Bardejov – a unique fortified medieval town in Slovakia
Bardejov is a fortified medieval town and a very unique place to visit. It is located on a floodplain terrace in the hills of the Beskyd Mountains in north eastern Slovakia. It’s approximately an hour away by bus or train from Presov. The town’s position on the main route into Poland led to a customs offices being built nearby. The town is still relatively unspoilt by tourism.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jeff Hart
Bardejov is laid out in an irregular fashion. There are three main streets that have intersections with four others. A small Jewish quarter is centred around an 18th century synagogue and the town square is lined with 46 burgher houses displaying their standard narrow frontages.
The main square is arguably the biggest tourist attraction, covering almost half of the ground area of the town. The former town hall, built in the 16th century, stands in the centre and is worth admiring. It also hosts an exhibition of the Šariš Museum. There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the square.
Within the town walls you can also explore the Fransiscan monastery and St John the Baptist church. The building stands near to the town walls which represent the best-preserved medieval fortification system in Slovakia. Besides the stone walls, one large gate and ten bastions have also been preserved.
Next to Bardejov is a famous Spa Resort Bardejovské Kúpele, where tourists can enjoy free access to the curative waters that abound in the town park. There is also a very impressive model village museum of peasant buildings.
Category: Slovakia
