Banská Bystrica 349025 226099577 2008-07-16T20:39:59Z 85.248.35.2 not correct, see etymology {{Geobox | Settlement | name = Banská Bystrica | category = City | image = Banska Bystrica SNP Square.jpg | image_caption = Banská Bystrica's main square | flag = | symbol = Banska Bystrica Erb.svg | etymology = | official_name = | motto = | nickname = | country = Slovakia | country_flag = 1 | state = | region = [[Banská Bystrica Region|Banská Bystrica]] | district = [[Banská Bystrica District|Banská Bystrica]] | commune = | municipality = | part = | river = Hron | location = | elevation = 362 | lat_d = 48 | lat_m = 43 | lat_s = 57 | lat_NS = N | long_d = 19 | long_m = 08 | long_s = 57 | long_EW = E | coordinates_type = region:SK_type:city | highest = | highest_elevation = | highest_lat_d = | highest_long_d = | lowest = | lowest_elevation = | lowest_lat_d = | lowest_long_d = | area = 103.37 | area_round = 2 | population = 79 670 | population_date = 2008-01-01 | population_density = 775 | established = 1255 | established_type = First mentioned | mayor = Ivan Saktor | mayor_party = [[SMER]], [[Slovak National Party|SNS]], [[Green Party (Slovakia)|SZ]] | timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]] | utc_offset = +1 | timezone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] | utc_offset_DST = +2 | postal_code = 97401 | area_code = +421-48 | code = BB | code_type = [[Slovak car registration plates|Car plate]] | free = | map = Slovakia - outline map.svg | map_background = Slovakia - background map.png | map_caption = Location of Banská Bystrica within Slovakia | map_locator = Slovakia | map1 = Banská Bystrica Region - outline map.svg | map1_background = Banská Bystrica Region - background map.png | map1_caption = Location of Banská Bystrica in a more detailed map of the Banská Bystrica Region | map1_locator = Banská Bystrica Region | commons = Banská Bystrica | statistics = [http://www.statistics.sk/mosmis/eng/prvav2.jsp?txtUroven&#61;430601&lstObec&#61;508438&Okruh&#61;zaklad MOŠ/MIS] | website = [http://eng.banskabystrica.sk/ eng.banskabystrica.sk] | footnotes = }} '''Banská Bystrica''' ({{Audio|Banskabystrica.ogg|Slovak pronunciation}}; previously known also by several [[#Etymology|alternative names]]) is a key [[city]] in central [[Slovakia]] located on the [[Hron]] River in a long and wide valley encircled by the mountain chains of the [[Low Tatras]], the [[Veľká Fatra]], and the [[Kremnica Mountains]]. With 81,281 inhabitants, Banská Bystrica is the sixth most populous municipality in Slovakia.<ref name="statistics"/><ref name='urbanaudit'>{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx |title=Urban Audit |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> It started as a permanent settlement in the 9th century and obtained the municipal privileges of a royal town in 1255. The copper mining town acquired its present picturesque look in the Late Middle Ages when the prosperous burghers built its central churches, mansions, and fortifications. It is the capital of the ''[[Regions of Slovakia|kraj]]'' ([[Banská Bystrica Region]]) and the ''[[Districts of Slovakia|okres]]'' ([[Banská Bystrica District]]). It is also the home of [[Matej Bel University]]. As a historical city with an easy access to the surrounding mountains, Banská Bystrica is a popular winter and summer tourist destination. ==Etymology== With its multicultural history, Banská Bystrica has had several parallel names. The oldest known name is the [[Latin]] ''Villa Nova Bystrice'' (meaning "New Town of ''Bystrica''") recorded in 1255.<ref name="graus">{{cite journal|title=''K najstaršej podobe erbu Banskej Bystrice'' (On the oldest form of the coat of arms of Banská Bystrica)|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=February 2003|first=Igor|last=Graus|coauthors=|volume=1|issue=0|pages=6–8|id= |url=http://www.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_menu=3568&firmy_slovenska_flag=0|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-06-02}}</ref> The old [[German language|German]] name ''Neusohl'' ("New Zvolen") and later its Latin version (''Neosolium'') reflected the fact that some early settlers came from the nearby town of [[Zvolen]] (thereafter known in German as ''Altsohl'', literally "Old Zvolen"). The current [[Slovak language|Slovak]] (''Banská Bystrica'') and [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] (''Besztercebánya'' − first recorded in 1263 as ''Byzthercebana'')<ref name="graus"/> names include two distinct roots: the name of the local river (''Bystrica'', meaning "a swift stream" in Slovak) and the Slovak and Hungarian words for "mining": the Slovak adjective ''Banská'' and the Slovak and Hungarian nouns ''baňa/bánya'' respectively.<ref name="krsko">{{cite journal|title=''Názvy potokov v Banskej Bystrici a okolí''|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=June 2003|first=Jaromír|last=Krško|coauthors=|volume=1|issue=2|pages=8|id= |url=|format=|accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> ==History== [[Image:Barbakan (detail na vežu).jpg|thumb|240px|Barbican at City Castle with its Gothic (painted in red and white) and Baroque (painted in yellow) sections illustrates the main stages of the city's historical development]] The earliest history of Banská Bystrica was connected with the exploitation of its abundant deposits of [[copper]] (and to a lesser extent of silver, gold, and iron). The tools used by prehistoric miners at the locality called [[Špania Dolina]] have been dated to 2000-1700 BCE.