town, north-central Slovakia. It lies along the Váh River at its confluence with the Kysuca and Rajčianka rivers. Originally an early 13th-century Slavic trading settlement, Žilina became a free royal town in 1312. It has an arcaded marketplace and medieval buildings, including the Romanesque church of St. Stephen (13th century), with Gothic elements, the church of the Holy Trinity, and an isolated Renaissance tower. Budatín Castle lies just north of the town. Žilina is a busy rail junction where the branchline from Ostrava (Czech Republic) joins the main east-west electrified line; it is also a road intersection on the state highway. The University of Žilina (founded 1953), a conservatory of music, and a centre for the treatment of eye diseases are located there. Industries include wood processing, engineering, food processing, and construction. Pop. (2001) 85,400.