Medieval churches and Gothic buildings line the narrow streets of this small Slovak town, where merchants once traded along ancient routes. The preserved town square has 15th-century architecture.
Walk through Bardejov's medieval town square past Gothic merchant houses with high gables, step into the 1505 Renaissance town hall, or explore the complete 15th-century fortification walls. In this northeastern Slovak town, you'll find a Gothic basilica with intricate wooden altars, while 2.5 kilometers away, you can soak in mineral springs at Bardejovské Kúpele spa or explore wooden churches at the open-air folk museum.
Medieval Town Square
Red-roofed merchant houses from the 15th century line Bardejov's rectangular market square, each with decorated gable facades facing the plaza. The 1505 Renaissance town hall sits in the middle, now housing the Šariš Museum where you'll learn about local history through artifacts and documents. As you walk across the cobblestones, you'll see how the square's medieval layout reflects the urban design common to Central European trade towns of the 13th and 14th centuries.
St. Aegidius Church
Look up at the Gothic basilica of St. Aegidius on the square's northern edge. Inside this early 15th-century church, you'll find eleven late Gothic altars with detailed wooden carvings and painted panels. The main altar was created by Master Paul of Levoča's workshop, known for its precise religious scenes and figures in Late Gothic style.
Jewish Quarter
Walk through the 18th-century Jewish suburb to see original buildings that tell the story of Jewish life in Bardejov. The 1725-1747 synagogue, kosher slaughter house, and ritual baths remain intact, making this one of Slovakia's few complete Jewish communal complexes.
Bardejovské Kúpele Spa
Take a 2.5-kilometer trip north to Bardejovské Kúpele, where mineral springs have been used for treatments since medieval times. The waters are rich in minerals that may help with digestive and circulatory issues. Next door, walk through the Šariš Village Museum's collection of 28 traditional buildings, including wooden churches, houses, and workshops from the Šariš and Zemplín regions.
Getting Around and Practical Information
Buses run between Krakow and Bardejov twice daily, with the journey taking 3.5 hours. Local bus routes connect the town center to Bardejovské Kúpele every hour from 6:00 to 20:00. The historic center spans 24 hectares - you can walk across it in about 20 minutes. Tourist information office on the main square provides maps and current event schedules.
