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The city of Zvolen stands at the confluence of the Slatina and Hron rivers and is considered one of the oldest in Slovakia. Back in the 4th century, on the territory of modern Zvolen there was a settlement where Slavic tribes lived. By the same time, scientists attribute the construction of a fortress wall on the banks of the Slatina. Zvolen is known for being the center of royal power in the Middle Ages, and in the 14th century, Louis I the Great even built the famous Zvolen Castle. It was this time that can be called the heyday of the city. In the 16th century, Zvolen was considered one of the best fortresses in Slovakia and repeatedly repulsed the attacks of the Turks. In the 18th century, the city became industrial centre countries where folk crafts were well developed. Unfortunately, ancient city on this place was destroyed more than once - for example, after the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols. What remains of the ancient buildings now bears the name of Pusty Grad.
Currently, guests of the city are invited to visit the Zvolen Castle and Pusty Grad (Old Zvolen) Castle. Pusty Grad is a picturesque ruins against the backdrop of pristine nature. It is pleasant to walk here in the warm season, besides, then theatrical performances are held on the territory of Pusta Grad with the participation of professional actors, in which you can see scenes from the history of Slovakia and learn about medieval inhabitants, customs and ways of life. Also in Zvolen you can visit the old churches - for example, the Church of St. Elizabeth, which was built in the XIII century. And on Zvolenskaya Square you can see many old houses built in original architectural styles. One of the most notable sights of Zvolen is the Zvolen Castle, which was the residence of the Hungarian kings. Currently, within the walls of the castle there is a branch of the National art gallery, where you can see paintings and sculptures created in different centuries by local and European masters. There is a museum in Zvolen, where furniture from various historical periods, folk costumes, porcelain and glass are exhibited.
If you are wondering where to stay in Zvolen, there are many options here. For example, the 4-star Hotel Tenis offers not only comfortable rooms, but also excellent opportunities for recreation for those who like to spend time actively. It has its own golf course and tennis court, and skiing is available in winter. Of the 3-star hotels, Polana near the Zvolen Castle and the Academic Hotel can be noted. You can try European cuisine at the local Crystal Bar Restaurant. But Slovak national dishes are excellently cooked at Valassky Senik. Be sure to order the Spisska pohutka dish here, which is goulash with mushrooms and potato pancakes.
Useful information for tourists about Zvolen in Slovakia - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Zvolen is a Slovak city with a population of forty-four thousand, on the site of which in the 9th century stood the Great Moravian settlement of Muoteva, which disappeared into the depths of the 11th century. The defensive duties of the disappeared castle were taken over by the fortress of Stary Zvolen, now known as Pusty Grad. This citadel is medieval Europe considered one of the most impregnable.
Pustý Castle, which became the center of the royal committee in 1172, sixty years later, the king of Hungary granted city rights that stimulated its development. The result of continued progress was the construction of the Zvolen Castle by King Louis I the Great in the 14th century, concerned about the inviolability of his growing wealth. But this prudent step did not deter envious neighbors.
Janos Hunyadi, who took Pusty Grad after the siege of 1542, considered it necessary to burn the mined city. However, twelve years later, Zvolen's importance increased dramatically. The reason for this was the fall under the Turkish pressure of the Filyakovo fortress, the defensive functions of which Zvolen inherited. The additional fortification measures carried out strengthened the power of the fortress, which the restless Turkish conquerors never managed to take.
This was done for the Janissaries by the Kuruts of Ferenc Rakoczy, who in 1702 set the city on fire. Nevertheless, Zvolen, revived in the 18th century, gained a reputation as an important industrial center in Slovakia. In the vein of such a flattering opinion, in 1872 a railway line was laid through the city towards Budapest.
Entered Czechoslovakia in the status district center Zvolen becomes in 1944 one of the centers of the Slovak People's Uprising. Its airfield Three Oaks hosted Soviet aircraft, throwing military aid. Zvolen, who liberated in 1945 Soviet army returned again in 1968 to finally leave the Slovak land only in 1990.
Guided tours of Zvolen usually start from Námestí SNP Square, which is dominated by the 14th-century parish church dedicated to Saint Alzbeta. Another temple building, which is a not so ancient Evangelical church, stands out high tower.
Zvolen Castle, founded in 1382, is traditionally considered the next point of a sightseeing walk around the city. The castle, which became the property of the Thurzo family in the 15th century, was reconstructed by the new owners in the Renaissance style and additionally fortified. The now renovated Zvolen Castle provided its baroque halls for an exhibition of Gothic sculpture, adjacent to samples of European art attributed by art historians to the 16th-18th centuries.
