Welcome to
SLOVAKIA
Offical name: Slovak Republic (Slovakia/ Slovenská Republika)
Capital: Bratislava
Form of Government:
Parliamentary Republic
Area: 49,035 km²
Population: 5.4 million
Other Major citiies:
Levoca, Košice, Banská Štiavnica
By Peter Tóth - Pixabay
After the break-up Czechoslovakia, Slovakia become an independent nation. Slovakia is a land of castles, mountains and unspoiled areas of enchanted forests . The northern and central regions are rugged with mountains. The southern region is fertile lowlands. The mighty Danube is the main river in Slovakia.
For those who love history, Slovakia invites you to visit the well-preserved medieval and historical
mining town of Banska Stiavnica, the Romantic-era Bojnice Castle, or Košice ,a city that was once a fortification for the country.
Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, lying along the Danube, surrounded by dense forest and vineyards. Because of its location, nearby Austria, Czechia, and Hungary, resulted a profound impact on the Slovakia’s colorful culture, diverse identity and architecture.
Bratislava is famous for its microbreweries, most of the pubs and restaurants served their own beer using their traditional brewing technique. This draws visitors to its tankard clanking drinking culture.
Walking along the resplendent old town and munching on a delicious Trdelnik (a local pastry); exploring some of its winding streets, hidden away among the concrete blocks, or stop for a coffee or a drink in acozy cafes or trendy bars, and enjoy the atmosphere of tranquility.
Royal Castle
Perched on a small hill, the castle commands a glorious position on the crown of a hill overlooking the capital, the River Danube, and across the borders into Austria and Hungary.
The former seat of the rulers, today the symbol of Bratislava and the seat of the National Museum, covering Slovakian history from the middle ages to the present day. Wandering around its many rooms, courtyards, and gardens is a great way to learn more about Slovakia’s captivating past.
Slavín Memorial
Built between 1957 and 1960, this impressive memorial commemorates and honors the Soviet Army who lost their lives while liberating the city from from the Nazis in the Second World War.
Main Square (Hlavne Namestie)
Flanked by many elegant townhouses and fascinating historical buildings, full of fantastic architecture, with Gothic, Neo-Baroque and Romanesque elements all on display. The square is home to a number of embassies, as well as the Old Town Hall. There’s also an abundance of outdoor cafe, artisan stores and gelato shops to tempt you along the way.
Michael’s Gate
Michael's Gate is the only remaining city gate from the fortified walls and towers built in the 14th century. You can climb the tower and check out the small Museum of Weapons and City Fortifications.
The Old Slovak National Theatre
Slovak National Theatre built in 1886, looks similar to performance halls in Vienna because it was designed by Viennese architects in a Neo-Renaissance style.
Hviezdoslavov Square
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined by leafy trees and lovely buildings, Hviezdoslav Square is named after the famous Slovak poet Hviezdoslav, whose wonderful statue sits proudly in the middle of the square. It is here that many of the city’s cultural events take place. In summer, the square is a popular meeting point, while in winter, a truly magical atmosphere for Christmas markets.
Grassalkovich Palace
The Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava, the residence of the President of the Slovak Republic. It was built in 1760 and is named after the Croatian aristocrat who commissioned it. Its elegant and elaborate Rococo architecture makes for a splendid sight.
The gardens of the palace are open to the public, and visitors can walk around from dawn to dusk to discover the many old trees; a statue of the Empress Maria Theresa; a number of statues by old and modern Slovak sculptors; and the famous Fountain of Youth, a beautiful design of three naked statues playing in the water.
St Martin’s Cathedral
One of the largest, oldest, and most important churches in the country where many Hungarian monarchs were coronated between 1563 and 1830. The popular Queen Maria Theresa was crowned here.
Church of St. Elizabeth (Blue Church)
Built in 1908, the Church of St. Elizabeth, commonly known as Blue Church, is a Hungarian Secessionist Catholic church located in the Old Town. Both the interior and exterior of the church are painted in shades of pale blue and decorated with blue majolica; even the roof is tiled with blue-glazed ceramics.
Statues in the Old Town
Bratislava is full of whimsical, funny statues around the city which provide great pictures opportunity. Cumil, a bronze figure of a man working on the sewers peeping out of a hole to get some air is undoubtedly the most photographed statue in the city. Next, Schone Naci Statue, representing a Pressburg citizen, Ignac Lamar with jovial nature, holding out his top hat, greeting people here and there. Do not overlook the Napoleon's soldier statue, leaning over a bench. If you're visiting the Hviezdoslav square, look for the statue of Hans Christian Anderson set in the park to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Keep your eyes open and you will see them as you walk around, some of them are a truly exciting find.
SNP Bridge
SNP (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) opened in 1972, and holds the record as the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge to have only one pylon and a single set of cables. At the top of that pylon is a structure known as the “UFO” restaurant. An iconic tower of Bratislava.
Banska Stiavnica
The old medieval mining town, which once used to be rich in silver and gold, grew into a town with Renaissance palaces, 16th-century churches, elegant squares and astonishing castles.
