SELMECBÁNYA/BANSKA ŠTIAVNICA

Geographic & Geological:

● Located in central Slovakia inside a massive caldera formed by an ancient volcano

collapse
● Sits in the Štiavnica Mountains, surrounded by hills
● Uniquely positioned in a valley with streets developed on different terraces/levels
● In the past, mine shafts were opened right next to the main road in the town.
● One mine shaft begins beneath a restaurant
● Locals claim that many shafts started directly from homes.
● Legend has it that a Jewish photographer from Selmec used to enter a mine directly
from his pantry, where he would spend an hour or two mining, gather a bit of gold, and
then cash it in.
● Every second establishment on the main street is a pub, café, or restaurant.
● The town now survives solely on tourism, as the last operational mine was closed in
1993.
● The main street, formerly known as Gold Street and Terrace (now called Andrej Kmeť
Street and Trotuar)

Historical Significance:

● One of the most important silver and gold mining towns in the Kingdom of Hungary
● First settled in Neolithic times, with Celtic mining settlement dating to 3rd century BC
● Gained royal town status in 1238, one of the first in the Kingdom of Hungary
● In 1238, King Béla IV granted the settlement free royal city status
● While written sources are silent about the Mongol invasion, their presence is
presumed
● After the Mongol invasion, the king settled Bavarian and Saxon miners in the
area, confirming their legal rights in 1245
● Throughout the Middle Ages, the city contained Hungary's most important silver
and gold mines
● As a free royal city, mining was controlled by citizens called "Waldbürgers" -
these rights were only acquired by the treasury later
● In 1443, a terrible earthquake devastated the city
● Experienced its golden age from the 15th to the 18th century
● Was the first place in the world to use gunpowder in mining (in 1627)
● In 1717, systematic education of mining professionals began here
● On June 22, 1735, Charles III's "Instructio" decree elevated it to higher education
level, creating the world's first technical higher education institution, the
Bergschola (Higher Mining Officer Training Institute)
● On October 22, 1762, Maria Theresa's decree called "Systema" confirmed the
court chamber's decision and elevated the Bergschola to academy status
● By 1770, it became the world's first mining academy (Academia Montanistica)
● In 1782, it was Hungary's third-largest city after Pozsony (Bratislava) and Debrecen, with
23,192 inhabitants (40,000 including suburbs)
 ● Early Settlement:
○ The first mining settlement in Banská Štiavnica was founded by the Celts in the
3rd century BC, likely by the Celtic Cotini tribe.
○ Roman authors documented the Cotini’s mining activities; they lived in present-
day central Slovakia until they were relocated to Pannonia during the
Marcomannic Wars.
● Early Hungarian and Slavic Settlements:
○ Early Hungarians settled here in the 10th and 11th centuries, establishing a
fortified settlement.
○ The area was called “terra banensium” (land of miners) as early as 1156.
○ Local Slavic populations named the valley settlement “Štiavnica” (meaning acidic
stream), while the hill settlement was called “Bánya” (the mine).
● Formation of a Unified Town:
○ The combined name “Schebnyzbana” was first documented in 1255.
○ German settlers joined local Slavic population in the 13th century, adapting the
town’s name to “Schemnitz” in German.
○ Banská Štiavnica was granted royal town status in 1238, one of the first in the
Kingdom of Hungary.
● Middle Ages Prosperity:
○ The town became the primary producer of silver and gold in the Kingdom of
Hungary during the High and Late Middle Ages.
○ During the Ottoman Wars, Banská Štiavnica and neighboring mining towns
(Banská Bystrica and Kremnica) were targeted by the Turks, leading to the
construction of strong fortifications, including two castles in the 16th century.
○ It was a center for the Protestant Reformation, joining the Protestant "League of
Seven Mining Towns," along with other mining towns like Banská Belá and
Kremnica.
● Innovations in Mining:
○ In 1627, Banská Štiavnica was one of the first places to use gunpowder in
mining.
○ In the 18th century, scientists Jozef Karol Hell, Maximilian Hell, and Samuel
Mikovíny developed the tajchy system, a network of water reservoirs and
channels.
○ The tajchy system not only prevented mine closures due to flooding but also
powered early industrialization.

