DISCOVERING SLOVAKIA
Slovakia, tagged on to the southeast end of the Czech Republic in the heart of Central Europe, combines a dynamic economy with a wealth of natural assets: mountains, lakes, unspoilt valleys and meadows, spectacular ice caves and national parks. The capital, Bratislava, sits at the western tip of the country and borders both Austria and Hungary. The Small Carpathian mountain range runs through West Slovakia and boasts a blossoming viticulture while Central Slovakia’s lush valleys are home to medieval mining towns and villages nestling in the shelter of the mighty Tatras mountains. In the east, the region is dotted with dozens of caves and quaint wooden churches.
- Historic Old Town
- Architectural treasures
- Romantic ruins of Devín
- Winemaking region
Spectacularly located on the Danube River between Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava effortlessly combines the history, culture, architecture and cuisine of three very different nations: Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.
History and hedonism intertwine in the Slovak capital’s Old Town where, in the warmer months, cafés set their tables outside, in front of ancient Baroque palaces. The Old Town’s pedestrian cobbled streets are ideal for strolling around and the centre boasts an impressive variety of architectural styles from the turreted Castle on the north embankment of the Danube to the pocket-sized St Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic treasure. The pretty pink Primate’s Palace is a fine example of Neo-Classical architecture, while the Little Blue Church is an unusual Art Nouveau building.
To the northwest of Bratislava’s urban sprawl and upstream on the Danube is Devín, a ruined castle teetering on a high crag above the river. The castle and surrounding region are popular among nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, and the riverside paths offer an idyllic retreat from the summer heat.
The local winemaking tradition of the Small Carpathian mountains has its roots in the town of Rača on Bratislava’s outskirts. Grape harvest festivals are held here and in Modra. The crisp white wines from this region are of good quality and excellent value; vineyards are dotted around the area.
- Castles and romantic palaces
- Trnava’s religious treasures
- Piešt’any’s spa
The sun-drenched plains of West Slovakia were once the scene of conflict in Slovakia’s busy history. Eighteenth-century Hungarian nobles built many palaces and castles only to ruin them in the heat of battle. Some, like Mojmírovce Palace, have been restored as luxury hotels, located in magnificent park surroundings. Others, such as Beckov Castle and Čachtice Castle, are testimony-in-rubble to the region’s turbulent past. The latter is where “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Báthory was walled up as punishment for her bloodthirsty behaviour.
The town of Trnava has a magnificent collection of religious buildings as well as a vibrant student population, while the historic towns of Trenčín and Nitra are guarded by impressive castles perched on hills above the towns. Like Trnava, Trenčín and Nitra have lively pubs, cafés and clubs, dedicated to the youthful population.
The famous spa resort of Piešt’any provides refuge at the restored Art Nouveau Thermia Palace , Slovakia’s first five-star spa hotel, set on an island in the Váh River.
- Intriguing folk museums
- Historic mining towns
- Spectacular Tatras Mountains
The fertile central region is dotted with isolated and unusual villages, existing as living folk museums, and many are classed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Vlkolínec, nestled on the side of a hill, is a village of timber houses where traditional crafts and rural pursuits can still be seen. Nearby Čičmany’s remarkable cottage wall decorations are the most famous surviving examples of Slovak folk architecture.
The historic mining towns of Banská Štiavnica, Banská Bystrica and Kremnica all have vibrant, youthful centres as well as some of the country’s best historic monuments to gold, silver and copper mining from the Middle Ages.
Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts flock to the Tatras Mountains where skiing, hiking, caving and rafting can be enjoyed in glorious surroundings.
The region also has its fair share of château-like palaces, such as the turreted Bojnice Castle, which was built by nobles in the 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings provide a good insight into Slovakia’s complicated history.
- Košice’s cultural gems
- Amazing limestone caves
- Ruins of Spiš Castle
Slovakia’s second-largest city, Košice is graced with a fine collection of historic buildings along its main street, Hlavná . The jewel in the crown is the Gothic masterpiece, St Elizabeth’s Cathedral.
East of Košice is the town of Svidník which is home to some of the re-nowned wooden buildings of the Greek-Catholic Ruthenian community. The towns of Bardejov and Levoča offer beautiful squares flanked by Renaissance buildings while the Slovak Karst region includes an extensive and unusual cave system.
Popular among visitors are the imposing ruins of Spiš Castle which are visible for miles and offer spectacular views.