It’s well preserved walls soaked with gripping stories, mines with forgotten mysteries, beautiful hills with the memories of the former greatness. Let yourself to get charmed by the fabulous narrow streets and amazed by the richness of the cultural, technical and artistic heritage.
Banská Štiavnica Calvary
One of the most impressive Calvary in the world, located on the top of a picturesque hill of Banská Štiavnica. This Calvary consists of three churches in Baroque style, nineteen chapels and a statue of the Virgin Mary. It used to be an important place of pilgrimage. Today it serves as a recreational and educational place. In the premises of the Lower church there is an exhibition displaying valuable artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. It is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Open Air Mining Museum
The Open Air Mining Museum, which is one of its permanent expositions, is a unique museum of its kind in Slovakia. It allows access in the old gold and silver mine.
Dressed in a mining coat and heltmet, get a fascinating insight into life as a miner at the underground museum.
High Tatras National Park
The High Tatras National Park (Vysoke Tatry) is situated in the north of Slovakia, shared partly with Poland. The High Tatras is a breathtaking mountain range where you can enjoy hiking on epic trails during summer and skiing or snowboarding during winter. Natural beauties await to be discovered, to be admired and contemplated.
Slovakia's Tatra National Park is a Unesco-protected biosphere reserve, along with the Polish National Park.
Ski resorts typically open for the season in mid-to-late December and remain open until March or April.
For hiking and other adventure sports, best time is between mid-June and late October.
Lomnicky Stit (2.634 m / 8.642 ft) is Slovakia’s second-highest peak, is possibly the most visited peak, probably because of its accessibility by cable car. You will find the highest situated Astronomical and Meteorological Observatory in Slovakia on the top.
Tatra National Park is a Unesco protected biosphere reserve
Košice
The second largest city in Slovakia, is one of the most underrated cities and hidden gems. It is a major hub of art and culture. It has a stunning mix of architectural styles, from Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Art Nouveau.
Due to its location being in between Hungary and Poland, Kosice has always been an important hub throughout its history attracting merchants across the region.
Hlavná Ulica Main Street
Most of your attention will be on Hlavná Ulica (Main Street), as all of Košice’s historic monuments are concentrated onto one glorious street. St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, Urban’s Tower and St. Michael’s Chapel together with bustling cafes and stylish shops, are located in the heart of Hlavna ulica.
Stroll past a small park, marvel at the unique musical fountains, to experience its hourly chimes . Across from the fountain is the State Theatre, a baroque beauty from 1899.
St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral
This 14th-century Gothic cathedral dominates Košice's main square, it is the largest and most ornamented church in Slovakia. Make time to climb up the 60-metre church tower for a view to remember.
Urban’s Tower
Originally, the Urban Tower was a Gothic prismatic campanile that also had a pyramidal roof. It had been erected during the 14th century, and the church bell that had been installed at this tower was dedicated to Saint Urban, the patron related to the vine-dressers.
The tower’s original bell was cast in 1557 and weighs seven tons.
It was damaged in a fire in the 1966 and after it was restored it was placed in front of the tower as a monument.
Kosice State Theatre
A baroque beauty from 1899. The interior is accented by rich details and watching a performance there feels like stepping back in time.
Musical Fountain
The musical fountain with dozens of jets that perform a little show in time to classical and pop music piped through speakers around the square.
Plague Column
A 14 meters tall Baroque plague column elected in the 18th century as an expression of gratitude to Virgin Mary for ending the plague epidemic from 1709 and 1710.
Levoca
Levoča nestled up close to the high Tatras mountains, is a true cultural and historic jewel among the Slovak towns as it possesses a great number of architectural monuments linked with the glorious past of the town.
The historic town has retained all of its medieval charm, completely surrounded by the well-preserved medieval walls. Levoča has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009.
The Master Paul Square
Born in Levoča, a very talented woodcarver, Master Paul, created many works that are scattered all across Slovakia. The most significant one remains hidden in the heart of Levoča, in the St. James Basilica, which
dominates the main square of this historic town. The main altar of the Basilica, is the world's tallest wooden altar at 18.62 metres . The main town square is named after him – The Master Paul Square. It is one of the largest medieval squares in Central Europe.
The square is flanked by host of remarkable burgher and patrician houses, many of which carry the name of their former owners. One of the most outstanding is the Thurzo's house, which acquired its Neo-Renaissance sgraffito facade in 1904. Thurzo house in Levoča is now the seat of the regional archives.
Cage of Shame
A very rare historic landmark of Slovakia. The cage of shame was used in the past for the public punishment. It’s the only one still existing in the whole Slovakia.
Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, perching gracefully on the hilltop of Marian Hill (Mariánska Hora), 781 meters above sea level. Built between 1906 and 1922, it is a site of worship for pilgrims from around the world. Every year at the beginning of July, Levoča becomes the meeting point of the largest pilgrimage in Slovakia. Thousands of pilgrims in long queues ascend to the mountain to render their gratitude to the Virgin Mary.
