Košice Old Town

Košice grew as a trading city on the route north from Hungary, and its centre is a single very long square that widens in the middle, with St Elisabeth's cathedral standing in it: the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral of its type in Europe, begun around 1380. Around it are St Michael's chapel, the Urban tower, a singing fountain and a run of burgher houses. Košice was granted the first European coat of arms given to a town, in 1369.

What you'll find

• St Elisabeth's cathedral - the largest Gothic church in Slovakia, begun around 1380.
• The long square - a spindle-shaped promenade the whole centre is built around.
• The Urban tower - the freestanding bell tower beside the cathedral.
• The Lower Gate - excavated medieval fortifications shown underground.

When to go

April to October is the most comfortable, with the fountain and terraces running. Summer brings festivals to the square. Winter markets fill it in December.

What to expect

The cathedral's tower and crypt keep separate limited hours and close on some days. The city outside the centre is workaday. Parking near the old town is difficult.

Nearby

Jasov is west, and the Slovak Karst is southwest.