Košice Region, Slovakia
A former mining town formed from a Slavic settlement and German colonists after the 13th-century Tatar invasions, home to the tallest church tower in Slovakia and the main gateway to Slovenský raj National Park.
Spišská Nová Ves formed from the merger of an older Slavic settlement known as Iglov with German colonists invited by King Béla IV after the Tatar invasions of the 1240s, first documented in 1268. It became an official mining town in 1380 and, from 1778, served as capital of the historic 'Province of 16 Spiš Towns,' a Habsburg-era administrative grouping of Spiš region settlements.
The Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the second half of the 14th century, anchors Radničné námestie, the town's main square. Its neo-Gothic tower, rebuilt in 1893–1894 after the original was destroyed by artillery fire in 1849, rises 87 metres, officially recognised as the tallest church tower in Slovakia. Today, Spišská Nová Ves also functions as the principal gateway town for visitors heading into Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park, known for its gorges, waterfalls and via ferrata trails.
Attractions, activities and experiences kept separate from stays and dining.
Attractions and landmarks
An 87-metre neo-Gothic tower, officially the tallest church tower in Slovakia.
Half a day in town; a full day or more with a Slovenský raj excursion
May to September suits both the tower climb and any extension into Slovenský raj National Park, when trails and via ferratas are in full condition.
The historic centre and main square are compact and walkable. Slovenský raj National Park's trailheads lie a short drive from town, with some reachable by local bus.
