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- European Capital of Culture in 2013
- one of the most beautiful historic centers in Slovakia
- the largest zoo in the country
Once an important trade crossroad in Europe, Košice is now the second largest city in Slovakia, exuding a breathtaking atmosphere.
Košice is the heart of the eastern region, with a rich history, culture, and distinctive ambiance that is worth experiencing. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural, gastronomic, and tourist activities, catering to both individuals and families with children. If you are traveling to eastern Slovakia, be sure to visit Košice and be captivated by its magical atmosphere, both in winter and summer.
In 2013, Košice was named the European Capital of Culture, adding significant value to cultural exploration in the city The historic center offers a comprehensive insight into Košice’s culture, featuring attractions such as the Romanesque-Gothic St. Elizabeth Cathedral, the neo-baroque building of the Košice National Theatre, and the Singing Fountain, the oldest of its kind in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The fountain provides not only relaxing music but also immersive film and classical music experiences. In winter, the city allures locals and tourists with beautiful ice sculptures.
Visits to the Observation Tower, the Zoo, the Slovak Technical Museum, the Puppet Theatre, and the East Slovak Gallery will delight both young and adult visitors with a rich program, offering not only a plethora of experiences but also knowledge in history, art, natural science, and technology. The planetarium, one of the five in Slovakia, is a treat for all explorers, showcasing the starry sky, planets, the Sun, the Moon, extraordinary phenomena, and celestial motions. And whether you’re a sports enthusiast or not, if you visit Košice in autumn, make sure not to miss the International Peace Marathon, which will celebrate its centenary in 2023.
What we recommend to see and experience
St. Elizabeth Cathedral
The Romanesque-Gothic St. Elizabeth Cathedral is the oldest church in Košice and is dedicated to St. Elizabeth, the patron saint of the city. Its intriguing interior layout forms a Greek cross and is adorned with rich Gothic furnishings, including the impressive main altar of St. Elizabeth.
Zoo
The Košice Zoo is the largest zoo in Slovakia in terms of area and the number of animal species. It is the only zoo in Slovakia where visitors can see common seals, Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, and many other animal species. The zoo also features DinoPark, where visitors can see and experience dinosaur sculptures, children’s attractions, and a paleontological playground.
Observation Tower
The 21.51-meter-high Observation Tower is located on top of Hradová Hill, offering a wide view of the entire city of Košice, along with the surrounding mountain ranges (Čierna hora, Slanské vrchy, and Volovské vrchy).
Historic Center
The historic center of Košice exudes a pleasant atmosphere, inviting visitors not only to explore the oldest church in the city but also to visit the Košice National Theatre. With its three artistic ensembles (drama, opera, and ballet), it offers a wonderful artistic experience for both domestic and international tourists. Charming streets in the city center entice visitors with friendly cafés, restaurants, evening clubs, as well as their history and local shops (Hrnčiarska Street, Mäsiarska Street, Kováčska Street, Dominikánske Square).
Fountain in the City Park
The floating fountain in the city park is a multimedia fountain and the only one of its kind in Slovakia. It is controlled by artificial intelligence, with its own identity called “Condrad.” Visitors can enjoy a stunning show that will give them goosebumps.
Lower Gate
The Lower Gate, located on Hlavná Street in Košice, represents the historic fortifications of the city from the medieval period. The Lower Gate complex offers visitors a presentation of the city’s history, complemented by multimedia and interactive elements, providing interesting information about the origins of the gates and the fortifications. Noteworthy are the 3D “archeomodels” and audiovisual projections accompanied by special effects. The exhibition is accessible in Slovak, English, and Hungarian languages.
