Košice

Košice has been since time out of mind the capital of Eastern Slovakia. The original Slav settlement was incorporated by colonists into the town. The Royal Chamber, a flourishing trade and royal privileges ensured a leading position to the town. Košice was the first town in the whole Hungarian Monarchy to be granted its own municipal coat-of arms in 1369.

Around 1380 there started construction of the most monumental temple in eastern Slovakia, the St. Elisabeth Church. Its stone architecture with a couple of steeples and unique entrance portals richly decorated with sculptures and reliefs belong among valuable Gothic masterpieces. Reliefs illustrating the life of St. Elisabeth which adorn the northern entrance are noteworthy as well. The church´s interior is also notable, particularly its main altar.

South of the church there is the St. Michael Chapel built in the 14^th century while the Gothic-Renaissance Urban tower is north of the church. In 14-15^th centuries the burghers built stone dwelling houses, which are proved by preserved Gothic portals and windows.

During the reconstruction of the town in the 18^th century historicizing and art neuveau-style buildings were put up here., e.g. Jacob´s palace, the building of the East-Slovak Theatre and the museum on the square. On April 5, 1945, the Government Programme of the renovated State of the Czechs and Slovaks after World War II was proclaimed in the House bearing that name.

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