In the 16th century the whole town was fortified by defensive walls against the threat of the Tartar invasion. The remnants of these fortifications can be found for example nearby the Monument of the Slovak National Uprising, where also two last surviving bastions have been preserved. Fortifications can be seen also in the town castle area and near the Hron river flowing through the town.

City walls - The Butcher's bastion

Defensive walls with the bastion