 | Bardejov |
| Bratislava |
| Kosice |
| Nitra |
| Plaveč |
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Skalica
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|
Spišská Nová Ves |
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Spisska Sobota
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| Trencin |
Bardejov
Gateway to the East
Town Photos - Courtesy of Joy E. Kovalycsik
Szanzen Photos - Courtesy of Elaine Latzman Moon
The town of Bardejov is an appealing and historical town. It is a definite must for any tourist’s itinerary. Bardejov was founded in 1219 and had numerous fortifications with some that date back to the 15th century. These fortifications are still standing and can be seen today. Bardejov is near the Polish boarder and always had various people residing within her walls. An order of Polish Cistercian monks set up a residence in the late 12th century, Germans came as part of the weaving trades and a synagogue was built in the 18th century near the Jewish quarter. Arriving at the town square, you are immediately taken with the Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The square area (Radnicne namestie) is arranged in a way which seems larger than it is. Walking at a leisurely pace, one can feel the centuries old atmosphere and yet, still realize you are part of modern times. The square can be entered through gate towers, three being named Dolna brana, Prasna and Horna. There are many stores and shops that line the old town square and they are a delight to explore. Bardejov offers a number of outdoor cafes and they are excellent places to watch the pulse of the town. The town runs along the Topla River at the foothills of the Lower Beskydy Mountains. This area made it a very important trading route and it benefited greatly from its royal free town status.
Being an administrative center of the former upper Saris region, Bardejov grew at a rapid industrial pace. The town boasted many forms of industry but foremost was the weaving industry and various forms of trade. There are many visual delights in Bardejov and it is difficult to name them all. The town hall was constructed in 1509 and still functions as a municipal archive and has a museum. The Saris museum, begun in 1903, offers a host of interesting items from Bardejov’s past including many religious icons. The entrance fee to the museum is nominal and it is a good starting point before exploring the town. There is also another museum in the town that is intriguing. This museum offers a history of regional coins, old military weapons and furniture from the towns past. Not far from town hall is the magnificent
St. Egidia Roman Catholic Cathedral. Upon seeing this cathedral, your attention is immediately taken by the tall brown spire that graces the exterior. This gothic wonder, completed in 1464, has eleven detailed altars with the main altar being the most striking. A visit to this church is exciting as the statues and paintings within the cathedral are truly magnificent. Not to be missed at the rear of the cathedral is a large painting of the crucified Christ. At the entrance to the church postcards and various photos of the cathedral are sold along with books relating the history of the cathedral and its construction. There are other houses of worship to be seen such as the Evangelical Church (constructed between 1798 to 1808) and a Greek Catholic Church (constructed between 1901 to 1902).
The various shops and stores which grace the main square offer numerous items. In keeping with its historical past, there are a few shops offering many beautiful hand-made lace items. Walking
along the cobblestone streets and viewing the rolling hills in the distance is very relaxing. The square itself slopes downwards and around but, everything is within walking distance. Bardejov has received world attention and in reward for its outstanding efforts at preservation and restoration, UNESCO added Bardejov to its listing of important towns. This attention is well deserved as Bardejov has gone to great lengths to preserve its architecture and also takes great pride in maintaining its historical buildings. As in many parts of Slovakia, castles are abundant and there is one in the Bardejov region, the Zborovsky hrad or, Zborov castle.
Sites worth mentioning to visit within the area are numerous. Some of these are the wooden churches. These churches are found in many areas of Slovakia and are enchanting. The churches, being Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic and Orthodox, show the builders great skills and imagination. The only construction material utilized was wood and it is amazing they have stood for centuries. Places in the Bardejov region where they can be found are Fricka (Orthodox), Hervartov (Roman Catholic) Jedlinka (Orthodox), Kozany (Greek Catholic) Krive (Greek Catholic) Lukov-Venecia (Orthodox) and Trocany (Greek Catholic). A stop at one or all of these fascinating wooden structures is time well spent.
