Banská Bystrica

Banská Bystrica, town, capital of Banskobystrický kraj (region), central Slovakia. It lies in the Hron River valley, surrounded by mountains. An ancient town, it was an important mining centre from the 13th century, when it was chartered. Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings, including burghers’ houses and the castle group (in the heart of town), date from the 15th and 16th centuries, when the silver and copper mines supplied much of the European market. On August 29, 1944, Banská Bystrica was the scene of the Slovak national uprising against the Germans. The Old Town Hall (1479) contains a museum commemorating that event.

While the town’s mineral wealth was virtually exhausted by the 20th century, Banská Bystrica continued to develop as an industrial centre for the manufacture of textiles, paper, metal products, and cement. In the early 21st century the economic importance of tourism increased for Banská Bystrica, which is a popular summer and winter resort. The town’s proximity to the Lower Tatra Mountains makes it a draw for hikers and skiers. Pop. (2010 est.) 79,819.