<ref name="macelova">{{cite journal|title=''Počiatky prospektorstva a ťažby medenej rudy na Španej Doline''|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=June 2003|first=Marta|last=Mácelová|coauthors=|volume=1|issue=2|pages=3–10|id= |url=|format=|accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> People of the [[Lusatian culture]] built their settlements at Špania Dolina, [[Horné Pršany]], [[Malachov]], and [[Šašová]]. Ancient [[hill fort]] locations are still reflected in the local [[toponym]] ''Hrádok'', meaning "a small fort (later: castle)".<ref name="archeologia">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Archeológia | work = | publisher = Stredoslovenské múzeum v Banskej Bystrici | date = | url = http://www.stredoslovenskemuzeum.sk/archeologia.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-05-03}}</ref> The territory was inhabited by the [[Celt]]ic tribe of the [[Cotini]] ([[Púchov culture]]) in the 3rd century BCE. The Germanic tribe of the [[Quadi]] took over the place during the [[Roman Era]], leaving for instance a [[hoard]] of silver artifacts in ''Netopierska jaskyňa'' (Bat Cave). The present city was founded in the 9th century CE by the ancestors of the modern [[Slovaks]].<ref name="archeologia"/> It was later incorporated in Zvolen County in the [[Kingdom of Hungary]]. The first known stone church was built by [[Saxons|Saxon]] immigrants in the then still independent settlement of Šašová in the first half of the 13th century. In 1255, King [[Béla IV of Hungary|Béla IV]] granted Banská Bystrica extensive municipal privileges in order to attract more skilled settlers.<ref name="BBhistory">{{cite web | publisher = City of Banská Bystrica | url = http://eng.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_kat_for_menu=2363&firmy_slovenska_flag=0 | title = Banská Bystrica - History | date = 2007 | accessdate = 1 September | accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Descendants of the German immigrants to this and other counties became later known as the [[Carpathian Germans]]. The city flourished as a regional mining center.<ref name="BBhistory"/><ref name="habsudova"/> It built the Late [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] Church of the Virgin Mary in the second half of the 13th century. During the same period, Banská Bystrica obtained its own [[coat of arms]] inspired by the coat of arms of the ruling dynasty of the [[Árpáds]].<ref name="graus"/> The local craftsmen were organized in fifty [[guild]]s, with the [[butcher]]s' guild being the oldest.<ref name="donovalova">{{cite book | last = Donovalová | first = Katarína | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Poznaj svoje mesto - Banská Bystrica: Výberová regionálna bibliografia dejín mesta od najstarších čias po súčasnosť | publisher = R.G.T. PRESS | date = 2003 | location = Dunajská Streda | pages = | url = http://vkmk.sk.neutrino.vasadomena.sk/storage/PoznajSvojeMestoBB.pdf | doi = | id = | isbn = |format=PDF}}</ref> The affluent [[Fugger]] and [[Thurzo]] families founded the prosperous ''Ungarischer Handel'' company (the German for "Hungarian Trade") in 1494. Depending mainly on the mines around Banská Bystrica, the company had become a leading world producer of copper by the 16th century.<ref name='habsudova'> {{cite journal|title=Mineral and political wealth of Banská Bystrica mining region has flown|journal=[[The Slovak Spectator]]|date=[[8 July]] [[2002]]|first=Zuzana|last=Habšudová|coauthors=|volume=|issue=|pages=|id= |url=http://www.spectator.sk/articles/view/9780|format=|accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref> With the most sophisticated mining technologies in Europe, an advanced accounting system, and benefits including medical care for its 1,000 employees, ''Ungarischer Handel'' was one of the largest and most modern early-capitalist firms.<ref name='habsudova'/><ref name="zuffa">{{cite journal|title=''Banskobystrický mediarsky podnik'' (Banska Bystrica Copper Company)|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=April 2003|first=Milan|last=Žuffa|coauthors=|volume=1|issue=1|pages=6–7|id= |url=|format=|accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> An early record of the miners' industrial action is from 1526 when the City Council needed to take refuge within the confines of City Castle. The [[Ottoman Empire]]'s [[Ottoman wars in Europe|thrust northwards]] led the [[magistrate]] to improve the city's fortifications with modern stone walls in 1589, but the Turks never occupied the region.<ref name="donovalova"/> Banská Bystrica became one of the foremost centers of the [[Protestant Reformation]] in Slovakia in the 16th century.<ref name="slovensko">{{cite book| author=Tibenský, Ján et al.| title =Slovensko: Dejiny| publisher =Obzor| date =1971| location =Bratislava}}</ref> Later on, the city had to fight for its religious freedom guaranteed by the Royal Charter against the ruling dynasty of the [[Austria]]n [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Habsburg]]s, for its physical independence against the Ottoman Turks and for its self-governance against the Kingdom of Hungary's powerful [[magnate]]s.<ref name="slovensko"/> In 1620 Prince [[Gabriel Bethlen]] of [[Transylvania]], a Protestant, was elected King of Hungary by the [[Diet (assembly)|Diet]] meeting at Banská Bystrica. The village of [[Radvaň, Banská Bystrica|Radvaň]], now a borough of Banská Bystrica, was granted the economically important right to hold annual fairs (''Radvanský jarmok'') in 1655. The fair was transferred to Banská Bystrica's main square in the 20th century. The copper deposits had been all but depleted by the 18th century, but new industries, such as [[timber]], [[paper]], and [[textiles]], developed. In 1766 the city became the capital of Zvolen County<ref name="BBhistory"/> when Banská Bystrica also became the seat of a [[Diocese of Banská Bystrica|Roman Catholic bishopric]] (1776) and of several institutions of higher education.