Bardejov – The Perfect Medieval City for a Sunday Drive
Located in the isolated north-eastern reaches of Slovakia, along with nearby Zborov castle, Bardejov is often passed over by western tourists. But for the lucky Poles and Slovaks that make their way out here, they are privy to an unspoiled medieval city that would attract many times more people if it had been located elsewhere. Enjoy a completely intact medieval city center, and reflect on a Slovakia that has long been in recession.
Table of Contents
Geography
As previously mentioned the city is located in the north-east of the country in a region called Šariš. The city was built on a floodplain terrace of the Topľa River and is tucked between the hills of the Beskyd Mountains.
A Brief History
Early Foundations and Hungarian Rule
The region has been occupied since the stone age, and was once part of the Great Moravian Empire, yet no significant mentions of a settlement here happen until 1240. We do know from historical record that the Basilica had already been built by this time and as such the city dates back to before this mention.
Town began to take importance in the 14th century and its golden age lasted into the 16th century. This is largely due to the creation of the thick town walls that resulted in over 50 guilds establish themselves within its cordon of safety. It gained the status of a royal town in 1376 and would later becoming a free royal town.
A major botther took place here in 1410 when at the Battle of Bardejov King Sigismund of Hungary was defeated by the King of Poland Władysław II Jagiełło defeated. The city would eventually become part of the Austrian Empire.
Austro-Hungarian Empire, Industrialization and Modern Era
The city declined due to disease and war and would last from the 16th century until the 18th when Slovaks and Jews began to immigrate to the city. The old burgher houses were renovated and industry began to settle here with the arrival of the railways in 1893. It once again began to decline during the Czechoslovak Republic and was taken by the Red Army in 1945. The economy during these years had been bad and the area was know more for its farming. Unfortunately, like most of Central Europe Jews were mercilessly exterminated and their heritage left to decay.
The 1950’s saw the city become a protected area and its meticulous restoration saw it registered with UNESCO by 1986. It was the first town in Czechoslovakia to receive this award.
What to do in Bardejov
Despite its UNESCO status, Bardejov is a pretty small city, and as such the primary thing to do here is to soak up the atmosphere. Try to align your visit to Bardejov when an even is taking place such a Sunday market or the auto show.
Enjoy the view from the city Walls
The 14th century city walls wrap around the city in an oval fashion, along the ridge line of the promontory that the old town sits upon. Some sections have been restored and you can even walk along its high points. This is especially true along the Červená bašta (Bastion) and impression reinforced bulb out in the north-eastern sector of the walls that once served as a city gate.
Visit the Basilica of St Giles and the Walk Around the Central Square
This square shaped square at the center of the circular old town shows the sublime town planning that the medieval city was blesses with. Here rows of guild-homes line the square and its iconic buildings. This public space is where the medieval market once took place.
At the center of the square you will find the old town hall dating from 1505. Built in both Gothic and Renaissance style. In 1903, the building was converted into the Šariš County Museum (now known as the Šariš Museum Bardejov). It is one of the oldest museums in Slovakia.
Don’t miss the great sculpture of a town executioner located near the well on the south side of the square!
At the north end of the square you will find the Basilica of St Giles built by James of Polish Sącz. He was the teacher of Master Paul of Levoča, who built the tallest wooden altar in the world. As you would expect this church as a lot of naives and altars. The building has seen many changes over the years and survived fires, earthquakes and bombings, somehow emerging intact.
Scale up Cyrilometodský Kríž for a View of the city
This short hike will provide you will a birds eye view of the city.
Attend the Bardejov Tuning Auto Show
This popular event is completely free for visitors, with only a small fee for participants. It brings classic cars to Bardejov’s center to be enjoyed by all! This event is very popular with Polish tourists.
Conclusion
After you have enjoyed he city’s medieval charm, stay a while and experience some traditional Slovak food. You are a long way from Kansas Dorothy, far from the big cities the air is free and the food delicious, so indulge and be sure to pair it with the lovely Šariš beer from Prešov.