Mining & Innovation:

● Pioneering use of gunpowder in mining in 1627 (one of the first worldwide)

● Created an innovative water reservoir system called "tajchy" in the 18th century to drain
flooded mines
● Home to the world's first mining school (1735) and technical university (Mining Academy,
1760)
● 60 artificial mining reservoirs were built between 15th-18th centuries, connected by 100+
km of channels

Unique Clock Tower:

 ● The town hall clock has reversed hands - the short hand shows minutes and the long
hand shows hours
● According to legend, this was done because traveling merchants refused to contribute to
the tower's construction costs, so locals made it difficult for them to read the time

Population Changes:

● 1880: 15,262 residents (11,662 Slovak, 1,489 Hungarian)

● 1910: 15,185 residents (8,341 Slovak, 6,340 Hungarian)
● 1956: Declined to 10,400 residents
● 2021: Further declined to 9,628 residents (9,214 Slovak, 32 Hungarian)

Modern Significance:

● UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 11, 1993

● Complete preserved medieval town
● Now primarily a tourism and recreation center
● Features two castles ("old" and "new"), historical Trinity Square, and mining museums
● Offers underground mining tours in 17th-century mines
● Historical center was declared protected in 1950, with major restoration beginning in
1979

Educational Legacy:

● The Mining Academy was relocated to Sopron, Hungary in 1919

● The student traditions from the Academy continue at universities in Miskolc, Bratislava,
Sopron, Székesfehérvár, and Dunaújváros

https://www.muzeumbs.sk/en/mine-museum-in-nature

● Banska Stiavnica (Slovak: Banská Štiavnica) is a historic mining town in Slovakia,

renowned for its volcanic heritage and wealth in precious metals like gold and silver. Its
well-preserved architecture reflects a prosperous, bourgeois past and has made it a
significant tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
● The Legend of Salamanders: According to local lore, two salamanders emerged in the
region—one dusted with gold and the other with silver—hinting at the area's abundant
mineral resources. This tale symbolizes the mineral wealth that shaped the town’s
future.
● Historic Mining Center: From the 15th to 18th centuries, Banska Stiavnica thrived as a
major mining town, particularly known for silver mining, which attracted wealth and fame
across Europe.
● Technological Innovations in Mining:
○ Banska Stiavnica was the first place in the world to use gunpowder in mining,
marking it as a pioneer in mining technology.
○ The city's mining innovations led to the founding of the Mining Academy in 1763
by Maria Theresa, the world’s first technical college, which advanced the fields of
 mining and forestry. Notable alumni include Hungarian poet Petőfi Sándor and
writer Mikszáth Kálmán.
● Selmec Salamander Procession: An annual torchlit march celebrating mining
traditions, attracting Slovak and international attendees, symbolizing the strong bond
between past and present mining communities.
● Slovak Mining Museum:
○ A unique museum showcasing mining technology, local folklore, art,
archaeology, and numismatics.
○ Visitors can experience simulated underground mining, including navigating
narrow tunnels and extracting ore, providing a glimpse into the challenging lives
of historic miners.
● Historic Sites and Architectural Landmarks:
○ Holy Trinity Square:
■ Dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, built in 1710 to commemorate
the end of a plague.
■ Surrounded by historic buildings, the square is a focal point for visitors
and hosts various festivals.

St. Catherine’s Church: A 15th-century Gothic church dedicated to Saint Catherine,

patroness of miners, featuring a notable Baroque altar.

St. Catherine’s Church:

● One of the most beautiful churches in Banská Štiavnica, built between 1488 and 1491.
● Known as the "Slovak" church, as sermons have been held in Slovak since 1658.
● Interior decoration was completed by 1500, featuring a late Gothic star-shaped vaulted
nave that transitions into the presbytery.
 ● Side chapels, half the height of the main nave, line both sides.

Additions and Crypt:

● In 1776, the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk was added.

● The crypt beneath the church holds the remains of former mayors and notable citizens of
Banská Štiavnica.

Historic Artifacts and Decorations:

● From the 15th century interior, a cross, a late Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary, and the
baptismal font have been preserved.
● The organ dates from the 18th century and was crafted by a local master.

Original High Altar:

● Originally made by the renowned Master M.S., although its statues and paintings have
been dispersed:
○ Statues of St. Barbara and St. Catherine are housed in the local gallery.
○ The Adoration of the Kings painting is at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lille.
○ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth is in the Hungarian National Gallery in
Budapest.
○ Four panels — Christ on the Mount of Olives, Carrying of the Cross,
Calvary, and Resurrection — are in the Christian Museum in Esztergom,
acquired from the Koháry-Coburg princely collection before 1891.
○ The Nativity painting is in the St. Anton church, while one painting has been lost.

The Visitation. Detail of the work-day side of an altar wing from the former high altarpiece of the
Church of Saint Catherine in Selmecbánya (today Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia)

Master M S, 1506

Master M. S. (Hungarian: M. S. Mester, German: Meister M. S., Slovak: Majster M. S.) was a
16th-century painter in Central Europe in late Gothic and early Renaissance art. Identity
disputed. Hungarian/German?