There are other wonders to explore that are close in proximity to the town. Bardejov is surrounded by beautiful scenery and the view is spectacular as you drive along the main highway. There is an outdoor museum
(Szanzen) located by the Bardejov kupele (spa resort). Neither of these should be missed as they are close to the main town and are very interesting. The Szanzen offers a view of life as it was in previous centuries. The exhibitions of folk architecture and costumes are charming. There are approximately 30 buildings made of wood within the Szanzen and each interior is decorated with a different theme. The wooden homes, some with thatched roofs, are unique to view. The
Szanzen is arranged in the pattern of what a village would have looked like during past generations. These Szanzens are excellent reference points for learning the history of the region. During the summer months, many folk groups come to perform and offer concerts of various folk music. Also for viewing are different folk costumes, blacksmith wares and pottery making. There are many craftsmen who come to the Szanzen at various times to show their skills and offer items for sale to the general public.
A very fascinating place to visit while in the Bardejov area is the Bardejov kupele. This spa has been in operation for centuries. It was a favorite with kings, tsars and prices with their mark being seen within the building architecture. Today, the spa continues to operate as it always has. Many individuals swear by the curative powers of the various springs and visit on a regular basis to aid their general health. The grounds are glorious and there are many statues that recall this was a resort utilized by the crowned heads of Europe. The springs, some with names like Nagyova, Ceresna, Husitska and Janoskiova are favored for various aliments. Some of the aliments treated at this spa are stomach and blood disorders, respiratory ailments, gland disorders (diabetes and thyroid) and stress related problems. For a tourist who wishes to take a few days to rest, this is the perfect place. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. To keep this atmosphere, there are signs which remind visitors that quiet is necessary within certain parts of the spa.
There are many places to sit while sipping the various waters but if walking is required, there are many marked trails all around the spa. Also not to be missed if you are in a shopping mood is the gift shop inside the building where the spring waters are located. The shop is not that large but offers many interesting items. One item is a special cup that has a built in straw. This straw makes it easy to sipping your water while walking. This spa is open all year round and offers lodging for those wishing to take a rest from their busy schedules. There are restaurants along the main road in this area and they offer excellent food at very reasonable prices. Also within this area are many private cottages for rental and ski areas. For those who travel here in the winter months, the ski slopes are well worth trying. Hotels within Bardejov are limited but one is the Hotel Bellevue. There are also many pensions and private rentals that cater to various needs during a visit.
Bardejov and the surrounding area is attractive and a window into the past. Its buildings, history and people are something that should not be neglected. Blending the old and new, its architecture, atmosphere and grace offer visitors many exciting places to explore. Access to this beautiful town is simple via car (from the Presov areas, go northeast on the E371 highway). There are many bus and train routes that have Bardejov as a destination. Some routes are direct from major cities such as Bratislava and Kosice. Visiting this gateway to the east is a pleasure and valuable historical education regarding this region of the Slovak Republic.
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The capital city of the Slovak Republic is Bratislava or "Blava" as residents affectionately call it. Located on the Danube River, it is a place where three cultures and languages merge and have mixed over the centuries. The influence of these cultures, Slovak, Austrian and Hungarian, has left their imprint on Bratislava. This city is a wonderful combination of timeless beauty and regal history. Each century is represented and can found along the streets and in shops, architecture and on monuments. The city was originally settled by the Romans and Celts. Under Prince Bretislav the city was incorporated into the Great Moravian Empire around the year 900. After a short period Bratislava was brought into the Hungarian Kingdom during the 10th century by Stephan I and given many royal privileges in 1217. Many names have been used which referred to Bratislava during the centuries. The Hungarians called it Pozsony, the Germans, Pressburg and Slovaks referred to it as Bratislava in honor of Prince Bretislav. The city has seen many great figures of history pass its streets and in 1698 the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great, came to visit. During the occupation of the Turks within Hungarian regions, the Hungarian kings moved their government to the city. Bratislava would remain the Hungarian Empire’s capital until 1784 and was still used for the coronations of their royal family until1835. During this period it was the largest Hungarian city with a population reaching 27,000. Due to its proximity to Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava secured a high degree of wealth from trade along the Danube on the so-called "Amber Road." Just north of the city are the Small Carpathian mountains which stretch in length for100 km. This region is not well known for its wines but wine has been cultivated in this area since Roman times. The wines of the Little Carpathian region are excellent and superior to many French grown popular wines. When the first Czechoslovak republic was born in 1919, Bratislava was given the opportunity to flourish as a city with full Slovak identity. The area grew and during 1945, became the provincial capital of the Slovak portion of Czechoslovakia. Upon the success of the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, Bratislava was the capital of the Slovak Republic within the Czech and Slovak federal state. During the peaceful agreement to separate on January 1, 1993, Bratislava became a capital in its own right upon the birth of the Slovak Republic.
