The town´s sprawling, irregular groundplan makes for ideal strolling, with the streets fanning out from the castle, one of the main atractions for tourists. The remnants of the town fortifications can be seen on the streets Baštová ulica and Priekopa.

Embraced by the Belan Tatras, the Pieniny and the Levoča Hills, Spišská Magura has yet to be discovered by tourists. But it, too, offers some magnificent scenery. On a clear day even the High Tatras are visible from Magurské sedlo saddle on the main crest.

Spiš towns and villages have their own distinct aspect, with the historic core and numerous sacred buildings surviving in many of them. Bijacovce, not far from Spišské Podhradie, has an original Romanesque church from the 13 th century with wall paintings from the following century and a Romanesque rotunda.

The Dreveník nature reserve merits a stop – off on the way to Spiš Castle, as does the limestone mount not far from Spišské Podhradie and Žehra where we find the so – called “rock community” of Kamenný raj with its needles, 24 caves and bizarre rock formation, and rare flora and fauna. Dreveník is the largest travertine area in Slovakia.

A visit to the Tokay wine – growing area with its old cellars where the wine – including the truly regal Tokajský výber 5 putňové, which matures in wooden casks for at least seven years – can be tasted is an unforgettable experience.

Vintage time around Slovanské Nové Mesto is the culmination of the wine – growers´ efforts throughout the year. The harvest – furmint, lipovina and muškát zlatý – underpins the production of a wide range of wines of distibctuve character and deservedly high repute.

Today´s Tokay production ontinues a rih tradition of vine – growing and wine – making in the Slovak part of the Tokay area. The cultivation techniques, lands and technology employed ate all laid down decreed by law. very good reputation of the Slovak Tokay wines is shown by over 100 gold and silver medals won at the important international competitions.

The town centre is a spindle – shaped “square” with Baroque and Renaissance burgherhouses dating rrom the 16 th to 19 th centuries. Historical buildings of interest include the church of St Aegidius form the end of the 13 th century with its noteworthy wall paintings, including the oldest known panorama of the High Tatras.