This medieval Hungarian painting shows the Visitation of St. Elisabeth (early Hungarian saint
born July 1207) and the Virgin Mary. Elizabeth makes homage to the Virgin Mary to show her
devotion by slightly raising her left hand to kiss her. Other paintings from the altar of the church
are kept in Lille, France, Svätý Anton in Slovakia and the Christian Museum in Esztergom,
Hungary. The inscription has been identified as being the same as that on an altar dedicated to
the Virgin Mary in Kraków. It is believed that MS was Marten Swarcz.

Only seven of his panel paintings are known out of eight which used to decorate the high altar of
a church in Selmecbánya. It was believed that the altar was in the Saint Catherine Church, but
according to the new research the pictures were part of the altar in the Virgin Mary Church, later
rebuilt into the fortress called the Old Castle.

Now there are four Passion paintings in Esztergom, Hungary, in the Christian Museum; the
painting "The Birth of Christ" is held in Svätý Anton (formerly known also as Hontszentantal)
near Banská Štiavnica, and The Adoration of the Magi is in the Museum of Lille in France. His
painting entitled "The Visitation" depicts the meeting of the two saints, the Virgin Mary and St.
Elizabeth, is in Budapest, in the Hungarian National Gallery.

There are also three more-than-life-size wood-carved polychromed sculptures preserved which
originally belong to the same altar. The statue of Madonna is in the Saint Catherine Church of
Banská Štiavnica, the statues of Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara are in the art gallery of the
Slovak Mining Museum in Banská Štiavnica.

At the Old Castle in Banská Štiavnica, a half-sized maquette of the altar is exhibited, featuring
full-coloured photocopies of all the known panel paintings by Master MS, as well as fragments
of decorative wood carvings which presumably were parts of the altar.
Evangelical (Protestant) Church

Location and Surroundings:

 ● Opposite the St. Catherine’s Church stands a girls’ school run by the Sisters of Mercy,
dedicated to St. Vincent.
● Next to it is the Evangelical Church.

Evangelical Church History:

● Originally, the Evangelicals could only use a wooden church after being expelled from
the former Catholic church.
● Under Emperor Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance (1781), they were finally permitted to build
a stone church.

● Need for an Evangelical Church:

○ Due to a significant population of affluent German citizens, there was a strong
demand for a Lutheran (Evangelical) church in the predominantly Catholic area.
● Restrictions on Evangelical Churches:
○ Under Emperor Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance, Evangelical churches were not
allowed to have towers or stand out from the surrounding buildings.
● Stiavnica’s Evangelical Church Design:
○ Built in the late 18th century, it adheres to these rules while compensating with a
majestic dome.
○ The interior is designed in a unique, theater-like elliptical shape, featuring three-
storey galleries.

Construction and Design:

● Built between 1794 and 1796 in Rococo style (also known as copf style), based on
designs by Viennese architect J. S. Thalher.
● The interior is elliptical in shape, with galleries along the side walls.

Interior Details:

● The altar is Baroque in style.

● The altarpiece was created by Hungarian painter Than Mór.

On the facade of the Evangelical Church in Selmecbánya is the following chronostichon, the
author of which was the headmaster of the high school (gymnasium).

Caesare FranCIsCo sUrreXI exstrUCtaseECUnDo, Aere eVangeLICo, rite saCrata Deo.

A chronostichon is a type of poem in which the numbers of the initial letters of the poem indicate
a specific year. This year is usually linked to the event mentioned in the poem.

A chronosticon (or chronostichon) is a versified chronogram, i.e. a versified inscription, usually

in Latin, placed on the facade or front of a building or other structure, referring to the builder or
builder, whose letters, highlighted in larger size or colouring, add up to a year as Roman
numerals. This usually gives the date of construction, renovation, consecration or dedication.

“It was rebuilt a second time under Emperor Francis, With evangelical money, dedicated to
God.”

The verse refers to the fact that the church was built during the reign of Emperor Francis II, on
the basis of evangelical faith. The date (CCCLXV) is probably a transcription error, as it is not
consistent with the reign of Francis II. It is possible that the original date was copied incorrectly
or has become illegible due to erosion of the stones.

THE TOWN HALL - Inclined Clock Tower

● dating from the late 15th century, features an unusual entry from a rear staircase and
houses an inclined clock tower with reversed hands, adding mystery and intrigue.
Town Hall Origins:

● The Town Hall dates back to the 14th century.

● Originally a single-story building, it gained its current form, including the tower, in 1787-
88.

Unique Clock:

● The clock on the tower is unusual: its hands are reversed, with the small hand indicating
minutes and the large hand indicating hours.

Council Chamber Features:

● The chamber features a Justitia fresco symbolizing justice.

 ● Above the entrance door is the Latin epigram “Unicuique suum” (“To each their own”).

Historical Significance:

● In 1704, Rákóczi’s envoys attempted negotiations with imperial delegates here, with
English and Dutch observers present, though the talks ended unsuccessfully.