Reaching Bratislava is relatively easy via air travel. Major airlines offer direct service to Bratislava’s M. R. Stefanik airport, which is located 9 km northeast from the center of the city. Reaching the city is simple via the numerous trains, taxi and bus lines. Various folk festivals, art shows and concerts are held in Bratislava, which bring thousands of people to visit the city each year. Bratislava is a treasure but must be discovered on foot. There are many winding roads, hidden shops and buildings that would be missed via bus or tram. Reconstruction and repairs are constantly being executed to restore the city to her former grace and beauty. Taking one of the many pleasure boat tours from the Danube the first thing that can be seen is Bratislava Castle. This magnificent structure captures the attention immediately. Imposing in structure, yet regal visually, this castle has seen history from birth to full life. The hill upon which the castle rests was first mentioned in documents from 907. During this period a system of fortified points were constructed upon the spurs of the Little Carpathians, which made up parts of the castles of Bratislava and Devin. In 1427, King Sigismund of Luxemburg built a fort here. Further construction was added under the Hapsburgs. Maria Theresa of Austria gave her son-in-law permission to reside in the castle when she appointed him Hungarian Viceroy. Maria Theresa frequently held court in Bratislava Castle and constant construction and upgrades were made. The castle was turned into a seminary after her death and then was used as an army barracks for Austrian soldiers. Napoleons’ troops camped on the other side of the Danube in 1811 and took some shots at the castle but no major damage was made. After this period the castle was unfortunately neglected. In the last 30 years the castle has been painstakingly restored. You can now look out the majestic windows of the castle and see the wide Hungarian plains below along with hills that grace Austrian towns. The view is magnificent and one sight that should not be missed.
Walking though the "Old Town" an individual is suddenly taken by the fact there is so much to experience in a small area. Walking down the medieval cobblestones of Kapitulska ul. St. Martin’s Cathedral spirals upward. Many times during the end of the day monks are observed strolling in meditation. This reminds the visitor of another period in time due to this atmosphere. The surroundings are peaceful, reflective and a window upon the past. The works of art to be found are numerous in this area. The bronze statue of "St. Martin Giving Away his Cape" which was designed between 1733 and 1735 by George Raphael Donner is glorious. In other areas, heading away from the Danube is the Jewish Museum (Zidovske muzeum), which was founded in 1991. The history of the Jewish people who resided within Slovakia is documented here. Not to be missed are the historical documents which are on display. Information on Jewish life such as folk art and architecture are fascinating. The oldest synagogues in Slovakia were made of wood and there were many. This building practice parallels with Christians of various heritages, especially in Eastern Slovakia, who constructed churches of wood or wood products. Some of these wooden edifices are extraordinary. Not to be overlooked is the mausoleum of Rabbi Chatam Sofer who is considered on of the greatest Jewish scholars of the past century. The mausoleum is a part of the former Jewish cemetery, which operated from 1670 to 1847 and is still visited by many individuals each year. Many highly respected rabbis’ and scholars are also buried within this cemetery and the gravestones are interesting in their design.
