Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
Top Things to Do in Banska Bystrica
Things to Do in Banska Bystrica
Tours near Banska Bystrica
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Carol HDe Pere, WI1,074 contributionsThe 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - averyglenthorneLondon, UK73 contributionsI 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cockney John97 contributionsI spent 3 hours here without a problem. All exhibits are displayed with English information as well as Slovak. A full explanation of Slovakia’s part in WW2. Plenty to look at bith inside and outside. A local friend told me that all the German tanks havevtheir guns pointing downwards whereas the Russian tanks thevguns point upwards. An amusing insight into the previous socialist thinking and way of influencing the workd.Written 15 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NayiUBanska Bystrica, Slovakia512 contributionsIf you you have hour or so make sure you stroll around this square. There are many nice renovated buildings, plenty cafés, restaurant and pubsWritten 17 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carol HDe Pere, WI1,074 contributionsConstruction 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Carol HDe Pere, WI1,074 contributionsThe 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 296katarinan8 contributionsVery educational exhibition set in a beautiful historical building. Definitelly worth to see, while you' re visiting Banska Bystrica.Written 15 October 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MateZkoSlovakia251 contributionsMany 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 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Filip HOstrov, Czech Republic424 contributionsnice 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TeachcoolHarriman, TN483 contributionsAnother fine representation of a plague pillar erected by those who survived. Have seen many on our trip across Slovakia, but this one is located in an especially nice town square.Written 18 September 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rudo Protivný90 contributionsThis 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 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aljosa_and_NatasaLjubljana, Slovenia173 contributionsThe Church look likes very old, but unfortunately we didn't go inside. It's very close to the other main attractions.Written 19 May 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sateldegamanTalladega, AL236 contributionsMy review would add nothing to the one posted by Daniela in September 2014, except to say that you need a car to get to this church.Written 19 September 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Norfolk n GoodNorwich, UK1,205 contributionsAt the time I was visiting Banska Bystrica, I visited this wonderful gallery, at the time they had on display some excellent activist art, or political artwork by Slovaks. With video installations, sculptures, contemporary pieces, comic strips, you name it. Set on a wonderful old building. An essential visit in BB, even if this you will love it.Written 21 April 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banska Bystrica
- The top attractions to visit in Banska Bystrica are:
- Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
- The Clock Tower
- Slovak National Uprising Square
- Europa SC
- The Town Castle Area
- The most popular things to do in Banska Bystrica with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Slovak National Uprising Square
- The Clock Tower
- The Town Castle Area
- The Stone Fountain
- Club Cafe Family
Banska Bystrica Attractions Information
Attractions | 89 |
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Attraction Reviews | 734 |
Attraction Photos | 963 |
Local Time | Europe/Bratislava |