History
Bardejov received its royal charter in 1376 and grew rich on trade with Poland and Russia. In the 17th century many of the Gothic town square buildings were made over in Renaissance style (porticos and arcades added), and some had rococo elements (ornamental plasterwork) tacked on in the 18th century. The Thirty Years’ War, an anti-Hapsburg revolt and the plague ended the town’s development but saved the fine centre square. None of the original 80 buildings has been lost, and only four houses have been added since the 1600s. Restoration is an ongoing process, so expect to see a building under scaffolding at all times.