Walking down Kapitulska from the cathedral to Farska ul. offers the Church of the Poor Clare’s. The 15th century steeple is a masterpiece and this church was once a convent. The church is open at various times for musical concerts, which offer exceptional talent and are professional in every sense of the word. Upon leaving the church and proceeding though the University Library, the main street is found, Michalska ul. The most recognizable symbol of the Old Town can be found here, Saint Michael’s Gate (Michalska brana). It is an old superstition held by students that if you talk between the inner and outer gates you will have bad luck on your examinations. This assuredly is believed, as the area is always, even in a crowd, uncommonly quiet. Walking though the old winding streets and hearing footsteps on the old cobblestones gives an almost surreal feeling. Life in former times can be imagined and the tempo of life during former times can be imagined. To gain knowledge of expired practices regarding science and medicine, a visit to Michalska 26, Pharmacy of the Red Crayfish (U Cerveneho Raka) is intriguing. This pharmacy offers a unique view of centuries old pharmaceutical practices. Bratislava’s herbalist past can be seen here and some of the remedies still used are gaining notoriety in the west. The earliest prescription filled was in 1644 and the records for this shop are a historian’s dream come true. The sights coupled with the smell of various herbs in this shop are overwhelming in the historical sense. Upon reaching the Hviezdoslavovo nam, which is a very long, elegant square, other items of interest abound. The National Theater is here and just south of this, the Reduta which is home to the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The building was constructed between 1913-1918. There is an elegant restaurant located inside this building, which should not be omitted, as the food is a culinary delight. Down the road from the Reduta is the Slovak National Museum on Vajanskeho nabrezie, 2. This museum is in a league with other world-class museums and some of the items on display are from Slovakia’s prehistoric past. Many students visit this museum as guests, to or compile information for educational purposes. Many times, the students will engage an individual in conversation and for an exceptional lesson on many topics. Discussion with the students is a superior learning experience as the author has experienced. All the students are found to be very intelligent and fully skilled in their respective areas of knowledge. There are also exhibits regarding anthropology, which are extraordinary in this museum among other areas of interest. After walking on Sturova Street, go to Grosslingova Street to find a true masterpiece. The famous "Blue Church" (Modry kostol). This church is a work of art and truly breathtaking. The actual name of this church is the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The church was built during the years 1910 to 1913 and is a marvel. The blue and cream-colored bell tower is graced with a clock, painted ornamentation, scroll work and resting at the top is a blue cupola upon which sits a large carved cross. Its grace and lightness of architecture make it a very popular site for photography.
Bratislava is a bustling modern city, which has taken its place among the most important capitals of the world. One item to mention is the weather, which, can be very close and hot in the summer months. It is best to start your visit early if this is the case, take a break, and then come back in the later part of the afternoon. The pedestrian shopping district street is located on Obchodna ulica. This area glides up to the old castle and winds its way across the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Along the old streets are many food and beverage vendors, which sell a number of products. The restaurants and outdoor dining establishments found in Bratislava are incomparable. There are also no shortages of places to sit and rest. Benches, chairs, gardens and cafes all offer areas for rest and refreshment. Traversing the city is relatively easy. Trams, buses and taxi transport can be found in full supply. Walking is still the best way to enjoy all the sites and sounds of this magnificent city. An excellent resting period to take is during nightfall. While resting on a bench, the sounds of church bells and birds grace the slowly dimming skyline. A beautiful scene is St. Michael’s tower at nightfall. The tower is fully lit at night. Combined with the contrast of a night sky, colors of blue, light blue and silver are reflected from the building. The Slovak people have done well by Bratislava and are expending enormous sums while working diligently to reinstate this city’s ancient beauty. Many tourists from all over the world come annually to visit. Hotels are being constructed and older ones remodeled to meet the ever-increasing demand. From the Old Town’s Gothic and Baroque architecture to the new skyscrapers of the 21st century, Bratislava is intriguingly elegant and one of the most interesting country capitals in all of Europe. The city is filled with good restaurants, shops, striking architecture, churches, wine bars, opera and the finest art. History continues to be made in this capital. The Slovak people must be given full credit for the miracle of revitalizing this important city on the Danube and preserving it for all to visit and enjoy.
