Košice

KOŠICE, the metropolis of the east is the second largest city in Slovakia. The city is situated in the foothills of the Slovak Ore Mountains in the broader valley of the River Hornád, not far from the border with Hungary. A unique Central European metropolis, a European Capital of Culture 2013! The unique atmosphere of the city is a mix of culture, lifestyle, history and industry. Košice is home to the oldest marathon in Europe, the place with the largest monument reservation in Slovakia, with the largest and most significant golden treasure in Europe, but primarily a place where life can be experienced and enjoyed.

THE EASTERNMOST GOTHIC CATHEDRAL IN EUROPE
The model for the cathedral was the St. Victor Cathedral in Xanten, a town on the Rhine River in Germany. In the course of centuries a number of legends have arisen around the St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice. Legend has it that the builders placed a hollow stone in an unknown location during construction. If this stone were to be removed, it would cause the entire church to collapse.

KOŠICE GOLDEN TREASURE
It is made up of 2920 golden coins, ducats and double-ducats, three golden medals and a Renaissance golden chain. It was stored in a box made of embossed copper sheet metal engraved with images of animals. The treasure was probably hidden from Imrich Thököly, who during the anti-Habsburg rebellions occupied Košice.

A KEEN VISITOR OF COFFEEHOUSES
Sándor Márai was the most important representative of the city’s literature and culture of the 20th century. He loved Košice and its residents. There he drew inspiration for his greatest works.