most notable attractions in Košice:
1. Hlavná Ulica (Main Street)
The historical monuments of Košice are predominantly situated along this magnificent street.
At the northern end, near the Immaculata monument, the street branches into two parallel paths.
On the periphery, you will find grand palaces, municipal edifices, and residences.
On the interior lies the city’s main attractions, delicately interspersed with squares, fountains, and small parks. The cathedral, Urban Tower, State Theatre, and St Michael Chapel can all be found here, allowing an effortless transition from one remarkable monument to another.
Hlavná Ulica is part of Slovakia’s largest historic center, where you can explore side streets that harbor additional churches, museums, and traditional restaurants.
2. St Elisabeth Cathedral
Positioned prominently on Hlavná Ulica is the westernmost Gothic cathedral in Europe and Slovakia’s largest house of worship, established in 1378. This cathedral is unique in that its north portal boasts the most ornate decorations, diverging from the typical emphasis on the west or south fronts.
Take a moment to admire the relief in the tympanum depicting individuals approaching the gates of heaven, the last judgment, and Christ on the cross.
Additionally, check the south facade, where a sundial created in 1477 can be observed above the main window. Inside, the frescoes date back to the 15th century, along with the stunning double spiral staircase that leads to the King’s Oratory.
There is an abundance of details to discover, so be sure to visit the crypt of Hungarian national hero Francis II Rákóczi, and ascend the 60-meter church tower for an unforgettable view.
3. Urban’s Tower
Adjacent to the cathedral lies its former campanile, constructed during the 15th century.
Currently, the interior houses a small waxwork exhibition showcasing notable figures from Košice’s history.
Urban’s Tower exemplifies the Gothic architectural style, adorned with embellishments added over the years, including a portal sculpted in the 17th century and the arcades from the early 20th century.
These arcades preserve historic ledger stones from the 1300s and 1400s, which were integrated into the tower’s structure after being removed from the cathedral.
The original bell, cast in 1557, weighed seven tons and has been prominently displayed as a monument after being restored following fire damage in the 1960s.
4. St Michael Chapel
The final Gothic monument surrounding the cathedral is this charming chapel, which was built in the 1300s.
Located at the former site of the city’s cemetery, it was originally an ossuary dedicated to St Michael, the patron saint of the deceased. Similar to Urban’s Tower, it features ledger stones embedded in its outer walls that date back to the 1370s.
By the 17th century, it gained the designation “Slovak Church,” as it was the sole place of worship where services were conducted in the Slovak language.
Despite its modest size, the chapel is fully equipped with church attributes, including a sacristy, oratory, and choir.
At the entrance to the sacristy, you can find the oldest known depiction of Košice’s coat of arms, dating back to the 14th century.
5. Immaculata (Plague Pillar)
At the upper end of Hlavná Ulica, within a small fenced area, stands Košice’s ornate plague pillar.
This Baroque Marian column is adorned with a sculpture of the Virgin and was erected in the 1720s as a tribute for her intercession in ending the plague epidemic that afflicted Košice in 1709-10. Surrounding the pedestal are statues of St Sebastian, St Ladislaus, and St Joseph.
On the plinths that accentuate the fence, statues including St Margaret, Archangel Gabriel, and Elizabeth of Hungary were added at a later date.
6. State Theatre
Košice’s striking Neo-Baroque opera house is located on Hlavná Ulica and replaced the original theater that dates back to 1756. It was designed by the German-Hungarian architect Adolf Lang, noted for his expertise in the Historicist architectural style.
In the lavish auditorium, be sure to glance upward and appreciate the intricate details of the gilded stuccowork and frescoes depicting scenes from Shakespeare’s tragedies.
Daytime visits allow for guided tours at the entrance; however, attending an evening performance of opera or ballet is highly recommended due to the remarkably low ticket prices.
7. Mikluš Prison
Located on an alleyway off Hlavná Ulica, this structure comprises two medieval houses that were converted into Košice’s city prison during the early 1600s.
It is noteworthy that prior to this transformation, these buildings served as ordinary residences for 350 years.
The prison reflects the severity of the city’s penal system, where over 60 offenses were subject to capital punishment.
Visitors can view an informative video detailing the prison’s history and Košice’s evolution through the ages.
The audioguide provides a comprehensive tour of the cells, including a chilling visit to the torture chamber.
Additionally, you can explore the executioner’s quarters, where the instruments of capital punishment are displayed.
