Bardejov, Slovakia - Polarsteps

Welcome to the beautiful medieval Slovakian town of Bardejov! With its roots in the 13th century, and becoming a walled, fortified city in the 14th century, Bardejov boomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming a hugely important centre for trade and commerce in... Hungary?! Yep, that's right, back then this part of the world was all Hungarian, but now of course stands proud in its Slovakian history too. The market square is unique in that it is largely unchanged since Bardejov's boom time. The city was left unscathed in World War II, and so most of the buildings (and the 1505 town hall, built to celebrate the prosperity of the region) survive as a look back into Slovakia's past. It's quite a thing to behold! UNESCO agree, and the whole town became a World Heritage Site in 2000. The Town Hall originally built in 1505 is an interesting mix of styles - its lower half is Gothic style and the upper half Renaissance (maybe the couldn't decide which one they liked the most!). The building itself has undergone a few restorations in its time and is now been turned into a museum, which makes it one of the oldest museums in Slovakia! The Church of St Aegidius (Giles) has exsisted here in Bardejov since 1247, and in November 2000, its status was upgraded at it was declared a Basilica Minor by Pope John Paul II. Next stop... Basilica Major?! 😉 Bardejov is just such a beautiful town, and being stuck out in far eastern Slovakia, although its quite a drive through the countryside, you'll find it less-tourist-filled than the bigger places, and you'll be able to stroll and enjoy the sights in peace, just as we did.

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Slovakia