Bosák's Bank - the Art Nouveau jewel of Prešov
At corner of Main and Levočská Street stands one of the most beautiful buildings of Prešov - Bosak's Bank. This Art Nouveau gem was built in the years 1923 - 1924 Like representative building of the financial institute. At first glance, it impresses domes on the corners a rich sculptural decoration.
At front facade you can admire the allegorical figures with names Peace and Love, Abundance, Thrift and Science. The rear part of the building, facing today's Levoča Street, is decorated sculptural representation of the four seasons and underneath them reliefs of a steamboat, steam locomotive and an airplane - symbols of progress and development in the first half of the 20th century.
The building bears the name Michal Bosák, a native of the nearby village of Okrúhle near Prešov, who, after emigrating to the USA, became successful American banker. In America he owned several banks and was also active in boards of directors of prestigious financial institutions, such as Bank of Europe in New York or First National Bank v Olyphante.
The interesting thing is that his signature appears on the American dime, that his bank could issue with the approval of the US government. Michal Bosák was also an important personality of Slovak history – On 30 May 1918 he signed the Pittsburgh Agreement, which guaranteed the autonomy of Slovakia in the next Czecho-Slovakia.
After returning to his homeland, he founded the 1920 American-Slovak Bank in Bratislava, which had nine branches, including that in Prešov - in this very building.
Today it is Bosak's Bank not only architectural landmark of the town, but also a symbol of the success of a native who connected America with Slovakia.
It is currently entering its history Prešov Self-Governing Region (PSK), which bought an 80 per cent co-ownership stake in this important building. The county plans to to use the building for institutional purposes - will arise here new offices of regional organisations, whereby Bosak's bank will once again become a lively centre of public events in the heart of the city.
*Updated 2025
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