It is one the most important cities of the north of Slovakia. It lies in Liptov region - it is where the Slovak national conscience grew, in the cities of Ružomberok and Liptovský Mikuláš. There are several mountain ranges, such as the (High) Tatras, the Low Tatras, Velký Choč and the Liptov Lake close to the town. Some important sites, wooden churches and archeological sites are also nearby. The region is rich in thermal waters. The combination of all the mentioned make it one of the most frequently visited regions and cities in Slovakia.
The name of the city came, as in the case of other local towns and villages, after a saint - Mikuláš in Santa Claus.
The church was funded by a noble, Mikuláš Pongrácz, later a village, a town, finally a city grew, becoming the centre of local industry, authority and justice. Thanks to the water of River Váh, a tanning (leather) industry became the key factor in the development of Mikuláš. It was here where the Slovak protested against the strict Hungarian policy in the 19th century. There were several protests in Mikuláš at that time, the 1848 Demands of Slovak Nation are the most famous (unsuccessful), the same during the WW2 - it was one of the centres of the Slovak National Uprising (against Germans).
Visiting Mikuláš: obviously the St Claus Church is the most important monument. Built in 13th century, it was expanded and modified many times, after 1940 reconstruction its original Gothic style was restored. Inside, you can see a main triptych altar from the 15th century, side altars from 15th and 16th centuries. Apart from the church, the area of Námestie Osloboditeľov is where you can find some 19th and early 20th century houses and monuments, a modern fountain and a monument to the liberators of Slovakia in the centre of the square. Also a beautiful ex-synagogue is close to the square - the Jews used to be a significant minority in the town.
“You will go to Mikuláš (Santa Claus)” - a local Robin Hood - Juraj Jánošík wasn’t very happy to hear this phrase. This half-legendary person lived in the 17th / 18th century and became famous for robbing the noble and giving to the poor. At least this is what the 19th century legends say; in fact he was a robber, a criminal who ended his life being hung on a hook by the ribcage, in 1713, in Mikuláš. His legend grew during the romanticism in the 19th century. Going to Mikuláš meant for him going to be judged (and sentenced to death).