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Âardejîv

The fiftt written mention of Bardejov dates back to 1241. The town is renowned for its spa, beautiful nature, well preserved environment, but mainly for its precious sites and relics from the Middle Ages. In the 15* century, Bardejov reached the pinnacle of its development due to the advancements in trades and crafts. Many secular and clerical buildings from this period were preserved. More than 760 years of Bardejov's history are honored in the foundation of the unique Town Reservation which attracts visitors from all around the world. The Basilica Minor of St. Egidius belongs to the most important relics of secular and sacral architecture. Its interior furnishings and, above all, the collection of eleven wooden winged altars dating from the 15* and 16* centuries place this monument among houses of God with the most precious Gothic interiors in Central Europe. Another important monument is the Town Hall built between 1505 and 1509 in the Gothic and Renaissance styles, which was proclaimed a national cultural site. Nowadays, it houses the most valuable artistic and historical exhibits of the §ariS Museum. The Town Hall is considered an extraordinary work of art having trans-regional importance and direct spiritual and artistic associations to the most progressive ideas of Europe of the era. The burgher houses on the Town Hall Square form an integral part of the historical town center. Their construction started in the 14* century. Many of them have retained their original Gothic features and architectural elements. To the most important and most precious belongs the Gantzaugh's house from the second half of the 15* century with Rococo decoration of the facade; a Gothic-Renaissance house with a mural painting entitled the Coronation of Virgin Mary (painted 1760 - 1770); and the so-called Weinhaus, the spacious cellars of which were used to store wine from the Tokai vineyards. The fortification system of Bardejov was one of the best-devised urban fortification systems in the Middle Ages. Today it is one of the best preserved fortification systems and due to its importance it is included in the European Heritage Fund. For systematic preservation of the cultural heritage and protection of historical sites, Bardejov was awarded a Gold Medal in 1986 by the International Board of the UNESCO foundation ICOMOS. The importance of Bardejov grew yet more in 1991 when the town was assigned the organization of the 10* annual East-West IWES conference. Bardejov is located in a multiethnic region of Slovakia whish experienced the greatest prosperity in the Middle Ages and whish is known for its precious historical sites and relics. Together with Kezmarok, Levoca and Stara Eubovna it started the Association of Free Royal Towns with the aim to preserve and refine historical and cultural heritage and support economic development of these towns today and in the future.