<ref name="donovalova"/> Public services expanded in the 19th century with the foundation of a permanent municipal hospital (1820), a municipal theater (1841), and a municipal museum (1889). The railway reached the town from Zvolen in 1873.<ref name="BBhistory"/> During [[World War II]], Banská Bystrica became the center of anti-[[Nazism|Nazi]] opposition in Slovakia when the [[Slovak National Uprising]], one of the largest anti-Nazi resistance events in Europe, was launched from the city on [[August 29]], [[1944]].<ref name="BBhistory"/> The insurgents were defeated, however, and Banská Bystrica was briefly occupied by the German forces before it was liberated by Soviet and Romanian troops on 26 March 1945.<ref name="donovalova"/> After the war, Banská Bystrica became the administrative, economic, and cultural hub of central Slovakia. It has been a [[university town]] since the 1950s. Its largest [[Matej Bel University]] was founded in 1992. ==Geography== Banská Bystrica lies at an altitude of {{convert|362|m|ft|0}} [[above mean sea level|above sea level]] and covers an area of {{convert|103.37|km2|sqmi|1|lk=on}}.<ref name="statistics">{{cite web | title = Municipal Statistics | publisher = Statistical Office of the Slovak republic | date = | url = http://www.statistics.sk/mosmis/eng/run.html | accessdate = 2007-05-03}}</ref> It is about half way between Slovakia's two largest cities, {{convert|208|km|mi|0}} north-east from Slovakia's capital [[Bratislava]] and {{convert|217|km|mi|0}} west of [[Košice]]. A chain of discrete suburbs and villages connects it with Zvolen, another major town {{convert|20|km|mi|0}} to the south. Banská Bystrica is situated in the Hron River valley ({{lang-sk|Pohronie}}). The Hron River curves through the city from the east to the south. The city nests among three mountain chains: the [[Low Tatras]] to the north-east, the [[Veľká Fatra]] to the north-west, and the [[Kremnica Mountains]] to the west. All three are [[protected area]]s because of their environmental value. Banská Bystrica hosts the headquarters of the [[Low Tatra National Park]]. Despite the proximity of these mountain ranges, the local landscape is dominated by the much lower [[Urpín]] Mountain, {{convert|510|m|ft|0}}, which is a popular place of recreation.<ref name="kubisova">{{cite journal|title=Urpín = odveký strážca mesta|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=October 2003|first=Dana|last=Kubišová|coauthors=|volume=1|issue=3|pages=12|url=|format=|accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> ===Climate=== Banská Bystrica lies in the [[Temperate|north temperate zone]] and has a [[continental climate]] with four distinct seasons. It is characterized by a significant variation between hot summers and cold, snowy winters. {{-}} {{Infobox Weather |metric_first= Yes |single_line= Yes |location = Banská Bystrica |Jan_Hi_°F = 33 |Jan_Hi_°C = 1 |Jan_REC_Hi_°F = |Jan_REC_Lo_°F= <!--REC temps are optional; use sparely--> |Feb_Hi_°F = 39 |Feb_Hi_°C = 4 |Feb_REC_Hi_°F = |Feb_REC_Lo_°F = |Mar_Hi_°F = 49 |Mar_Hi_°C = 9 |Mar_REC_Hi_°F = |Mar_REC_Lo_°F = |Apr_Hi_°F = 60 |Apr_Hi_°C = 15 |Apr_REC_Hi_°F = |Apr_REC_Lo_°F = |May_Hi_°F = 70 |May_Hi_°C = 21 |May_REC_Hi_°F = |May_REC_Lo_°F = |Jun_Hi_°F = 75 |Jun_Hi_°C = 24 |Jun_REC_Hi_°F = |Jun_REC_Lo_°F = |Jul_Hi_°F = 79 |Jul_Hi_°C = 26 |Jul_REC_Hi_°F = |Jul_REC_Lo_°F = |Aug_Hi_°F = 79 |Aug_Hi_°C = 26 |Aug_REC_Hi_°F = |Aug_REC_Lo_°F = |Sep_Hi_°F = 70 |Sep_Hi_°C = 21 |Sep_REC_Hi_°F = |Sep_REC_Lo_°F = |Oct_Hi_°F = 58 |Oct_Hi_°C = 14 |Oct_REC_Hi_°F = |Oct_REC_Lo_°F = |Nov_Hi_°F = 44 |Nov_Hi_°C = 7 |Nov_REC_Hi_°F = |Nov_REC_Lo_°F = |Dec_Hi_°F = 35 |Dec_Hi_°C = 2 |Dec_REC_Hi_°F = |Dec_REC_Lo_°F = |Year_Hi_°F = |Year_Hi_°C = |Year_REC_Hi_°F = |Year_REC_Lo_°F = |Jan_Lo_°F = 20 |Jan_Lo_°C = -6 |Jan_REC_Hi_°C = |Jan_REC_Lo_°C = |Feb_Lo_°F = 22 |Feb_Lo_°C = -6 |Feb_REC_Hi_°C = |Feb_REC_Lo_°C = |Mar_Lo_°F = 29 |Mar_Lo_°C = -2 |Mar_REC_Hi_°C = |Mar_REC_Lo_°C = |Apr_Lo_°F = 37 |Apr_Lo_°C = 3 |Apr_REC_Hi_°C = |Apr_REC_Lo_°C = |May_Lo_°F = 46 |May_Lo_°C = 8 |May_REC_Hi_°C = |May_REC_Lo_°C = |Jun_Lo_°F = 51 |Jun_Lo_°C = 10 |Jun_REC_Hi_°C = |Jun_REC_Lo_°C = |Jul_Lo_°F = 54 |Jul_Lo_°C = 12 |Jul_REC_Hi_°C = |Jul_REC_Lo_°C = |Aug_Lo_°F = 53 |Aug_Lo_°C = 12 |Aug_REC_Hi_°C = |Aug_REC_Lo_°C = |Sep_Lo_°F = 47 |Sep_Lo_°C = 8 |Sep_REC_Hi_°C = |Sep_REC_Lo_°C = |Oct_Lo_°F = 39 |Oct_Lo_°C = 4 |Oct_REC_Hi_°C = |Oct_REC_Lo_°C = |Nov_Lo_°F = 32 |Nov_Lo_°C = 0 |Nov_REC_Hi_°C = |Nov_REC_Lo_°C = |Dec_Lo_°F = 24 |Dec_Lo_°C = -4 |Dec_REC_Hi_°C = |Dec_REC_Lo_°C = |Year_Lo_°F = |Year_Lo_°C = |Year_REC_Hi_°C = |Year_REC_Lo_°C = |Jan_Precip_inch = 1.04 |Feb_Precip_inch = 1.05 |Mar_Precip_inch = 1.10 |Apr_Precip_inch = 1.69 |May_Precip_inch = 1.97 |Jun_Precip_inch = 1.98 |Jul_Precip_inch = 2.37 |Aug_Precip_inch = 1.84 |Sep_Precip_inch = 1.67 |Oct_Precip_inch = 1.60 |Nov_Precip_inch = 1.74 |Dec_Precip_inch = 1.32 |Year_Precip_inch = |Jan_Precip_cm = 2.65 |Jan_Precip_mm = |Feb_Precip_cm = 2.67 |Feb_Precip_mm = |Mar_Precip_cm = 2.80 |Mar_Precip_mm = |Apr_Precip_cm = 4.28 |Apr_Precip_mm = |May_Precip_cm = 5.00 |May_Precip_mm = |Jun_Precip_cm = 5.02 |Jun_Precip_mm = |Jul_Precip_cm = 6.02 |Jul_Precip_mm = |Aug_Precip_cm = 4.68 |Aug_Precip_mm = |Sep_Precip_cm = 4.23 |Sep_Precip_mm = |Oct_Precip_cm = 4.06 |Oct_Precip_mm = |Nov_Precip_cm = 4.43 |Nov_Precip_mm = |Dec_Precip_cm = 3.36 |Dec_Precip_mm = |Year_Precip_cm = |Year_Precip_mm = |source =MSN Weather<ref name=msn>{{cite web | url = http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?