Things to do in Banska Bystrica

Top Things to Do in Banska Bystrica

Things to Do in Banska Bystrica

Top Attractions in Banska Bystrica

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What travellers are saying

  • Carol H
    De Pere, WI1,074 contributions
    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.
  • averyglenthorne
    London, UK73 contributions
    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.
  • Cockney John
    97 contributions
    I 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 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NayiU
    Banska Bystrica, Slovakia512 contributions
    If you you have hour or so make sure you stroll around this square. There are many nice renovated buildings, plenty cafés, restaurant and pubs
    Written 17 February 2020
    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
    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.
  • Carol H
    De Pere, WI1,074 contributions
    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
    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.
  • MateZko
    Slovakia251 contributions
    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.
  • Filip H
    Ostrov, Czech Republic424 contributions
    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.
  • Teachcool
    Harriman, TN483 contributions
    Another 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 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rudo Protivný
    90 contributions
    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.
  • Aljosa_and_Natasa
    Ljubljana, Slovenia173 contributions
    The Church look likes very old, but unfortunately we didn't go inside. It's very close to the other main attractions.
    Written 19 May 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sateldegaman
    Talladega, AL236 contributions
    My 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 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Norfolk n Good
    Norwich, UK1,205 contributions
    At 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 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Banska Bystrica Attractions Information

Attractions

89

Attraction Reviews

734

Attraction Photos

963

Local Time

Europe/Bratislava