The City of Kosice is the second largest city in the Slovak Republic. During many centuries it has seen many rulers and heritages reside here. Kosice, or Cassa as the Hungarians called it, was also the second most important city during Hungarian rule. Records which first mention Kosice are from approximately 1230. By the year 1290, Kosice had become a fortified royal town within the Hungarian empire. The city was the first to be offered royal privileges by the Hungarian crown. In 1342 and 1348 these privileges made Kosice very important. The trade routes from Hungary to Poland helped it to expand and prosper. This city was second only in importance at this time to Buda, the capital of Hungary. During the year 1369 the king of Hungary gave a royal document providing a coat-of-arms for Kosice. The city became an important administrative and trade center. Various countries came to Kosice to conduct business and some were Austria, Bohemia, Poland, Russia, Romanian principalities, Serbia, Italy, Germany and Holland. During this period Kosice ranked with the largest European towns and had a growing population.
During the Turkish occupation of Hungarian territory in the 16th and 17th centuries, Kosice was a secure town for the Hungarian population. Trade with Hungary ceased because of the occupation and the city suffered somewhat for a brief period. In 1861 the railroad was built and it was at this time that Kosice again expanded and grew. The city has been under many different countries in past centuries. Kosice was part of Hungary, Czechoslovakia and now, the Slovak Republic. At the end of World War II, the city served for a brief period as the seat of the Czechoslovak Government. The city still retains part of its Hungarian past (the Hungarian frontier is only 12 miles away) and this can be seen in its architecture. Many of the older generations can still speak Hungarian and a small Hungarian population still reside here. There is also a population of Roma (Gypsies) and the only Romany theater in the world can only be found in this city. Today, Kosice is being revitalized by various construction and rebuilding projects. Many upgrades have been made and the addition of antique street lights gives the city a charming glow. There are also many excavations in and around Kosice. One has uncovered an old monastery which was thought to have been permanently destroyed. This city is a merging of the old and new with graceful continuity. A serious effort is being made on the part of the Slovak government to restore this city to its former grace and magnificence.
Strolling along the massive medieval square, attention is immediately drawn to the imposing stone cathedral. This Gothic cathedral, Saint Elizabeth’s is a masterpiece. Construction in the town center began in 1380 and was to take another 100 years before it was completed. Unfortunately, in 1556 a fire ravaged the interior of the cathedral and 18 of the original 22 altars were destroyed. Viewing the exterior of the cathedral is the dramatic tapering crossing tower and steep roofs which are covered in green and yellow tiles. Entering the cathedral, soft light which filters from the 19th century stained-glass windows offer a very welcoming atmosphere. Not to be missed are the stone carvings, some of which are artistic masterpieces. The carvings over the north and west portals are masterpieces and the intricately carved stone staircase at the north-end of the cathedral is breath taking. History is always present in this cathedral and here is located the crypt of Ferenc Rakoczi II, a challenger to the Habsburg monarchy in the early 18th century. Outside of the cathedral is an exhibition about Rakoczi and the anti-Habsburg uprisings which he led. This cathedral is the center focus of interest in Kosice and never should be missed by any visitor.
Not only was Kosice an administrative and trade center but also a learning center as well. Bishop Benedikt Kishdi signed a bishop’s bull which provided funding for a university in Kosice and on August 7, 1660, Leopold I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary offered his approval for a university to be constructed. The University of Kosice was given all rights, honors and privilege that other universities in the Austro-Hungarian kingdom held at this time. The Jesuits were given the task of administering to this university and in 1772 it became a state-administered institution. In time the university was to add more areas of learning to its curriculum. By decree of the Empress Maria Theresa on October 25, 1773, the University of Kosice was required to offer lectures in law and medicine. Strolling the squares and avenues, it is easy to imagine what life was like during these times. The main square, the Hlavna ulica is where most people walk, shop, sightsee or just to pass the time of day in a pleasing environment. Dominating the center town square is the Statne divadlo (State Theater). The exterior and interior are lavishly decorated as was the custom during the Austro-Hungarian empire days. The paintings on the ceilings of the interior were executed by Vienna’s master artist, P. Gastgeb. The quality of performances held in this theater are magnificent. The talent to be found in the high quality of ballet, opera and theater productions is on the same level as any major world theater. To the right of this building is the Rococo Palace at Hlavna ulica 59, which, in former times, housed some of the most wealthy nobles who resided within Kosice. One item of interest is a relief that commemorates the visit by Commander Mikhail Kutuzov. It was this same Commander Kutuzov who led the combined Russian-Austrian forces in 1805 against Napoleon at Austerlitz.
