The heart of the town is big square of Slovak National Uprising with Marian’s column, slope clock tower, fountain, Thurzo’s House and Benicky House.
During the 19th century the town was a major focus for Slovak national house.The Catholic bishop Stefan Moyses who served this region also was the first Chairman for Matica Slovenska.
The town was the center of anti-Nazi resistance named Slovak National Uprising during the period of the First Slovak Republic in the 20th century. The town serves as the economic, political and military headquarters for 60 days. World War II in Basnka Bystrica ended on 25 March, 1945 when Romanian and Russian troops entered the town. After the war the town developed rapidly. It is an important administrative, economic and cultural center of the Central Slovakia and the seat of many banks, factories and schools.
Banska Bystrica is the seat of the Matej Bel University, which was established in 1992. There are tourist and ski centers like Šachtičky, Suchý vrch, Selce, Králiky, Tajov and Donovaly in Banská Bystrica and a lot of recreation facilities as a covered swimming pool, a football stadium and an ice-hockey stadium.
There is the paper mill in Harmanec and there are cement works, a timber factory and a textile factory in Banská Bystrica.
Banská Bystrica is a very nice town which has rich history, a lot of mountains and beautiful nature. It is said “Alive in Banská Bystrica, in heaven after death.” I am proud of my town!.