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Square · Žilina, Žilina
Mariánske Square (Horné námestie)
Žilina’s main square, square-shaped and surrounded by houses with arcades, with the Column of the Immaculate Virgin in the center and the baroque Jesuit church on one side.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mariánske Square (Horné námestie)
Mariánske námestie is the heart of Žilina’s historic center, a city first mentioned in 1208. The square is laid out as a square and is surrounded by burgher houses with arcades on the ground floor, built atop medieval cellars. Locals also call it Horné námestie, the upper square.
In the center stands the Column of the Immaculate Virgin, erected in 1738 to mark the end of the city’s re-Catholicization. One side is occupied by the baroque Church of St. Paul, connected to the former Jesuit college, and in a corner is the old town hall, whose current appearance dates from 1890. Underneath the square are underground galleries open to guided visits.
The square connects to Andreja Hlinku Square, lower down, via pedestrian streets and stairways. It is the city’s meeting point, with cafés under the arcades and, in December, the Christmas market with stalls and lights.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, longer if you visit the underground galleries.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the cafés fill up, or in December during the Christmas market. Visits to the underground galleries have their own schedules; check at the tourist information center.
How to get there
In the historic center, about a 10-minute walk from the train station, up Národná Street and Andreja Hlinku Square.
Tip
Ask at the tourist information center about visits to the galleries beneath the square. On hot days, the arcades provide shade for a break.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mariánske Square (Horné námestie)
What is Žilina’s main square?
Mariánske námestie, a square surrounded by arcaded houses, with the Column of the Immaculate Virgin in the center.
Can you visit the cellars under Mariánske námestie?
Yes, on guided tours of the galleries beneath the square. Confirm times at the tourist information center.
When is Žilina’s Christmas market?
In December, during Advent, on Mariánske námestie.