Kassa

†Kassa coat of arms †Kassa’s city hall, built 1769Kassa, an important North-Hungarian city for over nine centuries (Slovak: “Kosice”; German: “Kaschau”; Latin: “Cassovia”) had its historic origins in the 13th century (though there are prehistoric archeological finds in the area) In 1347 Hungary’s king “Louis the Great” (Nagy Lajos) chartered it as “free royal city” (szabad királyi város) and authorized its coat of arms. Situated on the banks of the Hernád, it is today an industrial and commercial center.

Ceded to Czechoslovakia after WWI and again after WWII, it became Slovakia’s second largest city after its separation from Czechoslovakia in 1990.Kassa’s famous St.Elizabeth’s dome,was built in the 14th century. Though damaged throughout the centuries, it retained its original character dominating the city center, then and now. (See a 1617 painting entitled: Cassovia Superioris Hungariae Civitas Primaria.). In the Dome’s crypt lie the remains of Ferencz Rákoczi II (1676-1735), leader of the first major revolt against Habsburg rule. Died in Turkey in exile, he was reinterred in Kassa in 1906. For further information on the Dome click here

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Source: Andrew Vadász’s Kossuth & 1848-49 Collection.