Information about the partner City of Banská Bystrica

Name of the city

Banská Bystrica

Mayor

Ivan Saktor

Year of foundation

1255

Location

Central Slovakia

Altitude

324

Area

103 km2

Population

84 000

Average age

Universities

University of Matej Bel ,

Tajovského 12, 974 01 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: jana.blahova@umb.sk

Industry

Ing. Jela Adamcová, MsÚ,

ČSA26, 97539 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: adamcova@misbb.sk

Opportunities for investors

Ing. Ján Jenčík MsÚ,

ČSA26, 97539 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: jencik@misbb.sk

Other specific characteristics

the administrative, economic and cultural center of Central Slovakia

PhDr. Dagmar Svešniková,CSc, MsÚ,

ČSA 26, 97539 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: svesnikova@misbb.sk

Cultural relics and monuments

The Church of our Lady is the oldest building, a national cultural monument dominates the city center. It is characteristic of the change in European architectural styles. Banska Bystrica is certainly one of the Slovakian cities with the richest architecture. The center of the city is exceptional. Among the many monuments and buildings (it would be impossible to present a complete list here) is the Clock Tower which, like the Tower of Pisa, leans; The city houses several art galleries and museums, including the SNP Museum which commemorates the resistance to Nazi oppression. Banska Bystrica is, because of its cultural richness, the pearl of Central Slovakia.

PaeDdr. Dušan Jarina, MsÚ,

ČSA 26, 97539 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: jarina@misbb.sk

Sports possibilities

The Lower Tatras massif has a large number of hotels and perfectly fitted out slopes. 28 kilometers to the northeast of Banska Bystrica is the Donovaly Valley, one of the biggest ski resorts in Slovakia. The slopes near the city of Zvolen attract a good number of skiers. Large parking lots, excellent infrastructures and quality services are available to visitors who can experience the joys of downhill skiing and cross-country skiing under the best conditions of comfort and security. Other skiable areas like Kraliky (ski school), Podkonice (ski jumping), Plese (cross-country skiing) and Turecka Krizna await ski lovers. Of course, during the summer season, visitors can enjoy the thermal springs. The summer resort of Sliac is very well-known.

RSDr. Vladimír Hudec, MsÚ,

ČSA 26, 97539 Banská Bystrica

e-mail: hudec@misbb.sk

Tourism

In the areas around Banska Bystrica are numerous protected natural sites, including the Low Tatras National Park (811 sq. Km.), which is the largest National Park in Slovakia. This mountainous and tree-covered area spreads out to more than 92 kms. The highest mountain in the Lower Tatras is Mount Chopok at 2,024 meters. Off of its northern slope is the Demanovska Dolina valley through which two small rivers flow. Its principal attraction, in addition to its pine forests, is the largest group of caves in Slovakia. The biggest cave, the Freedom Cave, whose entrance is at an altitude of 870 meters, conceals extraordinary and mysterious beauties.