18th Century Renovations:

● During renovations, the adjoining St. Anne’s Chapel, once connected by a staircase,
was demolished and replaced by a statue of Mary.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

● Construction and Early History:

○ Built in the 1230s as a three-nave Romanesque church.
○ Originally dedicated to St. Nicholas and donated to the Dominicans by King
László IV of Hungary; used by Dominicans until 1563.
● Religious Transitions:
○ Used by Lutherans between 1575 and 1669.
○ Acquired by the Jesuits in 1669, who renovated the church after a fire in 1679
during Thököly Imre's uprising, completing reconstruction between 1688 and
1689.
 ● Educational Role:
○ In 1768, the Jesuits opened a grammar school in the former Dominican
monastery.
○ After the Jesuit order was dissolved by the pope in 1773, the Piarists took over
the grammar school, while the parish took ownership of the church.
● Architectural Changes:
○ Following a fire in 1806, the church was rebuilt with a Classicist style and an
Empire-style facade.
○ In 1914, a new grammar school building was constructed in the northeastern part
of the monastery courtyard.
○ The old monastery building was demolished in 1933.

FRITZ HOUSE: Owned by Andreas Fritz von Friedenlieb, who donated land for building
Calvary Hill in 1751.

Original Owner: Named after Leopold Fritz von Friedenlieb, a mine owner.

Academy of Mining:
 ● Served as the main building for the Academy, housing the rector's office, a council
chamber, and a library.
● Hosted the Faculty of Engineering.

Academy’s Lease and Purchase:

● The Academy began leasing the building in 1829.

● Purchased by the Academy in 1885 and subsequently renovated based on plans by
architect Schulek Frigyes.

Educational Use:

● Used for mining education until the new Palace of Mining and Metallurgy was
constructed.

Molnár Inn:

● The ground floor housed the Molnár Inn, which was also a gathering place for the
Hungarian Society.

Pichl House: Home to Marina, the muse of Slovak poet Andrej Sládkovič, who wrote the
world’s longest love poem, “Marína,” inspired by her. The Love Bank is now in the house’s
basement, where visitors can store love letters and mementos.
SITNIANSKA HOUSE/SZITNYAI HÁZ: A popular student hangout and cafe (?),
further contributing to the town’s academic and social history.

16th-Century Building: Originally owned by the renowned scholar and mayor of Banská
Štiavnica, József Szitnyai, at the turn of the century.

Famous Pub: Known for the tavern “Zum goldenen Grubenlicht” (At the Golden Mine
Lantern), located on the building’s ground floor.

Popular Gathering Spot:

● The tavern was run by Flórián Steltz for nearly 55 years.

● Although dimly lit, it was a lively, bustling place and a favorite hangout for the town's
students (bursch).

End of an Era: In the 1890s, it lost its unique character and became similar to other civic
houses.

Flórián Steltz’s Legacy: His memory lives on in local songs, celebrating his reputation for
serving customers on credit. One popular song recalls:

● “Moon, your face is strange and bent, / One eye droops, the other’s spent … / Did Flóri’s
wine make you so? / Be ashamed, old friend, and low!”
HELLENBACH HOUSE: Owned by Emperor Leopold I's physician and later became
the Berrgericht (Mining Court). Empress Maria Theresa’s sons, Joseph and Leopold, also
stayed here during their visits.

Slovak Mining Museum Rock and Mineral Exhibition:

● Housed in a building constructed in the 15th century.

● Owned by Baron Hellenbach Gottfried János (1659-1728) from the late 17th century, a
prominent mine and brewery owner.
● Hellenbach was a physician to Emperor Leopold I and later to II. Rákóczi Ferenc. He
supported the freedom movement and held the title of chamber count during the Rákóczi
uprising.

Historical Uses of the Building:

● Served as the Mining Court (Berggericht) from 1792 to 1854.

● Headquarters of the mining captaincy from 1854 to 1859.
● Hosted the third department of the Mining Academy from 1860 to 1900.

Unique Feature:

● The courtyard provides access to the Mihály Adit, a 76-meter-long tunnel open to
visitors.

JOERGES-HOUSE
A single-story Renaissance house from the first half of the 16th century.

Construction: The street-facing wing's first floor was built in 1567, as indicated by the dated
stone portal.

Courtyard: Features an 18th-century arcade.

Ownership: In the 19th century, it belonged to Mihály Heinrich, a well-known mining physician;
the facade has remained architecturally unchanged since then.

20th Century Use: Operated as a printing house under the management of Ágost Joerges from
the early 20th century.

JOZEF KOLLÁR GALLERY

Location: The Jozef Kollár Gallery is located on 1st floor level in three historic 15th-century
townhouses on Trinity Square in Selmecbánya (Banská Štiavnica).

