Žilina, Regional administrative center in northern Slovakia
Žilina is a town in northern Slovakia where three waterways meet and mountains form the backdrop on several sides. The main square follows a rectangular layout with arcades running along its edges and a tower rising from the old town hall building at the center.
The settlement began in the thirteenth century as a trading post and received town privileges from the king in 1321. Over the following centuries it grew into a major commercial hub connecting routes between Silesia Poland and Hungary.
The Žilinská kniha from 1378 contains the earliest known written text in Slovak language and remains a crucial European linguistic document.
The railway station serves as a central junction with direct connections to Prague Bratislava and neighboring countries making arrival straightforward. Most of the center can be explored on foot while the surrounding area offers opportunities for day trips into the mountains.
Budatín Castle at the edge of town holds a collection focused on the old craft of wire masters who created intricate works from thin metal strands. This tradition existed in the region for several centuries and the displayed pieces show the skill and creativity of those craftsmen.
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