History of Bardejov

tions of the Emperor's army against the Kuruts in the 17th century had a grave effect on the town's life. The plundering of the town and its vicinity, as well as the town’s financial contributions to the war efforts, brought the one-time prosperous Bardejov to the brink of poverty. The plaque of 1710 made the situation even more critical. The German and Hungarian populations, decimated by the war and the plaque, were slowly replaced by the Slovak population.

Beginning in the first quarter of the 18th century, the situation began to improve. Slovaks and Hasidic Jews came into Bardejov in large numbers. By the end of the century, the population of the town had regained the level of the 16th century. The burghers' houses were rebuilt or modified in keeping with current architectural fashion. A Jewish quarter with a synagogue, slaughterhouse, and ritual baths developed in the north-western suburbs. New churches and bridges were built, as well.

Despite further fires in the last quarter of the 19th century, the town continued to thrive, thanks to major industrialization projects in the region. In 1893, a railway was opened connecting Presov to Bardejov. However, it declined again following the establishment of the first Czechoslovak Republic and became a backward farming region. World War II saw a worsening in the economic situation, though little damage from bombardment.

In 1950, Bardejov was declared a protected city core and extensive restoration of its cultural heritage began. These efforts culminated in Bardejov receiving the European Gold Medal by the International Board of Trustees in Hamburg