Art Collection: The gallery houses centuries of art, including numerous works related to mining.

Architecture: The gallery’s value lies in both its art collection and the architecture; it features
late Gothic vaulted ceilings, ornate wooden beam ceilings, and Renaissance and Baroque
elements.

Exhibits: Displays artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Notable Works: The gallery’s prized pieces include statues of Saint Catherine and Saint
Barbara from 1506, originally crafted by Master M.S. for a nearby church.

Historical Portraits: Features a series of 51 portraits of mining chamber counts and rulers from
1623 to 1873, offering a glimpse into mining history.

Sacred Art: Includes altarpieces and sacred-themed paintings.

Permanent Exhibition: Dedicated to the works of Jozef Kollár, the gallery's namesake.

Experience: Part of the Slovak Mining Museum, the gallery offers visitors a blend of fine art and
architectural history.

EVANGELICAL LYCEUM:
Nám. sv. Trojice 20/16.
Established in 1670, it became an important educational institution, with alumni who contributed
significantly to Slovakian history and culture.

● Established during the Hungarian reform era.

● Built between 1827 and 1830 in a classical architectural style, on the site of an earlier
lyceum building.
● In 1864, an additional building was donated by the Kachelmann family and joined to the
lyceum.

Notable Alumni:

● Sándor Petőfi studied here between 1838 and 1839.

○ A plaque on the wall commemorates Petőfi’s time at the lyceum.
○ He was eventually failed in Hungarian history by a Slovak teacher who reportedly
disliked Hungarians and did not speak Hungarian, leading his father to withdraw
financial support.
● Kálmán Mikszáth, another famous Hungarian writer, also studied at the lyceum.

MIKOVINY HOUSE:
Andreja Kmeťa 10, 969 01 Banská Štiavnica

● Once home to great polyhistor and engineer Samuel Mikoviny, the first teacher at the
Mining Academy and a significant figure in Slovakian cartography and geography.
● At his suggestion, many of the reservoirs in the area were built
● from 1735 he became the first teacher of the mining school that grew into the Mining
Academy a few decades later.

FLEMING-HOUSE:
 ● After the Chamber House comes the Fleming House
● a conversion of three Gothic buildings dating from the 16th century
● It was in this building that the 'gold of Körmöc' was minted for a year and a half from
1598.
● Although the mint was not kept in the town, the wealth of Selmec continued to shine in
the Golden Route for centuries.

KAMMERHOF
● The Kammerhof, also known as the Chamber Palace, is one of the largest architectural
complexes in Selmecbánya, with origins dating back to 1550, formed by combining
Gothic houses and expanded over time to feature various architectural styles.
● Originally established when the Mining Chamber moved from Besztercebánya to
Selmecbánya in the mid-16th century, the Kammerhof served as the headquarters for
managing and monitoring ore extraction and the collection of mining taxes (urbura).
● The Habsburgs established the Chamber Count’s Office here in 1598, which oversaw
mines, mints, state properties, and forests.
 ● The complex, redesigned by Italian craftsmen, includes Italian-style entrances and
windows and an arcaded courtyard surrounded by balconies. A unique stone slab
marking the meridian line of Selmecbánya is preserved under one of the arches.
● Inside, the Kammerhof houses the Mining Museum, which explores the history of
precious metal mining and processing, showcasing technological developments from the
Middle Ages to the late 20th century, including changes in mining uniforms and
equipment.
● The museum also features portraits of chamber officials and mining directors, presenting
an insight into the administration and operations of the mining authority.
● Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, the museum is managed by the Mining Museum
Directorate and preserves the architectural legacy of the Kammerhof with fortified round
towers for protection.

KAMMERHOFSKÁ 22

● In 2020, during the renovation of the facade on the historic building at

Kammerhofská 22, Renaissance facade paintings were uncovered and restored.
 ● These include decorative bands and, notably, allegories of Fortitudo (Bravery),
Patientia (Perseverance), and Religia (Faith).
● Only parts of the figures in these allegories remain, and the fourth allegory has
no visible title.

OLD CASTLE
Stary Zámok, Banská Štiavnica, Starozámocká 12.

● Originally built as a Romanesque basilica, the structure underwent Gothic, Renaissance,

and Baroque transformations.
● Major Alteration: During the Ottoman threat, the fortified church was converted into a
castle, with the main hall becoming a courtyard, the sanctuary a chapel, and side aisles
military barracks.
● Modern Museum: Today, the Slovak Mining Museum offers diverse exhibits,
showcasing centuries of architectural evolution and panoramic views from the tower.

