From the Ancient History of Košice - Part 2: Famous Houses

Welcome to the continuation of the literary series about the history of Košice, which will definitely motivate you to visit this city steeped in history. In this part, we will present you with remarkable stories about important buildings in Košice, right on the Main Street, which hundreds of visitors pass by daily (and sometimes unknowingly). Read the following lines and mark on your map these important monuments, concentrated in the largest urban conservation area in Slovakia, so that you can take a good look at them on your next trip to Košice!

Levoca House

Start your pilgrimage to explore the famous houses in Košice next to the National Theatre Košice. It is here that you will find the oldest and longest continuously operating hospitality house in Slovakia. Levoca House boasts a rich history since its foundation in the second half of the 15th century. In the past, this late Gothic building served not only for gastronomic purposes, but also as an important pharmacy or the first printing house in the town. In 1626, in the presence of hundreds of guests from all over Hungary, the magnificent wedding of the leader of the anti-Habsburg uprising, Gabriel Bethlen, to the sister-in-law of the Swedish king, Katharina of Brandenburg, took place here.

Today the Levoča House is the seat of Brewery Inn with handcrafted craft beers in a mysterious underground room, where you can also book a special tour about the alchemy of brewing, as well as the impressive history of the business. And did you know that an amazing Silver Treasure was found here in 2018, numbering over 500 coins? Find out more tidbits on the spot.

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Beggar's House

Pay attention to the unique burgher house at 71 Main Street during your stroll through the Košice Monuments Reserve. The colourful houses of Košice's korzo are a feast for the eyes and a deep well for archaeological research into the city's history. This particular house enjoys a special popularity - the Beggar's House in Art Nouveau style, originally in the Gothic style from the 14th century, has one of the most beautiful facades and draws on the cheerful legend of the city. On top of the roof, a statue of a beggar bows to Kosice, according to some a merchant or a merchant with a pocket, who had this sumptuous house built on Hlavná Street with the money he had begged for it.

Although it is probably just a traditional folk invention, the house is worth noticing for every passer-by. Particularly striking is the beautiful allegorical painting by the painter Julius Éder, which has been hidden under inappropriate plaster for decades. The balustraded balcony supported by four decorative Art Nouveau style brackets is also an interesting feature. See also in detail the ornamental tracery and suprafenesters which decorate the balcony doors and windows on the first floor.

Gerster House

When exploring Košice's gems on Main Street, don't miss the house numbered 9. Gerster House, a national cultural monument in the Classicist style, stands right on the site of the original medieval walls of Košice from the 13th century and the time of the Arpad family. In the 1830s, these walls were removed and a house was built in their place for the owner Jozef Gerster and later his son Nicholas.

The house is famous for a unique figure from the world of internationally renowned architecture - the builder and designer of the Corinth Canal and co-designer of the Panama Canal, Vojtech Gerster. Béla Gerster was involved in the construction of many waterways since 1919 as the head of the construction directorate of the Danube-Tisa Canal, and since 1886 he has been involved in the design of as many as 13 Hungarian railways. Not surprisingly, this builder and his house deserve unique attention when learning about the history of Košice - he brought the city's name to international attention and was instrumental in spreading awareness of the city's eastern metropolis in building circles. Note the commemorative plaque on his house when you visit.

Portrait of Béla Gerster and the Corinth Canal project, Source: hungaricana.hu

Find out more information and tidbits about famous houses in Košice on city tours - whether you go to a guided tour or on your own, all popular places can be found on our website in the section History and monuments.