Ko�ice - the second largest Slovak city. Located on the east of the country in the valley of the river Horn�d, about 20 kilometers from the border with Hungary. The county town of Ko�ice with 238,725 inhabitants (according to data from 2010) is a metropolis of Eastern Slovakia.

The first written mention of the city dates from 1230. Ko�ice boasts one of the historical primacy: the first European city to which the monarch granted armorial list. It happened on May 7th 1369. Erb was gradually until 1502 supplemented by other rulers. Bronze sculpture of the final shape of the coat of arms is today one of the landmarks of Main Street.

Colorful history is signed on the character of the historic center of Kosice, which make up the largest conservation area in the Slovak Republic. The most important building is the Gothic Cathedral of St. Elizabeth. It is also the largest building of its kind in the Slovak Republic.

The city's university, but also an important cultural and religious center from the perspective of Slovakia. It is home to the State Philharmonic Ko�ice, Ko�ice State Theatre, Slovak Technical Museum, National Science Library or Eastern Slovak Gallery.

Among the nationally important institutions are the seat of the Constitutional Court SR.
Kosice is home to several ethnic minorities, the largest of which is Hungarian, for which he was even established consulate. In further live Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Czechs, or Roma, who are grouped into their national associations. But maintains its traditions, for example, less numerous group of Bulgarians.

In 2013, Ko�ice become European Capital of Culture. The prestigious title was awarded City Council of Ministers of the European Union and will apply for one year. At the same time, the title unsuccessfully ran for the city of Presov, Martin and Nitra.