Kosice offers a wide variety of entertainment, sightseeing and places to visit. The shops, cafes, restaurants and numerous businesses offer many things to do within a short distance of each other. The restaurants are wonderful and they are not to be missed. For those who wish to dine on good Slovak cuisine, a stop to Sedliacky dvor on Biela 3 is never a disappointment. This fine restaurant offers folk style Slovak dishes within a very elegant atmosphere. A glass of Tokaj wine is the perfect compliment to the many wonderful Slovak dishes this restaurant has to offer. Kosice offers many cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries and other forms of entertainment. Getting lost in Kosice is rare but if it does occur, the friendly staff at the Mestske informacne centrum at Hlavna 8 (City Information Center) are always willing to help. Kosice has its share of many fine hotels and they all can suit the most expensive or the most frugal tastes. Many have fine restaurants attached to these hotels and some are not to be missed. Other interesting sights are the musical fountain which is a treat for the tourist and the residents. Located on the main street between the theater and the cathedral, water from this fountain is timed to flow according to music (mostly classical). At night, colored lights are lit and individuals sit for hours just watching the show. For a change in the pace, a walk to the Beggar’s House on Hlavna ul. 71 is intriguing. A story told is the owner of this home was once a beggar. The owner asked that a statue be made of him and placed on the roof. Here you can see this statue where the beggar is tipping his hat in thanks to all who gave him alms. A stop not to be missed is the East Slovak Museum on Hviezdoslavova 3. This museum houses some excellent exhibits and also due to excavations approximately 2,920 gold coins which are from the 15th to 17th centuries from 81 European mints. The museum also offers extensive cultural displays which help to show the diversity of this city and those who have resided here during the centuries.
Kosice is a city which has been resurrected in the past few years to show its former beauty and magnificence. The Slovak government has expended manpower and finances to try and bring this city back to its original grace. The constant construction and scaffolding can be an inconvenience but the end result will be worth this. Kosice is only second in the fact that it is the second largest city in the Slovak Republic. The visitor to Kosice cannot help but marvel at its history, culture and numerous offerings. This city is constantly evolving with modern times, yet retains its historical past. Those who have been to Kosice are never disappointed and there is always the feeling that a return visit must be scheduled soon.
Official Kosice Website can be found at -
Mesto Košice
Military Cemetery in Kosice
Click on the heading above to visit Pavol Knurovsky's site dedicated to SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION IN I. WW. - ST, BURIED AT KOSICE MUNICIPAL CEMETERY, LOTS XIV. AND XIV/a.
The City of Nitra is the Slovak Republic's fourth largest city. It is the oldest settlement in the Slovak Republic which offers history, beauty and culture. The population today for the City of Nitra is counted at 90,000. Due to its population large amounts of people walking on the sidewalks, taking public transportation and purchasing items along the Stefanikova trida is constant. The town marketplace is a bustling center where residents can purchase many items of excellent quality. Outside of this center there are numerous businesses, factories, the Agricultural University and the massive Agrokomplex. The Agrokomplex is a convention center that entertains over 1.5 million people each year. In this area are most of the bigger employers and companies where many of the residents of Nitra work. There are many types of entertainment in this lovely city. If entertainment of children is important, go to the street 7 Pesieho pluku. Here is the Babkove Divadlo which is a puppet theater and very popular with children of all ages. For those who are older, the city's buildings, churches, museums, concerts and shops are always a big attraction.
When the first castle and church were built in the 9th century, Nitra was then the principality of Count Pribina and was one of the centers of the Great Moravian Empire. History is ever present in Nitra and in the square one can see many buildings that are jewels of architecture. The past is always accessible in Nitra. The library of the Velky Seminar (Big Seminary) holds ancient manuscripts and books which have been counted and make up a library of approximately 60,000 works. These treasures are a vital glimpse to the past of the City of Nitra and the oldest book in the library is dated 1475. Turning down street corners and venturing toward alleys the visitor finds they are going further and further back in time. What is very interesting for such a large city is most of these back streets and alleys are relatively peaceful. Not much has changed the atmosphere of this masterpiece city for many centuries. Of course, modern times do have an effect and there are many modern and very superb hotels in Nitra which offer excellent accommodations. These accommodations are close to all the attractions the city offers. One of the most beautiful is Nitras mountain, Zobor. The chair lift to the top of this mountain is breath-taking and not to be missed. This mountain offers a 588 meter peak to explore castle ruins which are located at the top. Also to be found here are the historical ruins of the oldest monastery in the Slovak Republic.
