Website of Kremnica

Location: Banská Bystrica Region                                                                        
Population: 5,500
Mayor: Martin Novodomec
Distance from Nový Jičín: 171 km
Partnership: Established in 1999; Cooperation Agreement signed on September 3, 2004
Industry: Production of coins, medals, and decorative items; wood processing; bentonite mining and processing; electricity generation
Partner towns/cities: Nový Jičín (Czech Republic), Fidenza (Italy), Herbolzheim (Germany), Kutná Hora (Czech Republic), Šurany (Slovakia), Várpalota (Hungary)

Kremnica is a town whose ducats supported the thrones of many rulers. It was founded in 1328, when King Charles I Robert of Hungary granted the mining settlement the privileges of a free royal mining and minting town. Among its most architecturally interesting parts is undoubtedly the square, where the town’s most remarkable buildings are concentrated. These include, for example, the Mint, the Franciscan monastery with its church, and the Museum of Coins and Medals. In the centre of the square stand a Baroque fountain and the Holy Trinity Plague Column, featuring sculptures by the renowned sculptor Dionýz Stanetti. The town’s dominant feature and, at the same time, its oldest part is the Town Castle. In 1950, the historic centre of Kremnica was designated an urban conservation area.

In the same year that the town was founded, the Mint was also established; it has been producing world-class coinage continuously for almost seven centuries. All Czechoslovak and Slovak coins were minted at the Mint. Since autumn 2008, the premises of the modern minting facility – which forms part of the numismatic exhibition – have also been open to the public. Visitors thus have a unique opportunity to see the new minting machines in action as coins are being struck.

The exhibitions at the Museum of Coins and Medals explore the history of the town, mining and coinage, showcase items from both private and public collections, and also offer a view of the town from the tower of St Catherine’s Church. The Mining Museum offers visitors a walk through the 660-metre-long Andrej adit, during which they can experience the atmosphere of the old mines and learn about the history of gold and silver ore mining.

For lovers of sport and active leisure, the Skalka recreation area, 11 kilometres away, is available. It comprises sports and leisure facilities on the western slopes of the Kremnické vrchy hills at an altitude of around 1,220 metres above sea level. The summit area offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Skalka is also a paradise for cross-country skiers. Dozens of kilometres of groomed cross-country trails, suitable for both recreational and experienced skiers, link the resorts of Skalka, Krahule, Králíci and Turček.

Most famous events:

Big Air in the City – an adrenaline-fueled sports and entertainment event held in the town square (February)
Kremnica Guild Feast – an event with a historical flair (July)
Kremnica Castle Organ Festival – a festival offering a modern take on the art of organ music (every Sunday in July and August at the Church of St. Catherine)
Kremnica Gags – a festival of humor and satire (August)

Points of interest:

Biela Stopa – Slovakia’s oldest regularly held cross-country skiing event – ​​takes place at Skalka.
Jozef Pribilinec – a successful Czechoslovak race walker and Olympic champion – was born here.
At each edition of the Kremnica Gags festival, organizers unveil a sculpture of a prominent figure—a Slovak artist who brought laughter and good humor to the world during their lifetime. These artist sculptures can be viewed in the "Alley of Famous Noses" in the town center.