Košice – most beautiful city in Slovakia with Europe’s oldest marathon
Until 2012, Košice was known as the second largest city of the Slovak republic. However, in 2013, it was also honored as the European Capital of Culture along with Marseille of France and is also often referred to as the most beautiful city in Slovakia.
This itself says a lot about the cultural attractions in the town. Košice prides on its long history filled with tales of several cultures as well as religious faiths. Roman, Polish, Ukranian, and Hungarian along with the Slovak supremacies are evident even today in the form of diverse monuments.
Armorial warrants are chronological treasures of the city, of which the most modest-looking is the first issued in 1369 on 7th May (now the Košice day).
This warrant is a valuable piece of national cultural heritage as the ancient granting by a patent of a layer of arms to a European town (legal entity). Granted here is the armor with bearings as visible on the warrant dated 1423, with a half-angel as a symbolic indication of a shield-bearer.
If you are a fan of cultures, Košice has it all to make your journey a memorable exposure to diverse European cultures. Here are some of the most fascinating places and attractions to explore while in Košice.
Main Street (Hlavná ulica)
This is Slovakia’s biggest historical area with worthy sites to explore amidst a distinct atmosphere. An erstwhile hilly medieval square with a flowing stream that created an island is now a flat and pleasant pedestrian street with the island now being the site of Saint Elizabeth cathedral.
While strolling, you can find Saint Michael Chapel, The State Theater, Urban Tower, singing fountain, and original bourgeois houses.
Saint Elizabeth’s Cathedral
Reflecting a high Gothic style, this medieval monument is really mind blowing in terms of construction and architecture. From its northern tower having 160 stairs, you can enjoy a striking view of the flanking historical centre.
The Executioner’s Bastion
You are likely to enjoy a stroll via the historic center more than what you might have expected, because of several interesting attractions.
In the middle lies the Executioner’s bastion, a big semicircular edifice with loopholes. Designed in the early 16th century, the bastion also houses historical museum that exposes the history of Eastern Slovakia.
Saint Urban’s Tower
Regarded as a real instance of Gothic architecture, this 14th century edifice is known for its huge bell that is now only seen as a replica due to damage done to the original one in 1966 fire. The bell is dedicated to the patron of wine prowess, St. Urban.
The State Theatre
Reflecting a new-baroque style, the theater is a treat for its fans. The interior is decorated with plaster ornaments, while the stage has a shape of a lyre.
The ceiling boasts paintings of Shakespeare’s tragedies, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, and Midsummer Night’s dream.
Palaces of Košice
Košice is also known for its highest number of palaces in the nation. The most important one is the Old Town Hall, the oldest of city’s council offices.
Other palaces worth visiting are the Andrassy’s now the biggest cafeteria, the Bishop’s, Hadik – Barkoczy, Csáky – Dessewffy (palace of books), and Captain’s with its Slovak Technical museum.
One of the most iconic palaces is Jakab´s Palace located between the train station and Main street.
Košice Peace Marathon: The Most Exciting Event of Europe
If there is a marathon race that stands out from the rest in the world, it is certainly the Košice Peace Marathon. This is because it is the only one that is the oldest in Europe apart from being the second oldest on the planet.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing only one weekend in Košice, it is best to come here in the October’s first weekend when the Saturday night is white and Sunday morning begins with the race.
An Overview
Recognized as the International peace marathon, the event is the oldest marathon run held once in a year in Europe.
Founded in 1924 with only eight participants, the run now include more participants with the passage of time as well as increasing popularity making the event well known not only in flanking nations but also across Europe as well as overseas.
About the Event
According to the tradition, marathon takes place on the first Sunday in the month of October every year. This day is recognized as the Peace Marathon.
However, before its official opening on Sunday, an event called ‘The White Night’ is held on Saturday. Also known as the Nuit Blanche festival, the White Night embellishes the city with a bizarre but playful art via a game of music and light. The decoration transforms various places beyond recognition, which makes you explore Košice from a distinct viewpoint.
If you wish to participate, you can choose classical marathon (42 km), half marathon, wheelchairs (20 km), hand bikers (20 km), in-line skaters, or corporate run.
The autumn Peace Marathon is one of the chief events in the city of Košice; this is evident in the form of a memorial where a marathon runner statue honors all participants of the race. You can see this figure on the Námestie Maratónu Mieru square.
Enjoy running and celebrate the marathon spirit in the European capital of culture, where thousands of racers will be racing the 92nd marathon in 2015.
Related: Most beautiful places in Slovakia
