Welcome to Košice, the metropolis of Eastern Slovakia, the second largest city after capital Bratislava. Lying in the valley of the River Hornad in the basin that shares its name, Košice is a regional administrative centre and Eastern Slovakia's hub of industry, commerce, science and culture. The country's second largest city, Košice currently has a population of more than 250.000 inhabitants. As the Regional Administrative Center for Košice County, Košice provides government services to an area encompassing 6 753 sq. kilometers and serves over 766 000 people.
Košice is a city with an eventful and illustrious past, its earliest recorded mention dating from 1230, when it is referred to as "Villa Cassa". The coat of arms is the oldest in Europe, a fact attested to by a letter dated 1369. The city's historic sights - from various eras - are concentrated in the historic centre, which is an Urban Heritage Area. The reconstructed main street, lined by burgher houses and palaces, offers visitors a pleasant stroll and is also the venue for major events in the life of the city.
