UNESCO World Heritage #1
Looking for inspiration for a trip or a stop along the way that will enchant you?
A city that has proudly boasted the title of royalty for centuries has many hidden “royal” secrets that are invisible at first glance. We’ll tell you a few interesting facts that will convince you to include the town of Bardejov in your itinerary for your trip to Slovakia.
Basic information for travellers
Bardejov is located in the northeast of Slovakia in the Šariš region. The medieval centre of the town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Bardejov is also home to the famous Bardejov Spa, which should not be missed at your stop.
What should you know before visiting Bardejov?
The oldest mention of the town dates back to 1241 and can be found in the Ipatiev Chronicle. Thanks to its important trading location, between the Baltic and Black Seas, the small town became a wealthy city, to which all the wealthy rulers of Hungary paid their attention.
Later on, the town gained the right to hold an annual fair, which you can attend during the last week of August and experience the atmosphere of one of the biggest fairs in Slovakia. If you are planning a trip and a visit to Bardejov, consider whether a visit to the Bardejov Fair will fit into your itinerary.
What makes Bardejov special and why should you visit it?
Are you wondering why you should visit Bardejov and what makes this city different from other historical cities? Simple. The preserved structure of the walls, buildings and monuments.
Just take a walk around the town and you will see that the uniqueness of Bardejov cannot be denied.
And to make sure you don’t miss a thing during your visit, we’ve compiled a list of what you simply must see with your own eyes.
Historic buildings and fortifications
- Town Hall, Town Houses, Original Town Inn, Upper and Lower Gates, Dusty Bastion, Rough Bastion, Executioner’s House, Great Bastion, Red Bastion, Rectangular Bastion, Renaissance Bastion, Former Humanist Gymnasium*, Evangelical Church, Archival Bastion, Polygonal Bastion, Vale Gate, School Bastion, Monastery Bastion;
*(Note: The former humanist grammar school enjoyed great fame and popularity in its time. The school was headed by L. Stőckel. The Stőckel Gymnasium still exists today and is one of the most respected gymnasiums.)
Medieval treasures
- Basilica Minor of St. Aegidius, Statue of St. Florian, Historical Water Reservoir, Main Altar, Altar of the Nativity of the Lord, Altar of the Holy Cross, Altar of St. Andrew, Altar of the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows;
Bardejov and its top 3 for visitors according to True Slovakia team
- St. Egidius Basilica Minor
The second largest church in the Košice Archdiocese, 50 metres long and 31 metres wide. The tower is 76 metres high, making it one of the largest church towers in Slovakia. There are 11 Gothic altars in the original arrangement in the church, which deserve your attention.
- (3 v 1) Main altar, Altar of the Nativity, St. Andrew´s Altar
Main Altar
The largest neo-Gothic altar in Slovakia with a height of 17 metres, from 1878, from the workshop of the Bardejov master carver Móric Hőlzel. The original altar was built in 1466, but only the statue of St. Aegidius has survived, which is now placed in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary.
Altar of the Nativity
It is said to be the most beautiful and the most magnificent altar in the whole temple of St. Aegidius. In the middle is the scene of the Nativity of the Lord and on the sides are sculptures of saints. Its wings are inspired by scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
St. Andrew´s Altar
It is one of the oldest altars of the church and its creation dates back to 1440 – 1460. It is an identical tabular altar, which has paintings instead of sculptures.
- Historical fortifications
If we have to choose what you must not miss during your trip, we choose almost everything. Stroll through the historic streets of the city and put yourself in the shoes of a 13th-century ruler.
Don’t forget to add the town of Bardejov to your itinerary on your next trip. It will leave an impression, an emotion and show you that beautiful places can be found everywhere. Just look around and be inspired.
If you’re thinking about why to visit Slovakia, or want to know more about all the things you can encounter in Slovakia, read our other blogs. And if you’re eager to plan your dream trip, just take your pick.