8. Levočský Dom
Adjacent to the State Theatre on Hlavná Ulica, you will find Slovakia’s oldest inn, which has been in operation since the 15th century.
This establishment has consistently provided hospitality services and has been owned by notable figures throughout its history.
A significant event hosted here was the wedding reception for Gabriel Prince Bethlen of Transylvania and Catherine of Brandenburg in March 1626. The inn experienced a brief hiatus during the 17th century when it was granted to the Jesuits, who converted it into a pharmacy for several decades.
The inn is easily identified by its elegant bay window, which features Košice’s coat of arms nestled between the mullions.
9. Beggar’s House
Overlooking the Immaculata, this stunning Art Nouveau house dates back to 1898 and ranks among the most visually appealing structures in Košice.
Just beneath the gable, one can see a mural depicting Elizabeth of Hungary, accompanied by a statue of a beggar tipping his cap to pedestrians below.
According to local legend, this enterprising beggar amassed wealth from the benevolence of townsfolk and managed to evade taxation on his gifts, ultimately enabling him to construct his residence in the city’s most desirable locale.
10. Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall serves as an excellent starting point for your exploration of Košice, currently accommodating the city’s visitor center and tourist office.
This fine edifice, completed in 1780, embodies a transition between the Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles.
Interestingly, Russian field marshal Mikhail Kutuzov took residence here after his retreat following defeat to Napoleon’s forces at the Battle of Austerlitz.
The elaborately designed pediment on the façade displays a rendition of the city’s coat of arms.
The visitor center, located on the ground floor, features a shop and a small exhibition on the city’s history.
Across the town hall’s courtyard resides the Slovan Cinema, established in 1927, which now hosts concerts and theatrical performances.
11. Košice Gold Treasure
A fascinating aspect often associated with Košice is its extraordinary gold treasure.
Identified as the largest singular hoard of gold in Slovakia and one of the most significant globally, this collection was serendipitously unearthed during the excavation for the foundations of the Finance Directorate in 1935, comprising coins from 16 different European regions.
This treasure, dating to the 17th century, includes 2,920 gold coins, two gold medals, and an exquisite gold chain.
Since 1970, this remarkable collection has been securely housed within the lavish Neo-Renaissance museum, located just a few streets from Hlavná Ulica.
12. New Orthodox Synagogue
Located on Puškinova Street, just a few streets east of the cathedral, lies the city’s functioning synagogue.
Established in 1927, it stands as the largest synagogue in Slovakia, accommodating up to 800 worshippers.
The neoclassical facade incorporates elements reflecting local history, notably a cornice reminiscent of the Renaissance architectural style prevalent in Eastern Slovakia.
By the entrance, a plaque commemorates Košice’s 12,000 Jewish citizens who perished in concentration camps during the Second World War.
Additionally, over 2,000 individuals were imprisioned within the synagogue, leaving behind graffiti inscribed in pencil on its walls.
13. Church of the Holy Trinity
For a period during the 16th and 17th centuries, Košice was recognized as a Protestant city.
However, following the Thirty Years’ War in the mid-1600s, it came under Catholic Habsburg control.
This Baroque church epitomizes the Counter-Reformation sentiment and was commissioned by the city to serve as restitution for a massacre of Jesuit priests that occurred during the war.
The splendid church features intricate Baroque decorations, trompe l’œil murals, gilded altars in the side chapels, and delicate carvings adorning the pulpit and pews.
14. Singing Fountain and Chimes
The main square (Hlavné Námestie) boasts a small park bordered by towering fir trees.
At the center lies a fountain equipped with numerous jets that orchestrate a delightful display in harmony with classical and contemporary music emanating from nearby speakers.
This charming spectacle provides an enjoyable way to relax for a few moments while seated on benches or indulging in ice cream.
The performance pauses hourly for the carillon to chime before resuming.
Be sure to visit after dark, as the illuminated fountain offers an exquisite view.
15. Tabačka Kulturfabrik
Taking a step away from the medieval core reveals a more contemporary facet of Košice characterized by a vibrant, artistic ambiance.
This is exemplified by Tabačka Kulturfabrik, a cultural center housed within a repurposed tobacco factory constructed at the close of the 19th century.
If you seek live music, expect bands or DJ performances most nights, alongside a dynamic series of temporary art exhibitions and film screenings.
During quieter times, visitors can enjoy beverages and dining at the bar/restaurant, which features affordable Pilsner Urquell on tap.
