Kežmarok

Kežmarok is a district town located in the heart of Europe in the eastern part of Slovakia, under High Tatra mountains. Kežmarok is a historical center of the Spiš region with unique historical monuments, cultural traditions and education. The town is surrounded by four National parks with a rich fauna and flora.

Kežmarok -“the diamond under High Tatra mountains”- was created from several small traditional Slavic villages and settlement of German settlers. In 1269 Hungarian king Belo IV. granted to Kežmarok town rights, which led to creation and development of crafts, which are preserved until these days. Every summer, Kežmarok hosts the biggest European Folklore and Crafts Festival (EĽRO) - whose message is the pride and sustainability of national cultural traditions, folklore, music and crafts.

The goal of Kežmarok is to be modern, dynamic and eco-friendly, -based upon the concept of Smart City and Action plan for adaptation to climate change. The fulfillment of these goals has led to the winning of significant awards such as ENVIROTOWN 2019, Digital Coalition 2018, Senior Friendly 2016, 2017.

The wider part of the town center dates back to 1950. It boasts several historic monuments such as the Wooden Evangelic Articular Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Right next to the church lies Evangelic Lyceum with the largest historical school library in Central Europe as well as the New Evangelic church, with mausoleum of Imrich Thokoly. The main town landmark is the gothic town castle with town walls. Right in the center of town, it is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Town Hall, Redoute, churches, museums and authentic craft houses.

Kežmarok has two industry zones with many different production focuses. There are seven kindergardens, five elementary schools and one elementary art school. The town has six secondary schools and a field office of the University of Economics and Government Management from Bratislava. There is also a hospital located in Kežmarok. Sport facilities are also well developed in the city, with an ice hockey stadium, summer swimming pools, two football stadium and all kinds of local sport clubs.