Koice is the largest city in eastern Slovakia, and it has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages, it was an important center of commerce and culture, and its Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It has a population of approximately 240,000 people. The city is also a popular destination for tourists due to its many fascinating landmarks and attractions.
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What not to miss?
St. Elisabeth Cathedral
This is one of the most remarkable monuments in Gothic style. The cathedral's construction began in around 1378.This is the biggest church in Slovakia and the most eastern church of a western style in Europe. The interior is even more impressive because its four wings were built with the biggest European collection of 48 gothic table paintings from WWI. Additionally, you can admire the variety of priceless artifacts or take advantage of the chance to ascend the Royal Staircase, one of only five double spiral staircases from the Gothic era in Europe.
Hlavná ulica
Hlavná ulica, also known as "Main Street," is the city's historic center.Some of the biggest attractions are located there. There is an amazing mix of architecture styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque-style structures. A large number of these buildings are designed as cultural landmarks and are protected by the government.
If you are a book lover, then you definitely should not miss the State Scientific Library, which is one of the most interesting landmarks on the street. The library offers a big variety of books, manuscripts, and other artifacts. If you are tired after the walk, then you can choose from the big diversity of cafes and restaurants that are located on the street and are places where a lot of locals and tourists gather.
St. Urban Tower
Urban Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Slovakia, and it has become one of the landmarks of Kosice. The tower is named after its developer, Ladislav Urban. One of the very interesting things about the tower is its environmentally friendly design, which includes features such as a green roof, a rainwater collection system, and energy-efficient lighting and heating systems. The modern design and advanced technology are the reasons why this place is popular among tourists. You can also enjoy the panoramic view, which is revealed to you from the observation deck of the tower.
State Theatre
The State Theatre is one of the most important cultural institutions in Kosice. The whole building has a fascinating structure and elegant interior design, which is a must-see for every tourist. Also, there are many events, such as operas, ballets, plays, and concerts, that are taking place in the State Theatre. Apart from its regular performances, the State Theatre also hosts special events and festivals, making it an important cultural hub for the city. If you want to dive into the historic atmosphere of the city, you definitely have to give this part of the city’s cultural heritage a chance.
What else to visit?
Mikluš Prison
Miklus Prison, one of the country's oldest and most historically significant prisons, has been closed since the late twentieth century.It is known for its harsh conditions and strict discipline. Many people who were considered a threat to the state have been detained there. The prison has gained a reputation for being one of the most notorious in Slovakia, and many people were afraid to be sent there.
After the closure of Miklus Prison, it has been transformed into a cultural and educational center. Now it offers its visitors an opportunity to learn about the prison system in Slovakia. There are no doubts that this is one of the interesting attractions of the city, and it plays a crucial role in providing a unique glimpse into the past and serving as a reminder of the importance of human rights and dignity.
Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall is located in the heart of the city and is a popular attraction among tourists. It is an amazing example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with intricate detailing and stunning stone sculptures. There is a popular legend known to the locals, in which it is said that the building was once home to a powerful mayor who loved his wealth more than anything else. The mayor was so obsessed that he kept all of his riches locked away in a secret room in the town hall. One night, a mysterious figure entered the town hall and stole all of the mayor's money. The mayor did not succeed in finding the thief, and the money was never recovered. The legend says that the thief was none other than the devil himself, who had come to punish the greedy mayor for his excessive love of wealth. Nowadays, locals still believe the devil still haunts the old town hall. The legend has become part of the cultural heritage of the city.
However, in the past, the building was known as the seat of the city’s government. Today, the Old Town Hall is open for visitors and is used as a museum. It is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the city and be fascinated by the incredible architecture.
The Church of the Holy Trinity
The Church of the Holy Trinity is a very important religious landmark for the city. The church was built in the fourteenth century, and it is a great example of Gothic architecture. Every year, a large number of tourists visit the city and, more specifically, the Church of the Holy Trinity. Visitors to the Church of the Holy Trinity can tour the building's beautifully restored interiors, see its many works of art and religious artifacts, and learn more about its rich cultural heritage.
How to travel there?
There are a few available options for transportation to Kosice. Here, you can find some more information about these options.
By bus: The majority of European nations have frequent, typically direct service to Slovak destinations. The bus station is located in the central part of the city, and it offers connections to many different places. The location of the bus station is very convenient because it is located next to the train station.
By plane: There are regularly scheduled flights that come to the international Kosice airport. The international airport is served by budget carrier Wizzair; there is also a daily connection with Warsaw thanks to LOT Polish Airlines.
By train: Many of the busiest train lines in Europe travel through or are quite close to Slovakia. It is very easy to travel from nearby nations. Additionally, there are frequent direct trains to and from key cities in Germany, Italy, and Russia. The cost of a train ticket is typically extremely modest. Slovakia has a well-developed rail network, and trains are the most comfortable form of transportation.
When to go there?
The best months to visit Kosice are May, June, July, August, and September. These months, the weather is favorable because it is warm and it does not rain so often. Between May and September, the temperature can go up to 21 °C, and it rains about 11% of the time in September. In October, the weather is still not so cold. However, you should be aware that the temperature will average 9 °C by early evening, and four days of rain are forecast.
Average costs
If you are wondering what your budget should be for a trip to Kosice, here is some information that will be helpful for your trip. The average budget that you can plan for one day is around €48 ($52), which is based on the expenses of other visitors. According to the information gathered from some travelers who have already visited Kosice, on average, travelers spent €14 ($15) on meals for one day and €9.20 ($10) on local transportation. In addition, the hotel prices for a couple are around €52 ($57). To conclude the prices for a trip, for two people, one week in Europe costs on average €666 ($724).
Where to eat?
Republika Východu
If you want to eat some typical Slovak food, then you are in the right place. Republika Vchodu offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of traditional dishes. Make sure you do not miss the wonderful pierogi.
Dobré Bistro
It is an adorable bistro that offers picture-perfect dishes. They also offer homemade granola, raw cakes, and lactose-free options. a cute interior, a warm atmosphere, and a variety of great ideas for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Events
Kosice Music Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, one of Slovakia's oldest music festivals, is a celebration of everything classical, at least in terms of music. Look no farther if you desire something a little higher on the social scale.
Use the City
Use The City Festival is the only festival that truly captures the beauty of Kosice. This genuinely exceptional collection of street art, which takes place every May, puts the unusual in the spotlight. Be ready for the unexpected.
Peace Marathon
The oldest marathon in Europe is held in Kosice, and every October, a sizable run for peace is held to honor this great tradition. Numerous spectators flock to the streets to support those who have the willpower to run 26.2 miles.
We've reached the end of the article about Kosice. This city has an incredible atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our blog. How about planning a trip to Bratislava or BRNO? Remember to follow us@thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!