KOŠICE has experienced a number of disasters over the centuries. It has been beset by conflict, shaken by an earthquake in 1834, flooded by the Hornád River in 1845, and pummelled by a storm in 1875.
While some of the city’s treasured buildings were destroyed during these events, others survived. Fortunately, the most valuable buildings are among those that have suffered the least damage.
St Elizabeth’s Cathedral boasts a Late Gothic style that makes it arguably the most appealing building in Košice’s city centre. Its construction began in 1380 and lasted some 200 years, with several interruptions. The cathedral even survived fighting during the Second World War that damaged its beautiful altar.
This sacred building, which is among the most important architectural monuments in Slovakia, is depicted in this postcard from 1906.