Michail Illarionovič Kutuzov

Michail Illarionovič Kutuzov Site: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Košice, Slovakia

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Michail Illarionovič Kutuzov Memorial Plaque in Košice’s Old Town pays tribute to Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, a distinguished Russian military leader renowned for his role in the Napoleonic Wars. This site is not only a testament to Kutuzov’s brief but significant stay in Košice during the winter of 1805–1806 but also an emblem of the city’s vibrant multicultural and historical legacy. Visitors will find practical information here on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions, as well as a deeper understanding of the broader historical context surrounding Kutuzov and Košice’s pivotal place in Central European history (Visit Košice; Wikipedia – Mikhail Kutuzov; Trek Zone).

Historical Background: Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov and Košice

Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov (1745–1813) was a prominent Russian field marshal, celebrated for his decisive leadership during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly the Russian campaign of 1812. Born in Saint Petersburg, Kutuzov’s military career spanned several key conflicts, including the Russo-Turkish Wars and the coalition campaigns against Napoleon (Wikipedia; Britannica).

After the defeat at the Battle of Austerlitz in December 1805, Kutuzov led the retreating Russian army through the Kingdom of Hungary (now Slovakia), stopping in Košice from December 31, 1805, to January 4, 1806. Kutuzov’s stay was marked by gratitude toward the city’s hospitality—a gesture memorialized by the plaque affixed to the Old Town Hall (sk.wikipedia; Košice Dnes).

Location and Accessibility

Address: Hlavná 59, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
Coordinates: 48.7214517 N, 21.2579895 E (Hikersbay)
Site: The bronze Kutuzov plaque, created by sculptor Juraj Bartusz and unveiled in 1971, is mounted on the façade of the Old Town Hall, a late Baroque and early Neoclassical structure that now houses the city’s official visitor center (Visit Košice Visitor Center).

Accessibility

Pedestrian Zone: Hlavná ulica (Main Street) is fully pedestrianized and wheelchair accessible, with smooth pavements and curb cuts.
Public Transport: Košice’s main train and bus stations are about 1 km from the city center, with easy tram or walking access.
Parking: Several parking garages are located just outside the pedestrian zone.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Kutuzov Memorial Plaque: Outdoors and accessible 24/7, no tickets required.
Old Town Hall Visitor Center: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is free.
Guided Tours: Guided walking tours can be booked at the Visitor Center or through the Regional Information Bureau, with tours in multiple languages (Visit Košice; kosiceregion.com; VisitSights).

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Košice’s Old Town is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks within easy walking distance of the Kutuzov site:

St. Elisabeth Cathedral: Slovakia’s largest Gothic cathedral.
Urban Tower: Medieval bell tower offering city views.
State Theatre: Neo-baroque cultural venue.
East Slovak Museum: Home to the famous Košice Gold Treasure.
Plague Column (Immaculata): Baroque monument on Main Street.

These sites reflect the city’s multicultural heritage, with Hungarian, Slovak, German, Jewish, and Russian influences (Slovakia.travel; thecrazytourist.com).

Visitor Services and Amenities

Visitor Information: The Košice Visitor Center (Hlavná 59) provides maps, brochures, and tour bookings in English, German, and Hungarian.
Restrooms: Available in nearby cafes and shopping centers.
Dining: Main Street is lined with cafes and restaurants, including Café Slávia and Levočský dom.
Accommodation: Numerous hotels and apartments are within a five-minute walk (Boutique Hotel Slávia; Hikersbay).

Best Times to Visit

Season: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and vibrant city events.
Festivals: Košice City Days (May), Christmas markets (December), and the Košice Peace Marathon are highlights.
Photography: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for capturing the plaque and Old Town architecture in the best light.

Practical Visitor Tips

Combine Attractions: Plan to visit the Kutuzov plaque alongside St. Elisabeth Cathedral, State Theatre, Plague Column, and the East Slovak Museum (Adventurous Miriam).
Guided Tours: Enhance your visit with a guided walking tour for historical context (VisitSights).
Respect the Site: The area is a place of historical significance; maintain decorum and avoid climbing on the building.
Prepare for Weather: The site is outdoors with limited shelter; dress appropriately for the season.

Historical Context

Kutuzov’s passage through Košice followed the defeat of the Austro-Russian coalition at Austerlitz. The local population provided extensive support, including food, shelter, and supplies, and hosted a New Year’s Eve ball for Russian officers. Kutuzov’s appreciative letter to the city magistrate is a rare historical gesture of gratitude (Košice Dnes). This episode highlights Košice’s role as a safe haven and crossroads of Central European history.

Safety and Security

Košice’s city center is safe and well-patrolled, with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply, and the area is well-lit and lively into the evening (Adventurous Miriam).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Kutuzov site visiting hours?
A: The memorial plaque is outdoors and accessible 24/7, with no admission fee.

Q: Are tickets or reservations required?
A: No, the site is free and open to all.

Q: Can I join a guided tour including the Kutuzov site?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked at the Visitor Center or online.

Q: Is the Kutuzov site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the pedestrian zone and site are fully accessible.

Q: Are there restrooms and dining options nearby?
A: Yes, numerous facilities are available within a short walk.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Alt text: Kutuzov Memorial Plaque affixed to the historic Old Town Hall in Košice, Slovakia

See more images and virtual tours at Košice Virtual Tours.

Additional Recommendations

Language Support: English is commonly spoken in tourist areas; translation apps can help with local signage.
Cultural Events: Check the Visit Košice events calendar for current exhibitions and concerts.
Souvenirs: Shops along Main Street offer books and commemorative items related to Košice’s history.

Conclusion

The Michail Illarionovič Kutuzov Memorial Plaque stands as a gateway to understanding Košice’s role in European history and the enduring legacy of one of Russia’s most esteemed military leaders. Its central location on the Old Town Hall, free access, and proximity to other major landmarks make it an essential stop for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. For the best experience, combine your visit with other historical sites, join a guided tour, and explore the rich cultural offerings of Košice.

To enrich your journey, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and up-to-date information on Košice’s historical sites. Stay connected via social media for news and travel inspiration.