&wealocations=wc%3a2869&setunit=C | title = Monthly Averages for Banská Bystrica, Slovakia | accessdate = 15 November | accessyear = 2007 | publisher = MSN }}</ref> |accessdate = 2007-11-15}} ==Demographics== [[Image:Banska Bystrica from Urpin.jpg|thumb|240px|The old town, viewed from [[Urpín]] Mountain, is the core of the original settlement]] In 2005, the city had a total population of 81,704, making it the 6th largest municipality in Slovakia.<ref name="statistics"/><ref name='urbanaudit'/> The population density was 790 per square kilometer. {| class="wikitable" border="1" bordercolor="#EEEEEE" cellpadding="2" style="margin: 0 auto; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;" | colspan="8" | '''Historical population of Banská Bystrica'''<ref name="duriancik">{{cite journal|title=''Banská Bystrica vo svetle posledného sčítania obyvateľstva domov a bytov''|journal=Bystrický Permon|date=June 2006|first=Jozef|last=Ďuriančik|coauthors=|volume=4|issue=2|pages=6–8|id= |url=http://www.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_menu=3568&firmy_slovenska_flag=0|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref> |- | Year | 1720 | 1869 | 1918 | 1950 | 1980 | 1991 | 2001 |- | Pop. | 2,646 | 5,950 | 10,776 | 22,651 | 62,923 | 83,698 | 83,056 |} [[Image:Banska Bystrica Benicky house coat of arms.jpg|thumb|240px|The lavish gate of the Benický House on SNP Square displays a coat of arms of one of the aristocratic families from Banská Bystrica]] The population was spread out with 13.2% under the age of 15, 68.2% in the so-called productive age (15-54 years for women and 15-59 years for men), and 18.6% in the so-called post-productive age (over 54 years for women and over 59 years for men). For every 100 women there were 89.5 men. The population was slightly decreasing (by 423) in 2005, with the number of deaths (727) higher than the number of live births (673) and a negative migration rate.<ref name="statistics"/> The [[life expectancy]] at birth was 75.1 years (as of 2001), which is a figure close to the [[median]] life expectancy in the [[European Union]].<ref name='urbanaudit'/> According to the 2001 census, the religious composition was 46.6% [[Roman Catholics]], 30.2% people with no religious affiliation, and 13.9% [[Lutherans]]. People's ethnic self-identification was 94.7% [[Slovaks|Slovak]] and 1.4% [[Czechs|Czech]].<ref name="statistics"/> Before World War II, the population of the city also included significant [[Hungarians|Hungarian]] and [[Jews|Jewish]] minorities and many people were trilingual, mastering Slovak, German, and Hungarian languages.<ref name="bitusikova"/> The Jews resided for a long time in Radvaň because they used to be prohibited from entering the city. The [[synagogue]] in Banská Bystrica was built in 1867 and demolished in 1983. {| class="wikitable" border="1" bordercolor="#EEEEEE" cellpadding="2" style="margin: 0 auto; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;" | colspan="4" | '''Historical populations by ethnicity'''<ref name="duriancik"/> |- | '''Year''' | '''Slovaks''' | '''Germans''' | '''Hungarians''' |- | 1715 | 1,899 | 873 | 279 |- | 1850 | 4,221 | 978 | 44 |- | 1919 | 8,265 | 406 | 1,565 |- | 2001 | 78,700 | 53 | 446 |} ==Economy== [[Image:Europa Shoping Center.JPG|thumb|right|240px|Banská Bystrica's economic growth, exemplified here by the construction of the Europa Hotel and Shopping Center (2007), mirrors the [[Economy of Slovakia|economic growth of Slovakia]]]] While Banská Bystrica's prosperity used to be derived from copper mining in the distant past, the most important sectors of the local economy are now tourism, timber, and mechanical industry.<ref name='urbanaudit'/> Banská Bystrica is home to the headquarters of two of the largest employers in Slovakia, Slovenská pošta (the public postal service, ranked as the 3rd largest employer) and Lesy SR (the national forest service, ranked as 13th).<ref name='zamestnavatelia'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Najväčší zamestnávatelia Slovenska | date= | publisher= | url =http://firmy.etrend.sk/17775/firmy/najvacsi-zamestnavatelia-slovenska | work =Trend | pages = | accessdate = 2007-12-14 | language = Slovak}}</ref> In the period 2007-2013, the city intends to work with [[Zvolen]] and other municipalities in the vicinity in order to jointly develop one of Slovakia's major metropolitan areas.<ref name='rozvoj'>{{cite web|url=http://banskabystrica.sk/download_file_f.php?id=21983 |title=Program hospodárskeho a sociálneho rozvoja mesta Banská Bystrica |accessdate=2007-12-14 |format=PDF |language=Slovak}}</ref> The municipal strategy of economic development envisages Banská Bystrica as a regional center of tourism, services, administration, and entrepreneurship.<ref name='rozvoj'/> The proclaimed three pillars of the future development are the natural and cultural heritage, information technologies, and infrastructure.<ref name='rozvoj'/> [[GDP per capita]] in 2001 was [[Euro|€]]3,643, which was below Slovakia's average (€4,400).<ref name='urbanaudit'/> GDP per capita for the [[Banská Bystrica Region]] (''Banskobystrický kraj'') in 2004 was [[Purchasing power parity|PPS]] [[Euro|€]]10,148.70 (current euros), which was below Slovakia's average of PPS €12,196.20.