Banská Stianivca HOME PAGE
Banská Stiavnica was formerly one of the most significant centers of precious metal mining, mining science, technology and education in Europe. It was awarded the official status of a town and mining rights as early as 1238, but the extraction and processing of metals, principally gold and silver, dates back to the Bronze Age. In mediaeval times, many German mining specialists came to Banska Stiavnica, bringing with them their new and progressive expertise in ore extraction. The world’s first technical university, devoted to mining, mineralogy, physics and chemistry, was established here in 1735 by a decree of the empress Maria Theresa, inspiring the establishment of the later polytechnic institute in Paris.

The renaissance fortress against the Ottomans dominating the city was constructed from the former roman-gothic church, carner and fortification. The Old Chateau originates from the 16th century. The New Chateau was similarly built between the years 1564 – 1571 as a counterbalance to the Old Chateau and as part of the town fortification against the Ottomans. Today the Slovak Museum of Mining and an exhibition documenting the history of the fights against the Ottoman expansion are located in both chateaus. The location is listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage site.