Why here
Banská Štiavnica was one of the richest mining towns in Europe, with silver and gold mined there. The monarchy needed educated engineers to keep the mines competitive.
Science in practice
The academy taught chemistry with laboratory exercises, which was a novelty at the time. Prominent scientists worked there, and students came to the town from all over Europe.
Tradition
Mining and student traditions, such as the Salamander procession, live on in the town to this day. Today's technical universities build on the academy's legacy.