Hlavná Ulica (Main Street) is the architecturally impressive historic center of Košice and home to the city’s most noteworthy attractions. This pedestrian-only promenade in the Staré Mesto (Old Town) stretches for about 0.7 miles (1.2 kilometers) from Maratónu Mieru Square to Osloboditel’ov Square. During the Middle Ages, Hlavná Ulica functioned as the city’s main square. Today, it is a showcase of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau masterpieces.
Starting at the southern end, the street passes noble mansions and then splits into two and skirts a section of gardens and squares. Visit the Lower Gate, an underground archaeological complex with access to the city’s 13th-century fortifications. Adjacent to here is a bronze statue of Košice’s coat of arms emblazoned with an angel and heraldic aspects. It stands at the front of a park that surrounds the Gothic-style St Michael’s Chapel.
Admire the arresting façade of St. Elisabeth Cathedral, which dates back to 1380. Step inside to discover 15th-century frescoes and the tomb of Francis II Rákóczi, who led an uprising against the Habsburgs. Behind the cathedral is the Singing Fountain, whose carillon performs different songs, including Yesterday by the Beatles, every hour. Catch ballet, drama and opera performances at the State Theatre.
After the elaborate Baroque-style Immaculata Statue the street becomes one again and continues north in the shadow of aristocratic palaces and stately houses. Among the most spectacular of these buildings is Andrássy Palace and Csáky-Dezőfi Palace. Find art galleries, fashion boutiques, cafés and restaurants set inside palace buildings. The outdoor seating areas of the cafés and restaurants are perfect for admiring the elegant scenery and watching the world go by.
Other landmarks worth checking out include St. Anthony of Padua Church and Church of the Holy Trinity. Retrace the evolution of Slovak science and technology at the Slovak Technical Museum. Browse artifacts related to eastern Slovakian art, geology, transportation and zoology at the Eastern Slovakia Museum.
Situated in the Old Town of Košice, Hlavná Ulica is just a 10-minute walk from Košice train station. Visit during the day and at night, when the illuminated buildings and café terraces create a romantic atmosphere.
