A short history of Žilina

Zilina is one of the main cities of northern Slovakia, sitting where the Váh, Kysuca and Rajčianka rivers meet. Its position on routes through the Carpathians helped make it an important trading and transport centre.

Medieval beginnings: The area was settled much earlier, but Žilina developed as a town in the 13th century. It was first recorded in 1208, and in 1321 King Charles I granted it privileges as a free royal town. The attractive Mariánske námestie (Marian Square), with its arcaded buildings, still reflects its medieval layout.

An important Slovak milestone: In 1381, King Louis I issued the Privilegium pro Slavis, requiring that Slovak inhabitants receive equal representation with the German population on Žilina's town council. It is considered an important document in the history of Slovaks in medieval Hungary.

Trade and crafts: From the 15th to 18th centuries, Žilina prospered through crafts, markets and trade. Its position on routes between Hungary, Moravia and Poland was particularly valuable. Fires, wars and epidemics periodically damaged the town, so much of what you see today was rebuilt over several centuries.

Railways transformed the city: The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century turned Žilina into a major industrial and transport hub. Textile factories and other industries followed, and the city expanded well beyond its old medieval centre.

20th century: Žilina became part of Czechoslovakia in 1918 after the collapse of Austria-Hungary. During World War II it was part of the wartime Slovak state. After the war, communist-era industrialisation brought factories, large housing estates and rapid population growth.

Since 1993: When Czechoslovakia peacefully separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 1 January 1993, Žilina became part of independent Slovakia. Today it's an important university, industrial and transport city and a gateway to the mountains of northern Slovakia.Baca lagi