Icons of Košice architecture
Stop in the streets of Košice and see the impressive buildings that reflect the architectural and historical development of the city's stories. Košice is home to functionalist buildings that go hand in hand with a subtle Art Nouveau style - wander the corners of the city's preserve and explore the architecture that charts Košice's history across its multicultural centuries. Take a free architectural tour today and combine it with a tasty lunch in Košice's restaurants, a lively cultural event, or current exhibitions in the city's galleries. Popular events in the city can be found at www.visitkosice.org.
Oelschläger's Pink Pride
New Orthodox Synagogue, Puškinova Street
ĽUDOVÍT OELSCHLÄGER, 1927
Visit the revitalized "pink" synagogue in the neoclassical style - it is the work of the famous Košice architect Ľudovít Oelschläger from 1927, who left a number of buildings in the city with his typical architectural handwriting. The facade uses neoclassical architecture and local traditional motifs. The interior is mostly built in modern architecture with a vaulted central hall and a women's gallery. Also explore paintings and drawings by Jewish artists in the Ludovit Feld Gallery, part of the synagogue, with a local guide from the second generation of Holocaust survivors.
Orchestral harmony in Bužni
House of Arts, 66 MoyzesovaSt.
ĽUDOVÍT KOZMA, 1927
Explore the neologic Bužnia, or also the House of Art, which used to be one of several synagogues in the city. It was designed by Budapest architect Ludovít Kozma, who won an international competition to build a synagogue in Košice in 1925. Today, the building is home to the State Philharmonic Košice, which brings visitors a spectrum of emotions in the form of orchestral performances with its breathtaking performances. Stop by for the next performance and let yourself be carried away by the tones of music that ennobles the soul.
Skate park, open-air, and café in the park
Kasárne/Kulturpark, Kukučínova 2
ZEROZERO, 2013 (RECONSTRUCTION)
Admire the iconic spot of the reconstructed barracks complex on Kukučínova Street from the period when the city boasted the title of Košice - European Capital of Culture 2013. Today, the Barracks/Kulturpark by the authors of the zerozero architectural studio is the site of a well-maintained skate square, the headquarters of cultural and municipal institutions, and a landmark of the city for many interesting and educational activities. Drop in for a coffee under the shade of the trees and enjoy the tranquillity of the whole complex at any time of the year.
An ageless mall with a prominent facade
Urban / Prior Department Store, Hlavná 111
RŮŽENA ŽERTOVÁ, 1968
Take a look at this colossal building on the north side of Hlavná Street, an important work from the pen of Czech architect Ružena Žertová from 1962 to 1964 and the first full-service department store after 1945. This reinforced concrete monolith has served locals for six decades as a place to shop and relax. Be sure to take a good look at its most famous feature - the terrazzo block exterior by sculptor Jana Bartošová-Vilhanová. Prior, Tesco, Urban - this mall will always have its place on Main Street in Košice.
The minimalist home of a magician of abstract sculptures
Vila Mathé, Horolezecká 1
MICHAL BANIK, EVA MATHÉOVÁ, 1983
Discover an artistic jewel of Košice in the north of the city, in the family home of sculptor Ján Mathé († 2012) and his wife Eva Mathéová. The only Bauhaus in Slovakia designed by architect Michal Baník, the complete realization took place between 1975 and 1983. In 2019, this exceptional building, dressed in simplicity and minimalism, became a national cultural monument and is a preserved informal museum of the former sculptor from Košice. Come here to feel the subtlety of the spirit of an unforgettable artist who left dozens of works in Košice.
Avant-garde block for official families
Masaryk Colony of Bank Clerks, Jesenná Street 1-3, Jarná Street 21-27, Letná Street 10-14
JOSEF POLÁŠEK, 1931
Meet this unique residential block on Letná Street from 1931 and imagine the progressive convenience of living almost a hundred years ago. Its author, Czech architect Josef Polášek, created this three-winged house for up to 48 families of Czech, Slovak and Hungarian bank officials in Košice with a sense of foreign inspiration and a concept of the building as a boarding house, otherwise known as a house-commune. The architect thus created a significant example of functionalist living space in the city, based on the principles of orthogonality.
The legendary swimming pool by the master Oelschläger
Red Star Municipal Swimming Pool, Staničné Square
Ludovit Oelschläger, 1936
Stop to relax or admire the city's architecture at the Červená hviezda swimming pool, designed by the legendary architect Ludovít Oelschläger, which has been contributing to the leisure-time entertainment programme of Košice's inhabitants since 1936. The building is also a national cultural monument with terraced pools or the north and east buildings. Here you will find the preserved authentic wooden furnishings of the chateau cubicles and the rectangular colonnade. Swimming pool entertainment has been a tradition here for almost 90 years anyway.
A metal giant for sincere prayers
Church of Divine Mercy, Sídlisko KVP
PAVEL SIMKO, RICHARD NEUFELD, PETER PÁSZTOR, MARTIN DRAHOVSKÝ, 2012
Visit the Košice Government Programme housing estate and explore the epic metal-clad structure by architects Pavel Simko, Richard Neufeld, Peter Pásztor and Martin Drahovský from 2012. This monumental structure for spiritual purposes stands out against the backdrop of a traditional prefabricated housing estate next to a busy four-lane road. The over 33-metre high tower can be noticed by any visitor from a great distance. The urban structure with its titanium zinc cladding is also complemented by an oval plaza and a striking wooden interior - say a prayer for both world peace and peace of mind in this unconventional spiritual building.
Spiritual Brick Fortress
Church of St. Gorazd and Companions, Toryská 1/A
JOZEF FABIÁN, IVAN ROZDOBUĎKO, ŠTEFAN ZAHATŇANSKÝ, 1999
Stop by the remarkable building of the Roman Catholic parish of St. Gorazd and Companions, designed by the ARZ studio in Košice and architects Jozef Fabián, Ivan Rozdobudek and Stefan Zahatňanský. The church grounds are separated from the busy road by a pergola, so visitors can enjoy the views of the 35-metre high tower, the slit windows, but especially the typical brick facing, which is impossible to avoid when walking through the Terasa housing estate. The work won the prestigious CE.ZA.AR award in 2003 in the category of Civil and Industrial Buildings.
Directorate with artistic elements
Košice City Hall, 48/A SNP Street
MILAN MOTÝĽ, 1985
When exploring the Terrace housing estate, your eyes will not miss the majestic building of the Košice City Hall, known to Košice inhabitants as the White House from 1985. Today, the primary building of the Košice administration used to serve as the headquarters of the Communist Party of Slovakia. Its chief designer Milan Motýľ designed the granite staircases and pavements from Příbram and the travertine façade from Dreveník. The work also hides many interior artistic gems - enter and view the walls and resting places.
Click on www.zazikosice.sk, follow the links to architectural icons in the city and view a handy map or video showcasing the unique architecture of Košice. Combine your exploration of the vibrant city with a good lunch, a music concert or other ways to spend your free time in the city! Get inspired by more tips and tricks on our page for a unique city break experience in Košice.