The small town of Zvolen, located at the confluence of the rivers Hron and Slatina, is one of the oldest in Slovakia. Back in the 4th c. n. e. one of the most impregnable fortresses Europe - Old Zvolen, which was destroyed only once by the Tatar-Mongols. The ruins of this citadel have survived to this day and are now called Pusty Grad. locals they like to walk there on weekends, and also gather around the fire and tell each other different terrible legends about this place.
Modern Zvolen attracts lovers of medieval architecture - several very beautiful castles have been preserved here. Today it is a calm European town, which is especially popular during the Christmas holidays: there are few places in Europe where you can find such cozy rural estates where they organize festive festivities according to old traditions.
How to get there
Getting to this Slovak town is not difficult at all. To date, a railway connection has been established: from Moscow to Zvolen you can take a direct train, the journey will take a little more than a day. You can also drive through the capital of Slovakia.
From the Vnukovo airport in Moscow, planes depart regularly for Bratislava. From the Slovak capital, Zvolen can be quickly reached by train or bus. Traveling by car is also a good alternative.
The city is located on the railway line between Kremnica and Banska Bystrica. The fastest route from Banska Bystrica will require only 25 minutes; in the event that the starting point is Kremnica, the journey will take about an hour. There are also direct trains from Krakow and Budapest.
Search for flights to Bratislava (nearest airport to Zvolen)
Ancient city - rich history
In the 4th century, the territory of modern Zvolen was inhabited by Slavic tribes. It was then that the first settlements and a fortress wall on the left bank of the Slatina. After the destruction of the fortress by the Tatar-Mongols, the settlement was moved to a new location. Old Zvolen now bears the name Pusty Grad.
With time new fortress became the center of the royal committee, and Zvolen received city rights. At the end of the 14th century, Louis I the Great built the Zvolensky castle on the territory, this event marks the heyday of the city. In the middle of the 16th century, Zvolen became a powerful fortress, which was courageously repulsed by the attacks of the Turks. By the beginning of the 18th century, it had become the industrial center of Slovakia. Thus, over time, Zvolen turned from a reliable fortress holding back enemy attacks into a calm agricultural center of folk crafts.
Hotels
You will not find five-star hotels in the city. One of the most popular and elite can be called the 4-star Hotel Tenis. In addition to the basic service, childcare services are also provided, so families with babies can comfortably accommodate here. lovers active rest and sports will appreciate the golf course on site. In the event that a trip is planned in the winter, skiing is possible. You can choose from 3-star hotels like Polana. It is located near the Zvolensky castle. Another 3-star option is the Academic Hotel.
A pleasant moment: in almost all hotels in the city you can stay with your pets.
Cuisine and restaurants
One of the most popular restaurants is Crystal Bar & Restaurant. The basis of the menu is European cuisine. If one of the traveler's goals is to taste Slovak cuisine, then you can look into a place called Valassky Senik.
The national cuisine is characterized by the use of a large number of spices, it is represented by such dishes as khalushki, all kinds of soups, schnitzels and meat culinary masterpieces.
Dishes from potatoes, meat, dairy products and cabbage are quite common. One of the most popular dishes is Spisska pohutka - goulash with mushrooms and potato pancakes. Many dishes are served with paprika, as well as small dumplings with cheese and bacon.
Entertainment and attractions Zvolen
The most interesting sights of the city are the ancient castles: Stary Zvolen (Pusty Grad) and Zvolen Castle. The pristine nature and ancient ruins are an excellent landscape for long walks. During the warm season, Pousty Grad becomes a stage for theatrical performances, in which actors play scenes from the life of medieval Slovakia.
There are several churches on the territory of the city, the oldest of which - the Roman Catholic Church of St. Elizabeth - was built in the 13th century.
Zvolen Castle
For a long time, the Zvolen castle was the residence of the Hungarian kings, who came to the lands rich in game to hunt. Today, this majestic castle is a branch of the National Art Gallery of Slovakia, which houses an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures.
Museum of the Forestry and Woodworking Industry
In Zvolen, you can also visit the Museum of the Forestry and Woodworking Industry, which exhibits a rich collection of historical furniture, glass, porcelain, clocks, as well as folk costumes. The museum is located in the very center of the city, so it will not be difficult to find it.
Zvolenskaya Square is the largest in Slovakia. The old houses located on it amaze with the beauty and originality of architecture.
- Where to stay: for a calm family vacation ideal with children Ružomberok, noisy youth, snowboarders and skiers of the "pro" level will suit