Slovakia

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a truly special country. Even though it is small in area, it is quite diverse, with so many wonderful things to enjoy, from vibrant cities like Bratislava and Košice, with their natural treasures and historical monuments, to the unique natural scenery of the Tatra Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a rich history and spas. There are also some undoubtedly spectacular and unique Castles, from Bojnice Castle to Spiš Castle, amongst many others. Then there are the hot springs of Herľany Geyser, the Dobšinská Ice Cave, folk architecture, a European Dead Sea and a famous Celtic town to explore, plus so much more.

Košice is the second-biggest town in Slovakia and is located on the Hornád River. The historical heart of the town includes the spindle-shaped Hlavné Námestie Square, considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Slovakia. It is bordered by numerous historical buildings, including the Gothic Cathedral of St. Elisabeth, while the 14th Century Urbanova Veža Tower and the Chapel of St. Michael, a former 14th Century charnel house, are located on the southern side of the cathedral. One of the most admired exhibits of the Východoslovenské Múzeum (East Slovak Museum) is the famous Golden Hoard of Košice, which weighs 11 kilograms in total. This unique collection of gold coins comes from 81 European mints, and the majority of the coins date from the 15th to 17th Centuries.

Nitra is not only the oldest town in the country but also an important economic centre, home to two universities and a hub of agricultural education and research. The town is dominated by Nitra Castle, with the Cathedral of St. Emeram. The Upper Town has a Baroque-Classicist appearance, with the Great Seminary, the Franciscan Monastery and the County House. Other sights worth visiting include the Piarist Monastery and Church and the Monastery and Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Žilina sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Váh, the Kysuca and the Rajčianka. Its most dominant buildings are the Baroque Church of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, with its two towers, and the Capuchin Monastery from the middle of the 18th Century. The 14th Century Most Holy Trinity Church (Cathedral) used to be a Church in the 13th Century. The Burianova Veža Tower is one of the oldest Renaissance belfries in Slovakia, and the Church of St. Stephen the King is the town’s oldest preserved architectural monument.

Prešov is another town where the sights are centred around its historical Old Town, including the 18th Century Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist; the Rákóczi Palace, which houses the Vlastivedné Museum; and Neptune’s Fountain, located in a small park on the square. Also on the square is the Town Hall building, originally used as the town tavern and now the private Museum of Wines.

The beautiful town of Banská Štiavnica lies amongst the forests of the Štiavnické Vrchy Mountains and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This former mining town is one of the most beautiful and historically significant in the country.

Situated in a peaceful valley is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed spa town of Bardejov. It is said to be the most Gothic of towns in Slovakia, with its rectangular Radničné Námestie Square surrounded by rows of antique burgher houses with typical gabled facades. In the centre of the square is the former 16th Century Town Hall, which now houses the Šariš Museum. The most significant monument on the square is the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. Egidius, and the top of its neo-Gothic tower offers some of the most unique views over Bardejov. The Franciscan Monastery and church is another of the town’s jewels, along with its preserved medieval fortifications.

Trenčín stretches below the famous Trenčín Castle, which is built on top of a steep rock and is undoubtedly the most dominant feature of the town and the region. Varied exhibitions, medieval games and attractive night sightseeing are held at the Castle throughout the year. The fortified area called Mariánsky Hrad, or Mariánska Hora, spreads between the Castle and the Town Centre. The Town Tower offers a nice view over the town including the popular fountain with the statue of a goblin on Štúrovo Námestie Square, and the synagogue.

The historic town of Levoča is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the east of the Spiš region. It is a true cultural and historic jewel among Slovak towns and possesses a great number of architectural monuments linked to its glorious past. The town is built around a large rectangular square, and its 14th Century Roman Catholic St. James Church is one of the most important sacred buildings in Slovakia. The church’s tall, slender 19th Century tower is the most distinctive feature of the town’s skyline.