History of the Castle

● Original Structure: Built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar as a three-nave
Romanesque basilica on a steep hill.
● 13th–15th Century: Fortified with walls, a bastion, and a gate tower; redesigned in the
Gothic style in the early 16th century.
● Ottoman Threat: Transformed into a castle (1546–1559), with round bastions added
and the tower used as a watchtower.
● Baroque Additions: The tower received its distinctive onion-shaped Baroque dome.
● 19th Century Use: Served various purposes, including as an archive, storage,
gymnasium, library, and police headquarters.
● Since 1900: Converted into a museum with expanding exhibits.
Visiting the Castle
● Structure: Fortified with circular bastions at four corners and square bastions at the
remaining corners, but difficult to defend due to its exposure from Paradise Hill.
● Visit Options: Guided tours (in Slovak) cover all exhibits; self-guided tours exclude the
clock collection, pipe exhibition, and blacksmith workshop.
● Self-Guided Tour Materials: Hungarian-language texts are available for those exploring
without a guide.
● Highlights: Climbing the old clock tower offers stunning views over the city and Calvary
hill.

Key Sites Within the Castle

● St. Michael’s Chapel: Romanesque crypt near the entrance; winding corridors lead to
the tower.
● Himmelreich Bastion: Contains an old prison with historic torture devices.
● Courtyard: Displays iron crosses and a well, which connects to an underground
passage for emergency escape.
● Former Church: Now a lapidarium with original Baroque statues from the Holy Trinity
Column in the main square and a model of M.S. Master’s famous altar.
● Guided Tour Extras: Includes clock exhibition, target practice boards, Bronze Age
artifacts, and a bronze memorial to the 1848 revolution soldiers.

KLOPAČKA (KNOCKING TOWER)

On the way to New Castle
Renaissance-Baroque building with a tower, decorated with a miner’s badge.

● Currently houses a popular teahouse on the ground floor.

● Historically, miners were signaled the start of work and shifts by hammer strikes on a
hardwood plank suspended in the tower.
● During mining funerals, somber hammer strikes were heard across the town, as the
sound traveled through the mining tunnels and became a part of daily life.

New Castle: Built in the 16th century to protect against Turkish invaders, offering a
panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.
Construction: Built by the city’s citizens in two stages between 1564 and 1571 for defense
against the Ottomans.

Artillery Defense: Equipped with twenty-four Italian cannons to defend the city from potential
attacks from the Léva and Bakabánya directions.

Warning Signals:

● Enemy Approach: A black flag was raised.

● Visitors: Guards played a "motet" as a greeting.
● Fire Alerts: Red flag by day and a lantern by night.

Watch Duties: The fire watchman sounded a trumpet every quarter-hour.

Hourly Signals: The full hour was marked by a guard ringing a bell.

Nickname: Known as Selmec’s “Two-Legged Clock” due to these regular signals.

● The six-story Renaissance fortress now serves as part of the City Museum, featuring
a permanent exhibit commemorating anti-Ottoman battles.
● The exhibit includes Turkish and Hungarian weapons, flags, original cannons from the
Old Castle (Óvár), and fascinating painted target boards that depict daily life at the
frontier forts.
● A newly opened exhibit explores the history of the Banská Štiavnica Volunteer
Firefighter Association.
● From the top floor, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding
landscape, though the small windows must remain closed.

According to legend:

● the wealthy and beautiful Borbála Rössel built the castle.

● In Borbála's time, a gallows was visible from her palace, causing her frequent distress
when she looked out the window.
● Despite her requests, the town refused to relocate the gallows, so Borbála devised a
plan.
● She proposed to fund the construction of a castle that would serve as a wartime refuge
for the town, with the condition that it be built on the gallows' site.
● The city magistrates agreed, and Borbála built the castle where the gallows once stood.
● Borbála was known for her beauty and wealth, which was rumored to be so vast that a
line of gold coins from her grandfather’s fortune could stretch from Banská Štiavnica to
Budapest.
● Though she had many suitors, Borbála vowed never to marry and led a life of
extravagant parties, earning her the nickname “Witch of Leányvár.”
● In a show of defiance, she threw a valuable ring into the local stream, claiming her
wealth was as secure as the ring was lost. However, the ring was later found in a fish
caught from the stream.
● Borbála eventually died impoverished and alone; because of a storm during her funeral,
her coffin was abandoned on the road, and wild dogs consumed her body, a tragic end
to her once-glamorous life.
Szélaknai (or Hegybányai or Piargi) Gate (Above New Castle)

Original Construction:

● Built in 1554 in Renaissance style, this city gate is the only remaining gate of the original
four that once protected the town.
● The gate was originally built as part of the anti-Turkish defences in the 16th century.
● Known as the Hegybányai Gate or Piargi Gate, it was fortified by a wall with two round
towers, though one tower was demolished in 1910 for a wider road.

Baroque Renovation:

● In the late 18th century, the gate was remodeled in Baroque style.

