Prievidza

Prievidza lies in the upper Nitra valley, near the castle of Bojnice. A settlement grew into a town under a body of privileges that allowed its inhabitants to elect officials, conduct trade and administer justice. In 1383 Queen Mary granted it a new charter, providing a foundation for its civic liberties and economic life. The town later belonged to the lords of Bojnice. In the seventeenth century Piarists established a church and monastery here, but the town was also damaged by fire during the Kuruc uprising of 1673.