<ref>Eurostat, "Gross domestic product indicators - ESA95." 2004A00; Table REG_E3GDP − Gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices at NUTS level 3: Purchasing Power Parities per inhabitant, SK032 and SK0.</ref> More recent data disaggregated to the level of districts or municipalities are not available, but all of Slovakia's regional seats have per-capita GDPs above their region averages. The [[unemployment rate]] in Banská Bystrica was 6.2% in December 2006,<ref name='slovakiainvest'>{{cite web|url=http://www.slovakinvestagency.sk/nezamestnanost-bb |title=Miera nezamestnanosti v okresoch regiónu Banská Bystrica |accessdate=2007-12-15 |publisher=SlovakInvest Agency |language=Slovak}}</ref> below the country's average of 9.4% at that time.<ref name='susrunemployment'>{{cite web|url=http://portal.statistics.sk/showdoc.do?docid=1934 |title=Evidovaná nezamestnanosť |accessdate=2007-12-15 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic |language=Slovak}}</ref> The unemployment rate in the whole country has been decreasing since then, reaching 7.8% in November 2007.<ref name='actualunemployment'>{{cite web|url=http://www.upsvar.sk/rsi/rsi.nsf/0/250f977cd12ce5c6c12572bc003184a8/$FILE/0711.ZIP |title=Základné štatistické ukazovatele o trhu práce v SR, November 2007 |accessdate=2007-12-18 |format=ZIP |publisher=Ústredie práce, sociálnych vecí a rodiny |language=Slovak}}</ref> The city has a balanced budget of more than one billion [[Slovak koruna]]s (almost €33 million, as of 2007), with a small deficit of 37 million korunas.<ref name='zaverecnyucet'>{{cite web|url=http://banskabystrica.sk/download_file_f.php?id=24913 |title=Plnenie rozpočtu Mesta Banská Bystrica za rok 2006 |accessdate=2007-12-14 |format=PDF |publisher=Mestský úrad Banská Bystrica |language=Slovak}}</ref> More than one fifth of the budget was used for investment.<ref name='zaverecnyucet'/> The highest revenue comes from the [[income tax]] of persons (437 million korunas in 2006).<ref name='zaverecnyucet'/> ==Places of interest== [[Image:Besztercabanya3.jpg|thumb|240px|''Námestie SNP'' is the natural center of the city]] Most of the historical monuments are concentrated near its central, picturesque [[Slovak National Uprising Square, Banská Bystrica|SNP Square]] ({{lang-sk|Námestie SNP}}), which teems with flowers and street cafes in the summer. The square is named after the [[Slovak National Uprising]]. It is dominated by a [[clock tower]] built in 1552. Although less known than its famous [[Leaning Tower of Pisa|counterpart in Pisa]], it is a leaning tower with the top 40 [[centimeter]]s (16 in.) off the perpendicular.<ref name="donovalova"/> A [[Marian and Holy Trinity columns|plague column]] (Slovak: ''Morový stĺp'') was erected in the square in the 18th century in gratitude to [[the Virgin Mary]] for ending a deadly [[Bubonic plague|plague]]. The column was temporarily removed before a visit of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] leader [[Nikita Khrushchev]] in 1964 because a religious symbol was considered too embarrassing a background for the Communist leader's speech.<ref name="bitusikova"> {{cite journal|title=Transformations of a city centre in the light of ideologies: the case of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia|journal=International Journal of Urban and Regional Research|date=1998|first=Alexandra|last=Bitušíková|coauthors=|volume=22|issue=4|pages=614–622|id= |url=|format=|accessdate=2007-10-24|doi=10.1111/1468-2427.00165 }}</ref> The [[St. Francis Xavier Cathedral]] (Slovak: ''Kapitulský kostol'', "Chapter Church") is a copy of the [[Jesuits|Jesuit]] [[Church of the Gesu]] in [[Rome]] and is since 1776 the seat of the Roman Catholic [[Diocese of Banská Bystrica]].<ref name="donovalova"/> Other major monuments on the square include an [[Art Nouveau]] fountain from the beginning of the 20th century and a black [[obelisk]] raised to the honor of the Soviet soldiers killed during the liberation of the city in 1945. Most buildings enclosing the square and in the nearby streets are well-preserved [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]], [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]], and [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] [[nobility|noblemen's]] mansions and wealthy [[Bourgeoisie|burgher]]s' residences. The most interesting among them are the Benický House and the Thurzo House, the latter hosting a museum with a regional archaeological collection and remarkable Gothic [[fresco]]s.<ref name="donovalova"/> Most of the buildings in the center have been transformed into luxury stores, restaurants, and cafes.<ref name="bitusikova"/> SNP Square itself was completely reconstructed in 1994.<ref name="bitusikova"/> The museum located at the Memorial of the [[Slovak National Uprising]] contains a large military collection, including an [[open-air exhibition]] of World War II tanks, artillery, aircraft, and [[armored train]]s. Banská Bystrica has also a large network of marked hiking trails all around the city. In wintertime, it attracts fans of [[cross-country skiing]] and [[downhill skiing]], as there are a number of ski resorts close to the city, including the [[Donovaly]] resort famous for [[dogsled racing]]. ===City Castle=== [[Image:Zamky.Sk Banska Bystrica.jpg|thumb|240px|A preserved part of City Castle]] The oldest part of Banská Bystrica is City [[Castle]] at the edge of SNP Square. It is enclosed within what has remained of its original fortifications − a [[barbican]] protecting the main gate, three [[bastion]]s, and part of the walls. City Castle served as the city 's administrative center and it also protected the king's treasury.