Prešov

Presov belongs to the most significant historical towns in Slovakia. Slavonic settlers came to this area in late 8th century and they practiced agriculture , hunting , handicrafts and metalworking. The Torysa valley was an important trade route connecting istambul , Belgrade , Kosice , Presov and Warsaw.

The first written message of Presov dates back to 1247. Town has been inhabited by three different nationalities since 13th century , i.e. Slovaks , Hungarians and Germans. The first guilds were established in the 14th century. The first guild was a shoemaking guild. Presov citizens  traded in textile and agricultural plants , but trade in wine was the most profitable.
In 1667 Presov was an important centre of education , an Evangelic Collage was established in the town and its teaches were influenced by J.A Komensky who visited Presov. In 17th century Presov was mostly Protestant. It was the time of revolutionary changes.

The wave of  anti- Habsburg uprising the epidemic of plague , and also the great fires devastated the town. The salt – mine in Solivar and the mill in Velky Saris were the most important facilities In the town. In 1752 the salt- mine was flooded. In 1817 numerous groups of Ruthenians moved to Presov. Presov became the part of Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. Slovaks took a dominant position . Presov had 17,500 citizens. In 1995 the population was 92,000. Today the town has an industrial character with food , textile and machinery industries.