The name is derived from Slovak word skala (a rock) referring to the cliffs the inhabitants built their settlement over.

Many Habaners (adherents of a sect similar to Anabaptism) settled in Skalica in the 16th century.

The Temporary Government led by Vavro Šrobár declared here a sovereignty of the Czechoslovak state, published a newspaper Sloboda (Liberty) and unsuccessfully tried to negotiate the removal of Hungarian troops from Upper Hungary (today Slovakia).

Now sold all over Slovakia and Czechia, this unusual "stove-pipe" shaped pastry has its origins in Transylvania.

Near the remnants of one of Skalica's city walls is one of Slovakia's oldest works of construction, the Romanesque Rotunda of St. George.