<ref name='hrad'>{{cite web|url=http://www.zamky.sk/?mon=6012321&q=node/3 |title=Banská Bystrica hrad |accessdate=2007-12-18 |language=Slovak}}</ref> The Parish Church (Slovak: ''Farský kostol'') of the Assumption of the [[Virgin Mary]] built in the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] and Gothic styles contains precious Gothic altars and sculptures.<ref name="donovalova"/> One of the altars was carved by the famous [[Master Paul of Levoča]]. The church was built in the 13th century. It is still surrounded by remnants of its ancient cemetery. The neighboring Church of the [[Holy Cross]] was built in 1452 by the Slovak burghers as a counterpart to the Church of the Virgin Mary that then acquired the attribute ''German''.<ref name='hrad'/> The Matthias House (Slovak: ''Matejov dom'') was built in 1479 as a five-story late-Gothic structure with a Gothic portal and stone console balcony. It served as a temporary residence of King [[Matthias Corvinus of Hungary|Matthias Corvinus]] and his Queen Consort Beatrix. The Renaissance Old Town Hall, dated from 1500, has been transformed into an art museum.<ref name="castle">{{cite web | publisher = Slovak Tourist Board | url = http://www.slovakia.travel/entitaview.aspx?l=2&idp=2087 | title = The town castle of Banská Bystrica | date = 2007 | accessdate = 1 September | accessyear = 2007}}</ref> ==Culture== ===Theaters=== There are four theaters in Banská Bystrica. The State [[opera house|Opera]] ({{lang-sk|Štátna opera v Banskej Bystrici}}) was founded in 1959.<ref name='opera'> {{cite web|url=http://www.stateopera.sk/index.php/content/view/25/21/lang,english/ |title=State opera |accessdate=2007-12-12 }}</ref> It has given the opera world several [[diva]]s, [[Edita Gruberová]] being the most famous one.<ref name='opera'/> Every summer, the State Opera organizes a popular open-air festival at [[Zvolen Castle]].<ref name='opera'/> ''Štúdio tanca'' is a professional [[contemporary dance]] theater established in 1998.<ref name='studio'>{{cite web|url=http://www.studiotanca.sk/index_en.htm |title=Studio tanca |accessdate=2007-12-13 }}</ref> A professional [[marionette]] theater, ''Bábkové divadlo na Rázcestí'' (Puppet Theater at the Fork in the Road) founded in 1960, organizes the only marionette festival in Slovakia.<ref name='babkove'>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdnr.sk/divadlo.htm |title=História divadla |accessdate=2007-12-13 |language=Slovak }}</ref> Theatre from the Passage (Slovak: ''Divadlo z Pasáže'') is Slovakia's only theater with a [[mentally disabled]] cast<ref name='pasaz'>{{cite web|url=http://www.divadlozpasaze.sk/www/main.php?pageid=news |title=Divadlo z Pasáže |accessdate=2007-12-13 |language=Slovak }}</ref> whose mission is to help integrate mentally disabled people in society. ===Museums=== [[Image:Slovakia Pics - 0542.jpg|thumb|240px|Slovak National Uprising Museum]] The oldest museum in the city is the Museum of Central Slovakia (Slovak: ''Stredoslovenské múzeum''), founded in 1889.<ref name='ssm'>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzeum.sk/defaulte.php?obj=muzeum&ix=ssm_en |title=Central - Slovakian Museum Banska Bystrica |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> Its historical exposition is located in the Thurzo House on SNP Square, while the natural history exposition is in the Tihányi Mansion in [[Radvaň, Banská Bystrica|Radvaň]]. The Old Town Hall building at City Castle hosts the State Gallery (Slovak: ''Štátna Galéria'') specialized in [[contemporary art|contemporary]] Slovak art.<ref name='sgbb'>{{cite web|url=http://www.isternet.sk/sgbb/ |title=Štátna Galéria v Banskej Bystrici |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> The Museum of the Slovak National Uprising (Slovak: ''Múzeum Slovenského národného povstania'') features a collection of 203,000 [[militaria]], including an open-air exhibition of [[World War II]] heavy weapons.<ref name='snpmuseum'>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzeumsnp.sk/english/index.htm |title=Museum of the Slovak National Uprising |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> Other noteworthy museums are the regional Literature and Music Museum (Slovak: ''Literárne a hudobné múzeum'')<ref name='lhm'>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzeum.sk/defaulte.php?obj=muzeum&ix=lhm |title=Literarne a hudobne muzeum pri SVK (LHM) Banska Bystrica |accessdate=2007-12-14 |language=Slovak}}</ref> and Slovakia's only Postal Museum (Slovak: ''Poštové múzeum Slovenskej pošty'').<ref name='postovemuzeum'>{{cite web|url=http://www.posta.sk/page/53 |title=Informácie o múzeu |accessdate=2007-12-14 |language=Slovak}}</ref> ===Folklore=== There are four [[folklore]] ensembles for adults and three for children.<ref name='cultinst'>{{cite web|url=http://www.banskabystrica.sk/?id_menu=14145&firmy_slovenska_flag=0 |title=Kultúrne inštutúcie v meste |accessdate=2007-12-14 |language=Slovak}}</ref> Their aim is to preserve and present Slovak folklore traditions, especially the traditional music. The oldest one is the award-winning Urpín Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1957.<ref name='folklorurpin'>{{cite web|url=http://www.urpin.szm.sk/ |title=Folklorny Subor URPIN |accessdate=2008-01-17 |language=Slovak}}</ref> Mladosť Folklore Ensemble is affiliated with University of Matej Bel.