The Basilica contains an ancient statue of the Virgin which is the main objective of visiting this place and pilgrimages. People used it as a shelter before Tatar invasion but also like a hospital.
From The Marian Hill, you can enjoy splendid views over Levoča and surrounding area.
Vlkolínec
Vlkolínec has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, and is one of ten Slovak villages that have been given the status of a folk architecture reservations. This status was granted because the village is an untouched and complex example of folk countryside architecture of the region of the Northern Carpathians.
By Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič - wikimedia.org,CC BY 4.0
By Jerzy Opioła - wikimedia.org, CC BY-4.0
By Jerzy Opioła - wikimedia.org, CC BY-4.0
By Pudelek (Marcin Szala) - wikimedia.org,CC BY 4.0
Castles Of Slovakia
Slovakia is filled with an abundance of gorgeous castles, many of which’s history dates back to pre-historic times. Here are list of some castles that you may like to add on to your bucket list while in Slovakia.
Bojnice Castle
The real gem of Slovakia, this Romantic fairy-tale Castle is one of the most visited and most attractive castles in central Europe. First reference of the castle came from the 11th century. Originally it was a wooden and later stone structure. The most famous noble dynasties changed on the post of the castle owner and gradually expanded it. The elongated cylindrical tower emerges from the forest. The spire with delicate colors and beautiful lines, combined with the elegant and dreamy shape, is the source of inspiration for the design of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.
Cerveny Kamen
Cerveny Kamen, meaning “red stone” in Slovak, is an imposing Renaissance fortress built in the 13th-century in the Little Carpathians near the village of Častá. It was part of the chain of the Kingdom of Hungary’s frontier defense castles ranging from Pressburg to Zsolna.
In the 16th century, when the Pálffy family acquired the castle , it was rebuilt into a bulky fortress with a fortification system that was then one of the top military-defensive systems. The Pálffys owned the castle until the Second World War. Today, the castle houses a museum presenting historic housing of the nobility.
By Teslaton - wikimedia.org ， CC BY 3.0
Devín Castle (Devín Hrad)
Built on the top of a high crag, the well preserved ruins of Devín castle is noted for a marvellous geographical position, located on the confluence of the Danube and the Morava rivers, border between Slovakia and Austria. It is the oldest castle in Slovakia, built in 860 A.C. When in Bratislava, don’t miss the trip to the castle of Devin!
Orava Castle (Oravský Hrad)
Situated on a dramatic hilltop towering above the Orava river, Orava Castle was dated back to the 13th century. Originally, it was just the upper castle, but later middle and lower castle were built and hence all three parts have different architectural styles. Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features in a unique style. This castle was the venue for movie Dracula from year 1922.
Spiš Castle (Spišský Hrad)
The ruins of Spiš Castle, standing proudly on the hill, is one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe.
It was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle. It served as the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes County of the Kingdom of Hungary. Afterwards, it became the seat of the head of the Spiš region for many centuries. In 1780 the castle compound was destroyed by fire and the proud Spiš Castle gradually fell into ruins. In 1970, the castle underwent repairing, reconstructing and extensive archaeological research was carried out. Now, it serves as a museum and exposition piece at the same time.
By Jakub Hałun - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0
Trenčín Castle (Trenčíansky Hrad)
Trenčín Castle dominates the skyline of the historical center of Trenčín. The origins of the foundations of this castle date back to the Bronze Age. From the 11th century, it served as a royal castle. Many of the original features still in place, the defensive towers as well as pointed roofs. The castle itself is beautiful, and there are many photo spots!
By Ingo Mehling - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0
Slovak cuisine
Meat, meat and meat! The focal point of a meal is often pork or game! And all wash down by a local beer!
Some local dishes to try :
Bryndzové halušky – potato dumplings with sheep cheese and roasted bacon
Krvavničky -a blood sausage
Jaternice or hurky - a sausage with rice containing any and all parts of a butchered pig
Hovězí guláš - Slovak Goulash
Zemiakové placky – potato pancakes with flour and garlic fried in oil
Lokše – potato pancake
Kapustnica- Slovakian cabbage soup with a variety of smoked pork products, sausages, and dried mushrooms
Bryndzove halusky
Gulas
Chicken Lokša
Kapustnica
By Oldsoft - wikimedia.org,
Public Domain
By Maciarka - wikimedia.org,
CC BY-SA 3.0
By Karl Gruber - wikimedia.org,
CC BY 4.0
By Maciarka - wikimedis.org,
CC BY-SA 3.0
Dessert:
Trdelnik- rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, then grilled and topped with cinnamon and castor sugar
Laskonky- two crispy meringues combined with various buttercream fillings
Rogaliki- crunchy, flaky and soft dough with meringue filling
Bratislavske rozky- rolls of leavened dough filled with ground poppy seed or walnut
Trdelník
By fishinkaa - Pixabay
Laskonky
By Lenka Fortelna - Pixabay
Rogaliki
By Zserghei -wikimedia.org
Public Domain
Bratislavske rozky
By Wizzard - wikimedia.org,
CC BY-SA 3.0
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