Current Condition:

● The gate is significantly deteriorated, with plaster damage and missing fragments.
● The surrounding area is neglected, with tall grass and a generally unkempt appearance.
● Efforts to restore and improve its condition appear to be underway.

Historical Background:

● Banská Štiavnica, famous for its silver mines, originally occupied Glanzenberg Hill until
the 1241-42 Mongol invasions destroyed the settlement.
● Saxon settlers, invited by King Béla IV, rebuilt the town in a secluded valley surrounded
by steep hills.
 ● There is no record of the town's fortifications during its early free royal status, and there
is uncertainty regarding any defensive structures built by the Hussites, who briefly
occupied the town in the mid-15th century.

Glanzenberg Hill (Óselmec)

Development of Fortifications:

● Due to the Turkish threat, the town council decided to fortify the town, converting the
Gothic-style parish church into a fortress known as the Old Castle (Óvár) around 1546-
1559.
● Additional gates and walls were built, blocking access to the main valleys: Hegybányai
Gate (1554), Szentantal Gate, Bélabánya Gate, Bakabánya Gate, and a northwestern
gate.
● A fortified wall with towers was constructed near the Kamaraház to further block enemy
attacks.

Later Fortifications and Remaining Structures:

● Between 1564-1571, the New Castle (Újvár) was built to protect the town’s southern
side, completing the town's defensive system.
● Today, only the Old Castle, New Castle, and Hegybányai Gate remain intact.
● The Bélabánya Gate, which closed off the northern valley, was destroyed by German
forces in 1945, while the other gates were demolished earlier by the townspeople.

Take Novozámecká street back to the main street, so you can walk past the synagogue (now
Erb brewery)
BOTANICAL GARDEN
Akademická 349/24

● hosted the former Selmec Academy buildings, is also the town's largest park.
● Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks among hundred-year-old trees or rest on one of the
benches.
● The three historic school buildings add a unique charm to the park.
● It’s easy to imagine the lively and vibrant forestry and mining student life of the 19th
century.
● Today, the buildings house forestry and technical vocational high schools.
● Centuries of mining led to intensive use of wood, pushing the surrounding forests to their
limits.
● This, along with aesthetic considerations, motivated the establishment of the Botanical
Garden in 1838 on the grounds of the Mining Academy.
● The garden was created to test whether exotic plants could adapt and grow quickly in
Central Europe’s climate.
● Today, the garden features more than 250 varieties of native and exotic plants.
● Visitors can lean on the Giant Sequoia or Lebanese Cedar to recharge or simply sit
on a bench and relax.
● The total area of the botanical garden is 3,545 ha and at present 220 species of tree
species can be seen here.
CALVARY HILL (KALVÁRIA)
A Baroque complex with a series of chapels depicting the Passion of Christ, providing a scenic
viewpoint over the town.
 ● Tajchy Lakes: Created as part of a mining water management system, these artificial
lakes now offer recreational activities such as swimming and hiking.
● Queen Elizabeth’s Lace: The area around Banska Stiavnica is famous for its lace-
making heritage. A notable work was a large lace veil worn by Queen Elizabeth II of the
United Kingdom.

Banska Stiavnica offers a rare blend of natural beauty, rich mining history, architectural charm,
and folklore, attracting tourists with its enchanting legends, historical structures, and deep
cultural heritage.

Elizabeth II's lace

In the Selmecbánya area, there have been renowned lace-makers in the past centuries. For
example, ten lace-makers made the huge, snow-white lace veil once worn by Elizabeth II,
Queen of Great Britain.
SELMEC STUDENT TRADITIONS
Selmec Mining Traditions:

● Originated with students at the Mining and Forestry Academy in Banská Štiavnica,
dating back to the late 18th century.
● These traditions were carried forward when the academy moved to Sopron and have
been preserved in several universities, including the University of Sopron, University of
Miskolc, and institutions in Dunaújváros and Székesfehérvár.

Hierarchy Among Students:

● New students were called "pagans," and after initiation, "balek."

● Second-year students were "kohlenbrenner" (charcoal burners), and those who
progressed in Selmec traditions became "Firma."
● Graduates became “veterans,” and upon leaving the campus, they were referred to as
“Philisters.”

The Bursch:

● Bursch were student members of German-inspired social organizations

(Burschenschaft), established in 1823 in Selmec.
● They wore distinctive uniforms with high boots, a silver-green ribbon, and German-styled
caps.
● The Bursch played a central role in student life, organizing gatherings and upholding a
system of social conduct and respect.

Szakestély (Departmental Feasts):

● Traditional gatherings held in a formal and humorous atmosphere, inspired by 18th-

century German universities.
● Served only beer or wine, with candlelight and strict rules. Custom mugs or cups were
made for special occasions.
● These events often had a specific purpose, such as balek initiation or graduation
ceremonies.

