Bardejov: UNESCO old town and how to visit

UNESCO status

Bardejov was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 20 November 2000. The listing covers the historic town centre and the Jewish suburb. The reason is the well-preserved medieval urban plan and the Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

What to see

• The main square with the Renaissance town hall.
• The Basilica of St Giles.
• The Jewish suburb and synagogue.
• The town walls and bastions.

Check opening hours for the basilica and museums before you go.

Bardejov spa and open-air museum

Bardejov spa, known as Bardejovské Kúpele, lies a few kilometres from the town. There is also an open-air museum with folk buildings in the spa area. These make a half-day extension to the old town visit. Check current opening hours.

Getting there from Košice

Bardejov is in the north-east, not far from the Polish border. From Košice it is roughly 1.5 hours by car. Read Košice and Košice to the High Tatras for the region. For flights see flights to Košice.

Combining with other UNESCO sites

Another UNESCO site in eastern Slovakia is Levoča with Spiš Castle. You can visit both on a loop from Poprad or Košice. For other ideas see Slovakia road trip.

Practical tips

• Visit on a weekday if you want a quiet square.
• Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
• Check the opening days of the basilica and museums.

Food and drink

The square has cafes and restaurants serving Slovak and regional dishes. Prices are generally lower than in the west of the country. Check opening hours, since small places may close early. If you stay at the spa, hotels often serve meals on site.

History in short

Bardejov grew on a trade route between Hungary and Poland and was a significant medieval town. Its walls, bastions and square reflect that status. The Jewish community lived in the suburb, and the synagogue is a reminder of the multi-cultural character of the town. Read the information boards and check the museum for details.

Seasons and events

Spring to early autumn is the best period for walking the square and the walls. Summer can be hot at midday, so go in the morning. Winter is quiet, with fewer opening hours, but the spa continues to operate. Check local event calendars for markets and festivals before you plan.

Why it is off the main route

Bardejov is far from the main Bratislava to Košice line, which is why it sees fewer visitors than Levoča or Banská Štiavnica. That helps if you want a calm historic town. Plan a night in the region if you drive from Košice, so you can see the old town and the spa without rushing.