Banska Stiavnica

Banska Stiavnica is a beautifully preserved medieval mining town nestled in the caldera of an extinct volcano in central Slovakia, once one of the richest silver-mining centres in Europe and a cradle of mining science. A UNESCO ensemble of grand burgher houses, two castles and a system of man-made mining lakes, it is one of the most atmospheric small towns in the country.

What you actually see

• The old town - the grand houses and squares of the silver-mining town.
• The Old and New Castles - the two castles guarding the town.
• The Calvary - the baroque hillside pilgrimage complex above.
• The mining lakes and museum - the historic reservoirs and the open-air mining museum.

When to go

The warm months for the town, the castles and the surrounding lakes; it is quiet and atmospheric, less visited than the famous cities. A clear day suits the hilltop views.

Honest expectations

It is out in the central hills, a drive from the main routes, which keeps it uncrowded. The town is hilly, so expect climbs between the sights. Its charm is the whole atmospheric ensemble rather than a single big draw.

Nearby

The central Slovak hills and Zvolen are nearby; the mining lakes surround the town.