Things to do in Banska Bystrica

Top Things to Do in Banska Bystrica

Things to Do in Banska Bystrica


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Top Attractions in Banska Bystrica

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Historic Sites
The clock tower, also known as the green, weigh officeand lately also as the leaning tower, stands on the upper end of the Námestie SNP square in Banská Bystrica. It is one of the dominating features forming the outline of the historical centre of the town. Initially, the tower had also another purpose besides the one of the clock support - that of the watch tower. From the tower people could communicate with other watch towers on Vartovka and on Šachtičky, from where they were notified of any potential danger threatening the town. There used to live buglers in the tower, who in case of a fire went to the tower gallery and sounded the bugle alarm. The clock tower also used to be referred to as the weigh office tower, as it stood next to the town weigh officebuilding. Below the clock tower, there were the town torture chamber and prison. Since its construction, the tower has burnt out several times and undergone several modifications and changes. Since the start of the 20th century the tower has been leaning from the center line, which is visible even with the naked eye. At present the tower is leaning by as much as 68 cm. An old legend also provides an explanation as to why the tower is leaning: It was tilted by angels who crashed and seized its top while flying over its roof at night. Currently, the clock tower is open to the public, you can get to its top using the wooden staircase with 101 steps and from the tower gallery you will have a beautiful view of the cityscape of the whole square under your feet and the distant summits of the Kremnické vrchy Mts., or the Low Tatras.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

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What travellers are saying

  • Carol H
    De Pere, WI1,074 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Clock Tower, "Leaning Tower," is slender and beautiful, standing silent guard over SNP Square. Built in 1552, this Renaissance structure served as an observation post, a prison, and a torture chamber.

    Since its construction, it has burned several times, and has undergone renovations.

    In the 19th century, brass bands used to give concerts from the top floor gallery

    At the beginning of the 20th century, people have noticed its tilt. At present, it is leaning by as much as 68 cm (26 inches).

    Although no member of our tour group of 22 climbed to the top, our local guide told us that there is a wooden staircase with 101 steps that offers a magnificent view of the entire town.
    Written 17 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GregField
    Canterbury, UK6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As a Brit abroad it was lovely to embrace customs, see and learn the history of where we were staying and this gem of a museum gave you everything with some amazing exhibits.
    Written 21 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • product-of-canada
    Toronto, Canada2,389 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice pit-stop on our way to Vienna from Lubenik. The weather did not cooperate, but you can still appreciate the beauty of this old square. Was there in time to hear the church bells chime. Wish we had more time than the 1 hour we were there.
    Written 3 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • averyglenthorne
    London, UK73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited in May 2023 by train from Bratislava - 3.5 hours each way. It was worth it to see the countryside and spot castles in the last hour of the journey. The principal train station is further from the town centre than the Mesto train station but does have nice stained glass and statues. The principle attractions are the SNP Museum and the town square. 2-3 hours is more than adequate. I'm glad I went but feel no need to make a return visit.
    Written 31 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carol H
    De Pere, WI1,074 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The castle area of Banska Bystrica is the oldest part of the town. The castle complex was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and consists of both religious and secular buildings. All that remains of the original town walls and the castle's 18 bastions are three bastions and one long section of wall. The complex also includes the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary, which was built in the Romanesque style in the 13th century, the Church of the Holy Cross dating from 1492, the Matthias House constructed in 1479, The Barbican, and the Old Town Hall.

    It is best to tour the area with a local guide who will identify the buildings, and provide the necessary historical perspective.
    Written 18 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 296katarinan
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very educational exhibition set in a beautiful historical building. Definitelly worth to see, while you' re visiting Banska Bystrica.
    Written 15 October 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carol H
    De Pere, WI1,074 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Construction of the church began in1255. It was rebuilt in Baroque styles in 1770 after a great fire in 1761.The church's tower--gray with a red decoration--is a town landmark The simple arches of the tower windows indicated their Romanesque origin.

    Before entering, one immediately notices a vivid Baroque sculpture on the outside wall depicting Christ and his disciples at the Mount of Olives.

    The ornate Gothic altarpiece of St. Barbara (patron saint of miners), in the north side chapel, is the church's greatest treasure. Made by Master Pavol of Levoca, it depicts the Madonna and Jesus, St. Barbara and St. Jerome. Paintings in the main altarpiece (1774) by Johann Lukas Kracker portray the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Trinity.

    Other striking features of the beautiful interior include the pulpit and organ loft, along with the bronze font by Master Jodok, which is a masterpiece of medieval metalwork.
    Written 17 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Filip H
    Ostrov, Czech Republic424 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    nice place to see. some vehicles from second world war, definetly worthy to see also inside of memorial. unfortunately i didnt visit museum inside.
    Written 24 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • shropshirenick
    Shrewsbury, UK20,064 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely fountain in the main square of Banska Bystrica. The square is a great location to people watch and take in the atmosphere of the town.
    Written 3 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rudo Protivný
    90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place simply unique - standing of the top of a hill you see hills everywhere around. Just to get to the starting point you need to drive about 40 min. on a dirt road, but it is well worth it. The hike itself is great, it will leave you speechless. You can see a lot of Slovakia from this point, including a crater of a former volcano, which many people even do not know about.
    Written 30 October 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MateZko
    Slovakia251 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many shops with high quality goods. This building can be reached on foot from the center of Banska Bystrica, it takes about five minutes.
    Written 7 December 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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