Košice Maps

Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, located in the eastern part of the country. With a population of approximately 228,000 inhabitants, it serves as the economic and cultural center of eastern Slovakia. The city was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, sharing this title with Marseille, France.

The city's history dates back to the 13th century, and it received its first town privileges in 1249. The historic center is dominated by the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe. This remarkable building, constructed between 1378 and 1508, stands in the heart of the city's main street, which features a unique lens-shaped layout.

Among the city's notable landmarks are the State Theatre, built in neo-baroque style, the Jakab's Palace, and the Urban's Tower. The city also features Slovakia's oldest marathon, the Košice Peace Marathon, which has been held annually since 1924, making it Europe's oldest marathon.

Today, Košice is an important industrial center, with U.S. Steel being one of its largest employers. The city is home to several universities, including the Technical University of Košice and Pavol Jozef Šafárik University. The city's international airport connects it with several European destinations. The historic town center, with its well-preserved medieval, baroque, and art nouveau buildings, forms the largest urban historical preservation area in Slovakia.