On the way back
On the way back, one can take another path: go through Banska Bystrica, Zvolen, Nitra and Bratislava. Just after Zvolen, one will make a detour of 20 kilometers towards Banska Stiavnica (known in German under the name of Chemnitz), true jewel of renaissance and baroque art relegated in a landscape of forests and small lakes, and known for its astonishing baroque martyrdom
The martyrdom
With the largest silver and gold mines in Europe, Banska Stiavnica was a prosperous city from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century. Many very significant technological innovations were developed there. One advancement used there for the first time was the use of hydraulic power to carry out drillings, water being stored in small artificial lakes which nowadays are used for recreation.
an artificial lake
Here the techniques of mining with explosives were developed and it was here that the first mining school in the world was opened . Prosperity generated the construction of many castles, churches and private mansions which are starting to be restored. The city is built in a natural amphitheater in a remarkable setting of greenery and, after restoration will form a splendid attraction.
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