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Museums

Katova Bastion

  • Slovak Name: Katova Bašta
  • Location: Hrnčiarska 7
  • Foundation: 15th century
  • Style: Medieval

Katova Bastion is a historic fortress structure. It is one of the few remaining parts of the medieval fortifications that originally surrounded the old town of Košice.

The bastion was built in the 15th century as part of the fortification system around Košice. Bastions were angular projections in the city walls used for flank protection and fire positions.

After serving a defensive purpose for centuries, the bastion began to fall into ruins. It underwent extensive archaeological excavations and reconstruction work in the 1980s to stabilize and restore it.

Today it houses a small historical exhibition telling the story of the bastion and Košice’s fortifications. Artifacts found during the excavation are also on display.

As one of the best preserved remnants of Košice’s medieval walls, Katova Bastion gives visitors an idea of the city’s defensive structures from centuries past. It’s considered an important historical and architectural landmark.

Museums

Mikluš’ Prison

  • Slovak Name: Miklušova väznica
  • Location: Ulica Pri Miklušovej väznici
  • Foundation: 15th century
  • Style: Gothic

Mikluš Prison is a medieval building located in the city center of Košice. It dates back to the 15th century and served as a municipal prison. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and museum that showcases the history of crime and punishment in Košice.

Sights

Villa Sandy

  • Slovak Name: Korčuliarsky pavilón
  • Location: City Park
  • Foundation: 1909
  • Style: Secession
  • Architect:  Július Sándy

At the beginning of Košice’s city park lies a beautiful example of the city’s secession stype architecture. Originally known as “Skating Pavillion”, it is now called Villa Sandy.

The building was errected in 1909 by renowned architect Július Sándy. It functioned as a sports pavillion skating, tennis and light athletics.

In the second half of 20th century, the pavilion ceased to serve its purpose, and fell into disrepair. In recent years it was bought by a private owner who is reconstructing the building. It should be accessible again to the public from 2023.

Museums

Kunsthalle

Location: City Park

Kunsthalle is an art exhibition space located in Košice which specializes in modern and contemporary art. The building housing Kunsthalle originally served as an indoor swimming hall which was transformed during the time Košice was Cultural Capital of Europe in 2013.

Kunsthalle hosts both long-term exhibitions of pieces from its permanent collection as well as temporary and traveling shows by Slovak and international artists. Some of the art forms featured include paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, installations and performances. Themes range from figurative to abstract works.

Kunsthalle aims to bring prominent modern art to Košice and eastern Slovakia while also promoting appreciation and discussion of contemporary visual culture. It serves as one of the primary art galleries and cultural venues for exhibiting international caliber art in the region.

Museums

East Slovak Museum

  • Slovak Name: Východoslovenské Múzeum
  • Location: Hviezdoslavova Street

The East Slovak Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the country, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the eastern Slovak region.

The museum was founded in 1872 and has a long-standing history of collecting, studying, and exhibiting artifacts and objects of cultural and scientific significance. It is housed in several buildings throughout the city. The main building is on Hviezdoslavova Street to the north of Hlávna.

The East Slovak Museum encompasses a wide range of collections, covering various disciplines and topics. Its exhibitions and displays feature archaeology, ethnography, history, art, natural history, and more.

The East Slovak Museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, and other events to engage with the public and promote a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Museums

East Slovak Gallery

  • Slovak Name: Východoslovenská Galéria
  • Location: Hlávna Street

The East Slovak Gallery is a prominent art institution located in Košice, Slovakia. It is one of the oldest and most significant galleries in the country, dedicated to promoting and exhibiting modern and contemporary art.

The gallery was established in 1951 and has since played a crucial role in fostering artistic and cultural development in the region. It is housed in a historical building in the city center.

The East Slovak Gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, video art, and more. Its collection primarily focuses on Slovak and East Slovak art, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic heritage.

The gallery’s permanent collection features works by renowned Slovak artists, as well as pieces by international artists with connections to the region. Visitors can explore various artistic movements and styles through the collection, offering insights into the cultural and artistic evolution of the area.

In addition to its permanent collection, the East Slovak Gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight contemporary artistic practices and engage with social and cultural themes. These exhibitions often feature works by both emerging and established artists from Slovakia and abroad, contributing to the dynamic and evolving art scene in Košice.

Sights

Statue of Sándor Márai

  • Slovak Name: Socha Sándora Máraia
  • Location: Zbrojničná 8

Sándor Márai was a Hungarian writer who gained international recognition for his novels, plays, and essays. He was born on April 11, 1900, in Košice, Austria-Hungary, and died on February 22, 1989, in San Diego, California.

Márai began his writing career in the early 1920s and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in Hungarian literature. He wrote in both Hungarian and German, and his works often explored themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the human condition. Márai’s writing was characterized by its introspective nature and psychological depth.

Márai’s works were highly regarded in Hungary during his lifetime, but his popularity declined after he left the country in 1948 due to political reasons. He lived in various countries, including Italy and the United States, and continued writing until his death. However, his works were not widely available in Hungary until after the fall of communism in 1989.

Following the posthumous publication of his works, Márai’s literary reputation experienced a resurgence, and he gained international acclaim. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and have captivated readers around the world.

Sándor Márai’s writing is often praised for its lyrical prose, philosophical reflections, and profound insights into the human psyche. His works continue to be celebrated for their timeless themes and their ability to resonate with readers across cultures and generations.

Not far from Hlávna Street, on Zbrojničná, there is a statue of Márai on a chair, to remember one of the city’s greatest personalities. Have a seat on the free chair to have a talk with the author. Just a few steps behind the statue there is a Memorial Exhibition in memory of the renowned writer (Mäsiarska 35).

Sights

Tostov Palace

  • Slovak Name: Tostov Palác
  • Location: Moyzesova Street
  • Foundation: 1912
  • Style: Secession
  • Architect: Dénes Györgyi

The Tostov Palace, located at the northern end of Moyzesova street, was planned by architect Dénes Györgyi from Budapest in 1911, and realised a year later by local builder Ján Balogh. It is a prime example of Košice’s beautiful secession archtecture.

The Tostov Palace underwent a full renovation in recent years, and is again a living quarter with several flats.