city walls Town fortifications

Welcome to Banska Stiavnica, a city surrounded by steep slopes and deep valleys. You are standing in front of city walls that remind us that the city was not just a mining center, but had to be a safe port for its inhabitants. You will see the remains of the fortification that created the barrier between the inner life of the city and the outside world.

Castles arose in response to the needs of the times. Banská Štiavnica was one of the richest cities in Europe thanks to polymetals. However, wealth also brought danger. At a time when there were no modern states with an organized army, the city had to build its own defenses. The city walls were a symbol of urban autonomy and power. They protected miners, craftsmen, and merchants from robbers or foreign armies who would try to gain control of mining bearings.

Pay attention to architecture. Note the massiveness of the walls and the way they fit into the terrain. The city's fortification follows the dramatic topography of the city; the lines of the walls rise and fall along with the hills. Although you only see fragments, you can still blame the principle of defense. From these towns, the view of the surroundings spread out, enabling anyone to arrive at the city gates in time.

The specific names of architects associated with the wall design are unknown. Castles were not the work of one author but the result of collective efforts of the city and generations of craftsmen. These walls are a common monument to all inhabitants of Banská Štiavnica who lived here and defended their home.

Castles in Banská Štiavnica represented the border between civilization and the wilderness that surrounded the city. It is not known how many secret passages and hidden roads in the fortifications existed so that soldiers could quickly move from one side of the city to another without being visible from the outside.

I invite you to continue to explore other parts of the city. The city walls are just the beginning of the story of the city, which became the center of world fame. Walk through narrow streets and imagine what your day would look like when these walls were a guarantee of your peace.

Thank you for the company. I wish you a pleasant walk Banská Štiavnica. Goodbye.