Kremnica

Kremnica was granted town rights in 1328 and a mint was set up the same year, striking a gold florin that circulated across Europe and was known for its reliability. The mint has been working ever since, which makes it one of the oldest continuously operating in the world. The town centre is a square on a slope with a fortified church complex above it, and the mining museum runs tours into a medieval gold gallery under the town.

History

Mining here goes back to the 9th century, and after the Mongol invasion the kings invited German settlers who revived it. The mint was already working when the town received its royal privileges, it struck gold florins from 1335 and later the famous Kremnica ducats, and from 1331 the town was the seat of the Chamber Count who ran the kingdom's most important mines and mints (Wikipedia, Kremnica).

What to look for

• The mint - striking coins continuously since 1328, with a museum of coinage.
• The town castle - a fortified church complex on the rise above the square.
• The square - a sloping medieval square with a plague column and burgher houses.
• The mine gallery - a medieval gold-working tunnel shown under the town.

When to go

April to October is the main season; winter hours are shorter. The mine tour runs to set times and should be booked. Museums close on Mondays.

What to expect

The working mint is not open to visitors; the museum is separate. Mine tours are limited and book out. The town is small and quiet outside the square.

Nearby

Banska Stiavnica is south, and Banska Bystrica is northeast.

Key facts