sk sk

UNESCO World Heritage – Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments

200 Sk commemorative silver coin

Banknotes and coins, UNESCO World Heritage – Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
Banknotes and coins, UNESCO World Heritage – Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments

The Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad) is the most extensive medieval castle in the territory of Slovakia, and with an area of more than four hectares, one of the largest castle complexes in Europe. The earliest surviving record of its existence was issued by King Andrew II in 1209. In that period, the castle was already the administrative, economic and cultural centre of the county of Spiš. The original Romanesque stone castle with fortification walls underwent many alterations in the Romanesque-Gothic, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Until 1464 it belonged to the Kings of Hungary, and later to the Zápoľský, Thurzo and Csáky families. In the 18th century it lost its military significance, ceased to be the seat of its owners and began to decay. After a fire in 1780, it gradually fell into ruin.

In 1961 the Spiš Castle was declared a national cultural monument, and in December 1993 it was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage, together with the other cultural monuments in its surroundings.

  • Coin description

    Obverse:
    The obverse of the coin shows the twin-towers of the Cathedral of St. Martin; part of the fortifications and the entrance gate to the urban monument of Spišská Kapitula; the name of the state SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA; the face value of the coin and the coat of arms of the Slovak Republic.

    Reverse:
    The reverse of the coin depicts Spiš Castle, with the inscription SVETOVÉ DEDIČSTVO UNESCO (UNESCO World Heritage) and Spišský hrad, and a detail of a window of the Romanesque palace in the castle.

  • Coin details
    Designer:Milan Virčík
    Material:Ag 750, Cu 250
    Weight:20 g
    Diameter:34 mm
    Edge:inscription: “PATRIMOINE MONDIAL – WORLD HERITAGE”
    Producer:Kremnica Mint (Slovak Republic)
    Issuing volume:15,000
    of which 1,500 in proof quality
    Demonetized:700 in brilliant uncirculated quality (2006)