<ref name='mladost'>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufsmladost.sk/files/history/|title=History |accessdate=2008-01-17}}</ref> ===Sport=== [[FK Dukla Banská Bystrica]] is the local [[Football (soccer)|football]] club, playing in the top Slovak football league, the [[Corgoň Liga]]. They have their home ground at [[SNP Stadium]], with a capacity of 10,000. Other clubs based in the city include the non-[[Slovak Extraliga|Extraliga]] ice hockey club HC05 Banská Bystrica and the basketball club BKP Banská Bystrica. ==Government== [[Image:Banskabystrica.jpg|thumb|right|240px|The regional branch of the National Bank of Slovakia in Banská Bystrica]] The city is governed by a [[mayor]] ({{lang-sk|primátor}}) and a [[city council]] (Slovak: ''mestské zastupiteľstvo''). The mayor is the head of the city and its chief executive. The term of office is for four years. The current mayor, [[Ivan Saktor]], was nominated in 2006 by a coalition of the political parties [[Direction – Social Democracy|Smer-SD]], [[Slovak National Party|SNS]], and [[Green Party (Slovakia)|SZ]]. The council is the city's legislative body. Among 21 councilors, the absolute majority (14) currently support the mayor's coalition of [[Direction – Social Democracy|Smer-SD]] and [[Slovak National Party|SNS]].<ref name='poslaneckekluby'>{{cite web|url=http://www.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_menu=843&firmy_slovenska_flag=0 |title=Banská Bystrica Zoznam poslancov MsZ podľa jednotlivých poslaneckých klubov |accessdate=2007-12-14 |language=Slovak}}</ref> The last municipal election was held in 2006 and councilors are elected to four-year terms concurrent with the mayor's. Banská Bystrica is divided into four electoral districts, consisting of the following neighborhoods:<ref name="zoznam">{{cite web|url=http://www.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_menu=842&firmy_slovenska_flag=0 |title=Zoznam volebných obvodov s príslušnými ulicami |accessdate=2007-06-18 |language=Slovak }}</ref> #Staré mesto, Uhlisko, Prednádražie, Šalková, Senica, Majer (7 councilors) #Kráľová, Iliaš, Kremnička, Rakytovce (4 councilors) #Radvaň, Fončorda, Podlavice, Skubín (11 councilors) #Šašová, Rudlová, Uľanka, Jakub, Kostiviarska (10 councilors) Banská Bystrica is the capital of one of eight considerably autonomous [[Regions of Slovakia]].<ref name='brusis'>{{cite journal|title=Between EU Requirements, Competitive Politics, and National Traditions: Re-creating Regions in the Accession Countries of Central and Eastern Europe|journal=Governance|date=2002|first=Martin|last=Brusis|coauthors=|volume=15|issue=4|pages=531–559|id= |url=|format=|accessdate=2008-01-17|doi=10.1111/1468-0491.00200}}</ref> It used to be the capital of an even larger region, encompassing whole central Slovakia since 1960 until 1990, but this territory was divided in 1996 into the [[Banská Bystrica Region|Banská Bystrica]], [[Žilina Region|Žilina]] and partly [[Trenčín Region|Trenčín]] regions. Banská Bystrica is also the capital of a smaller [[Districts of Slovakia|district]]. The [[Banská Bystrica District]] (Slovak: ''okres Banská Bystrica'') is nested within the Banská Bystrica Region (Slovak: ''Banskobystrický kraj''). In addition, several national public institutions have their headquarters in the city. The most prominent ones are the Tax Directorate of the Slovak Republic and the public postal service ([[Slovenská pošta]]).<ref name='urbanaudit'/> The city also hosts a regional branch of [[National Bank of Slovakia]]. ==Education== Banská Bystrica is the home of [[Matej Bel University]] ({{lang-sk|Univerzita Mateja Bela}}) with 16,460 students, including 416 [[Doctorate|doctoral]] students.<ref name='uips6'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/VS_P18.PDF |title=Univerzita Mateja Bela |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref> [[Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica|Academy of Arts]] (Slovak: ''Akadémia umení'') with 490 students is specialized in performing and fine arts.<ref name='uips7'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/VS_P53.PDF |title=Akadémia umení |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref> A satellite campus of the [[Slovak Medical University]] is also located in the city. There are 15 public [[primary school]]s, two private primary schools, and two religious primary schools.<ref name='uips'>{{cite web | title=Prehľad základných škôl v školskom roku 2006/2007 | date= 2006 | publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva | url =http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/ZS_P6.PDF | accessdate = 2007-11-21 | language = Slovak|format=PDF}}</ref> Overall, they enroll 7,029 pupils.<ref name='uips'/> The city's system of [[secondary education]] (some middle schools and all high schools) consists of five [[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasia]] with 3,280 students,<ref name='uips2'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/GYM_P6.PDF |title=Prehľad gymnázií v školskom roku 2006/2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref> seven specialized [[high school]]s with 2,873 students,<ref name='uips3'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/SOS_P6.PDF |title=Prehľad stredných odborných škôl v školskom roku 2006/2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref> and six [[vocational school]]s with 1,884 students.