From the second half of the 10th century until 1918, Liptovsky Mikuláš, which was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, was an important craft center of the Liptov region. Various guilds were formed here, including shoemakers, blacksmiths, furriers, tailors, hatmakers and butchers. In 1677 the town became the seat of the local district and Comitatus Liptoviensis. It was also the site of the execution of Slovak nationalist and “Robin Hood” Juraj Janosik in 1713.
In the 19th century Liptovský Mikuláš played an important role in the Slovak national movement and was the center of cultural and political activity. The first Slovak theater, G. F. Belopotocký Theater, was founded here in 1830, and prominent Slovak Romantic poets and national activists, such as Janko Kra and Michal Miloslav Hoxha, lived here. In 1848, the leader of the Slovak national revival, Ľudovít Štúr, in Liptovský Mikuláš promulgated the “Demands of the Slovak Nation” in an attempt to solve the problems of the Slovak nation.
In the 20th century, Liptovský Mikuláš absorbed many surrounding villages, transforming from the bucolic peasant village of Vrbica into a street in the city center.
Tourism
The town is one of the most famous tourist centers in Slovakia. Its rich cultural life and attractive location make it the ideal starting point for trips to the Low Tatras, including the Demänová Valley with its famous caves such as the Demänová ice cave or the Demänová Freedom Cave, and to the Western Tatras.
Vlkolínec with its folk architecture, Ružomberok, and the Liptovská Mara lake for recreation are situated near the town. Since 2004 the water park Tatralandia has been open here as well as the ski resort Jasna, which due to its modern ski elevators and infrastructure attracts many western tourists.