The ancient city of Levoča arose around the year 1245, due to the German colonisation after the Tartar Raid, on the foundations of old Slavonic settlements. The town is situated in the Hornád valley, on the left bank of Levoča brook, in the middle of Spiš region. The earliest written reference about Levoča is from 1249. Hungarian King Štefan V mentioned Levoča in conferred privileges as the capital of the Saxon's Province. The rapid economic growth of the town was supported by its advantageous location on important long distance trade routes and also by several privileges and granted rights. The right of store bestowed upon the town by Karol Robert in 1321 belongs to the most important rights. In the 16th century, Levoča became one of the important economic centres of Europe, but the battles against Turks and anti-Habsburg insurrections hold its promising growth back. The disastrous fire in 1550 contributed to the splendid restoration and the Gothic town was reconstructed in the Renaissance style. Levoča was not only a merchant centre but first of all a centre of arts and crafts. 40 craft guilds were here in the 15th century. From the 19th century the economical prosperity of the town declined. Levoča became an administrative centre of Spiš region and the seat of many secondary schools. In 1950, Levoča was declared an Urban Conservation Area. Levoča's historical monuments, works of art, and natural surroundings attract visitors and contribute to growing tourism..