Žilina is one of the largest Slovak cities. It is a large industrial center, and due to its history dating back to the Middle Ages, also a historic city, with a nicely preserved center concentrated around two markets.
The city was founded in the first half of the 14th century on the site of an earlier settlement. Mainly trade and crafts developed here due to its location on an important route leading from Poland to Hungary. The prosierity period ended with the advent of wars, marches of troops and plagues in the 17th century. The revival took place at the end of the 19th century, after the construction of the railway line and the establishment of the first industrial plants.
Today's Žilina is primarily an industrial and academic center, where, however, you can see some interesting sights. The Old Town with its medieval street layout has been preserved in the center. Its center is surrounded by the Mariánske námestie tenement houses, next to which there is also a two-tower church of St. Paul.
The biggest attraction of Žilina is the Budatín Castle on the outskirts of the city. Its history dates back to the thirteenth century, and the present appearance is the result of several renovations, including the last one from the beginning of the twentieth century. The castle houses the Poasian Museum with a unique exhibition of artistic tinkering. A picturesque English park stretches around the building.
