Slovakia’s Rising Star
A trading hub during the Hungarian Empire, Košice (ko-sheet-seh) has a heritage as motley as the architectural styles of its medieval old town.
This year Slovakia’s second largest city steps out of the shadows as Europe’s eastern Capital of Culture while also feting 20 years of Slovak independence.
Along the Old Craftsman Row (Hrnčiarska), visitors drop in on the ancient ateliers of modern-day artists, blacksmiths, and potters.
Locals fill the cobblestoned main square and beyond, spilling out of wine bars like Villa Cassa, which pours 800 varietals, with some from the nearby Tokaj region.
Košice’s location makes it convenient to explore several national parks, the ski resorts and glacial lakes of High Tatras, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including a treasury of centuries-old wooden churches. An army barracks turned cultural center and the White Night festival in October shed light on a thriving arts scene.
“Košice has always been a city of culture,” says guide Milan Kolcun. “Only now we are no longer anonymous.”
Insider’s Tip: Use Eurail’s new trip planner to find train routes to Košice (5-6 hours from Bratislava, 3.5 hours from Budapest).
This article, written by Kimberley Lovato, appeared in the October 2013 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico