Veľký Šariš (German: Groß-Scharosch; Hungarian: Nagysáros) is a small town near Prešov in eastern Slovakia. The town is known as the site of the largest brewery in Slovakia - Šariš Brewery.[citation needed] The first written mention[which?] of Veľký Šariš dates back to 1217.[citation needed] Veľký Šariš lies at an altitude of 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level and covers an area of 25.73 square kilometres (9.9 sq mi). It is located on the Torysa river, 6 kilometres (4 mi) north-north-west from Prešov. There is also ruins of a big castle here.