Songs and Student Community:

● Songs played an integral role in these traditions, with origins in medieval European
student culture.
● Popular songs included "Ballag már a vén diák" ("The Old Student is Leaving") and
tunes that were translated from German after Hungarian became the teaching language.

Bursch Uniforms:

● Initially based on miner uniforms and evolved over time to reflect specific student
groups.
● The attire for foresters (Walden) included forest-green jackets with oak leaf details, while
mining students wore black "gruben" uniforms for everyday use.
● Uniforms and symbols conveyed heritage and status among students.
Valétálás and Salamander Procession:

● Valétálás is a farewell ceremony for graduates, featuring a procession with mining lamps
and torches through the town, a tradition that inspired the modern Hungarian "ballagás"
(graduation walk).
● The salamander procession, accompanied by singing, represents the graduates’ final
goodbye to their Alma Mater and town.

Historical Preservation and Revitalization:

● After WWII and political challenges, these traditions were partially restored in the 1970s.
● In 2014, Selmec student traditions were added to Hungary’s National Inventory of
Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing their significance.

2023.03.18 FIRE

● A major fire broke out in Selmecbánya (Banská Štiavnica), damaging several historic
buildings in the city center.
● The fire started on Saturday morning near the Town Hall Square and quickly spread to
surrounding structures, including the local art school and the mining archive.
● Local residents helped authorities by rescuing paintings and valuable artifacts from the
city’s gallery.
● The fire was contained by Saturday afternoon with extensive support from firefighters
and military personnel.
● Seven buildings were damaged, with several roofs completely burned and some entire
floors destroyed.
● Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger emphasized the government’s commitment to
restoring the damaged heritage buildings to their original state.
● Culture Minister Natália Milanová reported that five heritage buildings caught fire,
including the Slovak Mining Museum and its gallery, the local art school, and a pizzeria.
● No casualties were reported.
● The Berggericht building, housing a mineral exhibition, also suffered severe damage;
evacuation efforts successfully saved artifacts from the Jozef Kollár Gallery.
● The fire’s likely cause was a short circuit in electrical wiring, according to initial
investigations.
● Dozens of firefighters and military personnel worked to transport cultural artifacts and
documents from affected buildings.
● Local authorities asked residents for help evacuating artworks from the Jozef Kollár
Gallery, situated near the burning historic buildings.

KAŠTIEĽ VO SVÄTOM ANTONE / SZENTANTAL, KOHÁRY-

COBURG-KASTÉLY
Location: The Koháry-Coburg Castle, also known as Sväty Anton, is located 5 km from
Selmecbánya (Banská Štiavnica), Slovakia, in a valley surrounded by the peaks of the Selmec
Mountains.

Historical Background: Built in 1744 by Count András Koháry on the site of a former medieval
castle; it was acquired by the Coburg family in 1826 through marriage. The castle features
symbolic architecture reflecting the calendar year (365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 chimneys, 7
arcades, and 4 entrances).

Museum: Opened to the public in 1962, the castle now operates as a national cultural
monument and museum, showcasing furniture, artifacts, and collections from the 17th to 19th
centuries.

Castle Features:

● Beautifully decorated interiors with original furnishings, including furniture collected by

Ferdinand of Coburg, former ruler of Bulgaria.
● A baroque chapel with frescoes, Venetian mirrors, tapestries, and the historic Koháry
family library.

Exhibitions: Features a vast hunting, forestry, and woodcraft collection with over 2,000
trophies, including rare specimens. A falconry exhibition is also on display.

English Park: The extensive park behind the castle includes a fountain, stone benches, artificial
caves, a waterfall, pond, bridge, and pavilion, perfect for romantic walks.

Local Attractions: Sväty Anton village is known for its baroque church (with a 16th-century
Gothic Madonna) and historical buildings like a bell tower and a rococo chapel.

Events: Hosts the popular national hunting celebration, the St. Hubertus Days, each
September.

Visitor Information:

● Location: Sväty Anton, 5 km south of Selmecbánya on the road to Hontianska Nemce.

● Opening Hours:
○ July–August: Mon–Sun 09:00–17:30
○ April–June, Sept–Oct: Tue–Sun 09:00–16:00
○ Nov–March: Tue–Sat 08:00–15:00
● Guided Tours Only:
○ Spring/Summer: Short tour (12 rooms + hunting exhibit), long tour (26 rooms +
chapel + hunting exhibit).
○ Winter: One tour covering 12 rooms, chapel, and hunting exhibit.
● Admission Prices:
○ Short tour: €5 (discounted €2.50), long tour: €7 (discounted €3.50), winter tour:
€6 (discounted €3), children under 6: €0.50.