Bojnice

Bojnice (German: Weinitz; Hungarian: Bajmóc) is a historical town in central Slovakia at the upper Nitra river, near the city of Prievidza. It has a population of around 5,000. Bojnice is best known for its tourist attractions: the oldest zoo in Slovakia, the most visited castle, and one of the oldest spa towns in Slovakia. The town is situated below the Bojnice Castle, which is built on travertine rock with a natural cave. The castle has appeared in many international films and a well-known international festival of spectres takes place there every year.

Bojnice
Town
Town of Bojnice and Bojnice Castle
Coat of arms
Bojnice
Location of Bojnice in the Trenčín Region
Bojnice
Location of Bojnice in Slovakia
Coordinates: 48°46′45″N 18°35′00″E
Country Slovakia
RegionTrenčín
DistrictPrievidza
First mentioned1113
Government
 • MayorFrantišek Tám
Area
 • Total19.96 km2 (7.71 sq mi)
Elevation
298 m (978 ft)
Population
 (2018-12-31[1])
 • Total4,952
 • Density250/km2 (640/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
972 01
Area code(s)+421-46
Car platePD
Websitewww.bojnice.sk

Geography

The town lies at the upper Nitra river valley, under the Strážov Mountains. It is very close to Prievidza (4 km), sharing the public transport system. Other major cities nearby include Žilina to the north (60 km) and Trenčín to the west (65 km).

History

The town's history is closely connected to that of Bojnice Castle. It was first mentioned in 1113, when it was mentioned as a settlement under the castle. It has town privileges since 1366.

Landmarks
View of Bojnice from the Castle
Bojnice Castle, as seen from the castle park

The town is most known for its tourist attractions: the Bojnice Castle, first mentioned in 1113 and originally built as a wooden fort, it was over time built as a stone castle and in the 20th century in the Romantic style. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction.

The zoo (one of only four in Slovakia) was founded in 1955. In 2006 it had 355 different species and more than 1,800 animals.

It is also known for its spa. The therapeutic springs were mentioned in 1549 for the first time. Today they treat patients with disorders of the locomotor system, with rheumatic diseases, post traumatic conditions, conditions after orthopaedic disturbances of the spine of adolescents, neurological diseases and occupational diseases.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, the town had 5,006 inhabitants. 97.06% of inhabitants were Slovaks, 0.68% Czechs and 0.24% Germans.[2] The religious make-up was 74.55% Roman Catholics, 19% people with no religious affiliation and 2% Lutherans.[2]

Notable people

Twin towns — sister cities

Bojnice is twinned with:[3]

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Slovakia

See also

References
  1. "Population and migration". Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic. Retrieved 2019-04-16.
  2. "Municipal Statistics". Statistical Office of the Slovak republic. Archived from the original on 2007-11-16. Retrieved 2007-12-09.
  3. "Partnerské mestá". bojnice.sk (in Slovak). Bojnice. Retrieved 2019-09-09.

Genealogical resources

The records for genealogical research are available at the state archive "Statny Archiv in Nitra, Slovakia"

  • Roman Catholic church records (births/marriages/deaths): 1668-1912 (parish A)
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