<ref name='uips4'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/ZSS_P6.PDF |title=Prehľad združených stredných škôl v školskom roku 2006/2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref><ref name='uips5'> {{cite web|url=http://www.uips.sk/statis/pdf/SOU_P6.PDF |title=Prehľad stredných odborných učilíšť a učilíšť v školskom roku 2006/2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |format=PDF |publisher=Ústav informácií a prognóz školstva |language=Slovak }}</ref> The largest library is the State Scientific Library with 2 million volumes.<ref name='svkbb'> {{cite web|url=http://www.svkbb.sk/eng/historia-eng.php |title=State Scientific Library Banska Bystrica |accessdate=2007-10-24 |publisher=State Scientific Library}}</ref> The geological institute of the [[Slovak Academy of Sciences]] has a branch in Banská Bystrica and the small Banská Bystrica Regional Astronomical Observatory is located on Urpín Mountain. ==Transportation== [[Image:Bus transport in Banska Bystrica.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Bus transport in Banská Bystrica provided by the SAD Zvolen company]] Banská Bystrica has bus and train connections to the rest of the country, as well as to many other European cities. The [[Motorroad R1 (Slovakia)|Motorroad R1]] connects the city to Zvolen Slovakia's capital Bratislava. Some parts of this fast [[Autostrasse|motorroad]] are still under construction and the remaining work is planned to be completed by 2010.<ref name='highways'> {{cite web|url=http://www.highways.sk/highways/highwaysE.html#expressways |title=Highways and tunnels in Slovakia |accessdate=2007-11-28 }}</ref> Other roads of state importance connect the city to [[Brezno]] (No. 66), to [[Ružomberok]] (No. 59) and to [[Turčianske Teplice]] (No. 14). The international [[Sliač Airport]] offers scheduled flights to [[Prague]] and charter flights to other destinations. Public transport in the city is managed by two different companies.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = imhd.sk | url = http://www.imhd.sk/bb/index.php?w=f230212d372f2833ef3930212dea&m=262927eef9f2f2f1f7f0f0f2ef34252933 | title = ''Sieť liniek MHD Banská Bystrica'' (Public transport network of Banská Bystrica) | date = 2007 | accessdate = 21 November | accessyear = 2007 | language = Slovak}}</ref> Dopravný podnik mesta Banská Bystrica is a public service run by the municipality. It operates [[trolleybus]]es and [[minibus]]es. The private company SAD Zvolen has a fleet of [[bus]]es. In addition to regular lines, it also offers express and night lines. 30% of people use their private cars for journeys to work and the average commute time is 35 minutes.<ref name='urbanaudit'/> ==Sister cities== Banská Bystrica has several [[sister cities]] and partner towns around the world:<ref name='sister'> {{cite web|url=http://eng.banskabystrica.sk/main.php?id_kat_for_menu=2367&firmy_slovenska_flag=0 |title=Banská Bystrica Sister Cities |accessdate=2007-09-01 }}</ref> {| | * {{flagicon|Italy}} - [[Alba]], [[Italy]], since 1967 * {{flagicon|UK}} - [[Durham]], [[United Kingdom]], since 1967 * {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} - [[Hradec Králové]], [[Czech Republic]], since 1967 * {{flagicon|Hungary}} - [[Salgótarján]], [[Hungary]], since 1967 * {{flagicon|Russia}} - [[Tula, Russia|Tula]], [[Russia]], since 1967 * {{flagicon|Israel}} - [[Herzliya]], [[Israel]], since 1995 * {{flagicon|Greece}} - [[Larissa]], [[Greece]], since 1995 * {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} - [[Montana, Bulgaria|Montana]], [[Bulgaria]], since 1995 * {{flagicon|Poland}} - [[Tarnobrzeg]], [[Poland]], since 1995 || * {{flagicon|Croatia}} - [[Zadar]], [[Croatia]], since 1995 * {{flagicon|Italy}} - [[Ascoli Piceno]], Italy, since 1998 * {{flagicon|Germany}} - [[Halberstadt]], [[Germany]], since 1998 * {{flagicon|Hungary}} - [[Dabas, Hungary|Dabas]], Hungary, since 2000 * {{flagicon|Montenegro}} - [[Budva]], [[Montenegro]], since 2001 * {{flagicon|Poland}} - [[Radom]], Poland, since 2001 * {{flagicon|Serbia}} - [[Kovačica]], [[Serbia]], since 2002 * {{flagicon|Serbia}} - [[Vršac]], Serbia, since 2004 * {{flagicon|France}} - [[Saint Étienne]], [[France]], since 2006 |} ==See also== *[[List of famous people from Banská Bystrica]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Banská Bystrica}} *[http://eng.banskabystrica.sk/ Official municipal website of Banská Bystrica] *[http://www.sacr.sk/article?id=377&category=47&lang=en Basic information for tourists] *[http://www.bbb.sk/en/ Comprehensive information about the city] *[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Banska%20Bystrica&ll=48.732700,19.137926&spn=0.023126,0.050717&t=k&hl=en Satellite view of Banská Bystrica] *[http://www.slovakia.org/tourism/banska.htm Another site for tourists] {{Banska Bystrica District}} [[Category:Cities and towns in Slovakia|Banska Bystrica]] [[Category:Castles in Slovakia|Banska Bystrica]] [[Category:Banská Bystrica|!]] [[Category:Military history of Czechoslovakia during World War II]] [[bs:Banská Bystrica]] [[bg:Банска Бистрица]] [[cs:Banská Bystrica]] [[da:Banská Bystrica]] [[de:Banská Bystrica]] [[et:Banská Bystrica]] [[es:Banská Bystrica]] [[eo:Banská Bystrica]] [[fr:Banská Bystrica]] [[gl:Banská Bystrica]] [[id:Banská Bystrica]] [[it:Banská Bystrica]] [[he:באנסקה ביסטריצה]] [[la:Neosolium]] [[lv:Banska Bistrica]] [[li:Banská Bystrica]] [[hu:Besztercebánya]] [[nl:Banská Bystrica]] [[ja:バンスカー・ビストリツァ]] [[no:Banská Bystrica]] [[pl:Bańska Bystrzyca]] [[pt:Banská Bystrica]] [[ro:Banská Bystrica]] [[ru:Банска Бистрица]] [[simple:Banská Bystrica]] [[sk:Banská Bystrica]] [[sr:Банска Бистрица]] [[fi:Banská Bystrica]] [[sv:Banská Bystrica]] [[tr:Banská Bystrica]] [[zh:班斯卡-比斯特里察]]