Betlehem in Banská Štiavnica

Bethlehem in Banska Stiavnica is one of the largest wooden, movable Bethlehem in Slovakia. The carving shows the form of the history, development and tradition of the historic mining town of Banska Stiavnica. Woodcarving is composed of three parts, respectively is divided into three themes.

The first motive is mining gold and silver. The knockers as underground rulers are the basis of this section. You can see mining, gold panning and washing ore and exported from its mines and subsequent crushing, screening and heating process. There is also shown coinage, mining so called Gapel driven by horsepower and mining winch.

The second motive of Bethlehem is very biblical themes, depicting the birth of Jesus, who the three kings, shepherds and miners worship.

It is all complemented by panorama of Banska Stiavnica with its famous buildings. The central part includes a main street, called Upper Trotuar on which Salamander parade walks. There are also historical schools and Botanical Garden. There can be seen Holy Trinity Square with the Plague Column, St. Catherine's Church, Town Hall, Old Castle or Kammerhof (former seat of the Count of the Chamber and of the Mining Chamber).

On the right side there is a Calvary with pilgrimage of believers, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the church of Saint Elizabeth.

On the left side of the carvings you will see New Castle and siege of the town of Banska Atiavnica by Turks, who never got beyond the walls. The background consists of peak of Sitno with the lookout tower.

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