We walk along the square of Banská Štiavnica and the information board invites us to one of the houses. The Štiavnica Nativity Scene is to be located in it. As we have time and we are curious what we find in the house, we do not hesitate and enter the bottom.
We did very well. We were surrounded on three sides by a beautiful moving wooden Bethlehem. As we have learned, it is one of the largest and most beautiful Bethlehem in Slovakia. It has 21 meters and 800 wooden figures. Of these, 400 characters are movable.
The Bethlehem of Štiavnica immediately drew us into medieval life in Banská Štiavnica. The fact that we are in Banská Štiavnica is clear from the very beginning. There are also medieval buildings that have been preserved to this day, such as the Old Castle, the New Castle and the Calvary.
Miners enter the mines and determinedly mine gold and silver ore. During this hard work, they are constantly protected by the Permons, the rulers of the underground.
While they mine mineral wealth, the Ottoman Empire expands its borders and, after the fall of Budapest, came dangerously close to Banská Štiavnica. Hungarian soldiers fearlessly defend themselves, reflect the attacks of the Ottomans and protect the inhabitants of the city and the surrounding area from the Ottoman threat.
The city is bustling. The market sells products of skilled craftsmen. Judges, carpenters, bakers, confectioners or stonemasons and many others. The music is in a good mood for them.
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Of course, Bethlehem is dominated by a manger with little Jesus, who was born in the presence of many angels and to whom three kings came to worship and bring him gifts.
I can't even imagine how much time Peter Chovan, the author of this work, spent in carving it. It is said that Bethlehem is not finished yet and the author has an endless source of inspiration in the town of Banská Štiavnica to complete it.
One would not even say what a treasure is hidden in a small, inconspicuous house. I am glad that we decided to enter the bottom and take a close look at Štiavnický Bethlehem. It was a nice experience and I recommend everyone to visit this place when you are in Banská Štiavnica.
Well thank you.
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Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Slovakia.
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