During the reign of Hungarian kings Kremnica was a free royal mining town. Gold and silver were mined here from the 10th century. Kremnica ducats – one of the most valuable coins in Europe were minted here, as well as Czechoslovak and then Slovak coins, but also for many countries around the world.

Mint in Kremnica is significant because it works continuously since its founding in the 14th century until today, as the only one in the world. Mint in Kremnica offers its visitors the opportunity to see the interesting exhibits of coins, and walk through the old mint from 1881-1889. There is a preserved area with part of the historical plant and machinery.

Mint in Kremnica is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:00. And on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:30.

Admission for adults is € 2.66 and € 1.49 for children. Museum of coins and medals is managed by the Slovak National Bank

Other sights in Kremnica
Kremnica is really rich in historical monuments. The dominant feature of the town is Kremnica Castle from the 13th century and its defensive system. There you can see also St. Catherine Castle from the mid 15th century, Charnel of St. Andrew from the 13th century (Romanesque rotunda with preserved charnel-house) and a small clock tower from the 14th century.

Since 1970, the castle complex is a national cultural monument. Also noteworthy is the Town Hall of 14th century, Mining bastion, the Immaculata sculpture from the years 1760 – 1765, town house dating back to 1441 and the Roman – Catholic parish from the 14th century.

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Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. It was built in the place where originally (in the 2nd century BC) stood Roman Spa, which was about 800 years later converted into a palace.

León Cathedral was completed in the 16th century. Today it is a wonderful building and since 1844 it is Spanish National Monument.

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Right at the entrance of the León Cathedral there are three decorated portals. Inside the cathedral there are more than 250 magnificent stained glass windows and a large circular window. Stained glass windows occupy more than 1800 m2.

In León Cathedral you also find cathedral’s museum. You can see there La Virgen Blanca, which is a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Then the treasury of the 16th century and the cloister decorated with frescoes by Nicolás Frances. Cathedral Museum is in the summer (July-September) open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. On Saturday it is open from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Cathedral is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

But the museum is open all year round, however opening hours are changing, it is better to look at the official site of the León Cathedral. Basic admission fee is 4 €.

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In the town of Bardejov there are lots of historical monuments.

Major attractions include the Gothic parish church of St. Egidius from the 14th century. In the middle of the square there is the former Town Hall built in Gothic Renaissance style in 1511. Today it is a museum. In 1903 Saris Museum was founded there, where you can see numerous historical, natural and ethnographic exhibitions, and even the museum of icons.

We recommended to visit also a local spa together with the open-air Museum of Slovak village. Bardejov Town is on UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. Today Bardejov has around 33000 inhabitants.

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River Nore flows through the city of Kilkenny, where you can enjoy beautiful walks. Above the river, in the heart of the city center, there is the medieval castle from the 12th century. Kilkenny Castle is the main attraction of the city, which was inhabited until 1935 by the Butler family. It serves as a relaxing place. At one side there is a park with a fountain, at the other we can find a large grassy area, which is totally full by locals during the nice weather.

Another important monument is St. Canice’s Cathedral, considered one of Ireland’s finest Gothic buildings. The cathedral is richly equipped with many glass windows. Next to it is a round tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Do not miss a visit to both places and obtain a combined ticket.

Other sights include:
The Tholsel Hall, which dominates the main street (High Street)
Rothe House, a rich merchant’s house, who ruled for 300 years, the city, along with other families
Black Abbey, a Dominican monastery

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