There is just as much to explore outside the city of Nitra as there is to see and experience within the city. Anyone who has ventured past the city finds many sites and attractions of great interest. The village of Kostolany pod Tribecom and the castle ruins at Jelenec are intriguing. This place is home to the oldest standing church in the Slovak Republic. The church of Sv. Juraj (St. George) dates back to the 10th century and the wall paintings date back to the 11th century. The wall paintings were fully restored in 1965 and are priceless masterpieces not to be missed. This village is no different than others in Western Slovakia and shows much of the beauty and history of the Slovak Republic from many centuries ago. Also to be found in these areas are various places for exploration. The village of Brhlovce has cave dwellings which have been carved out of ash rock. Some are still inhabited. There are some stone dwellings that have been turned into a Folk Architecture Museum and the experience is well worth taking the time to explore this region. The villagers who inhabit these stone dwellings are very used to tourists and are accommodating and friendly. Many are very pleased to show visitors their homes as they are a deep sense of pride to the home owners. The City of Nitra is one of Slovakia=s priceless regions. It is an excellent place to learn of the magnificence of Slovak history and the splendor of Slovak culture.
Spisska
Nova Ves is an interesting town that is rich in history and culture. The reason
for the expansion of this important Slovak town was probably due to its
location. Situated near a major trade route that connected Hungary with Krakow,
Poland and being close to the mining town Roznava, Spisska Nova Ves grew
rapidly. Originally, the town was named Villa Nova (New Village) as was
mentioned in a document "plebanus de Villa Nova dated 1268. Research has
concluded that this area was originally settled during the 8th to 9th
centuries. During Hungarian administration Spisska Nova Ves also had another
name. The term Igló was used to identify the town and the district name was
Szepes. 
A lovely city close to the River Vah and nestled at
the beginning of the Strazovske vrchy hills, Trencin is a must for any
visitors itinerary. Approximately 70 miles from Bratislava in Western
Slovakia, arriving in Trencin is very simple by bus or train service.
If a visitor is utilizing a car, taking the E75 highway will bring you
to Trencin where parking is rarely a problem in the town. Having a
long and very interesting history, there are a number of places to
visit. 
The city, which dates back to the Roman Empire period grew
quickly and during 1412 became a royal free city. Construction began
on Trencin Castle (which cannot be missed) in the 11th
century. Unfortunately, the castle burned down during 1790 but
thankfully has been reconstructed during time. An excellent vantage
point to view this imposing edifice is from the town itself which is
situated below the castle heights. 
The main square in Trencin is Peace Square (Mierove
namestie) and the houses and shops that line this square are
architectural delights. Many of the houses were built in Renaissance
style and they are exquisite to view. One very interesting site in the
middle of Mierove namestie is a Baroque column. This column has a
statue situated at the top and is called Holy Trinity Column. The
history of this very impressive monument offers that it was
commissioned by Duke Mikulas Ileshazy during 1712 to honor the memory
of those who died during a plague epidemic in 1710. It is best to
start a visit with the town square as many areas can be covered in a
relatively short period of time. One of the more interesting places to
visit near the square is the Trencin museum (Trencianske muzeum.)
There are a number of exhibits offered here and the natural history
section is interesting but has limited displays. Its always best to
check what exhibits or displays will be presented as some can be very
historical and educational. 
To the west of this square lies a gate tower. As
you walk closer to the tower (it’s a creme based light color) there
is a legend which explains if you talk while passing through it, you
will never marry. After going though the tower there are restaurants
and shops on each side of the narrow streets and these should be
explored. For those who enjoy various architecture, the Baroque
Piarist Church (Piaristicky kostol) is a visual delight. Also in the
area near the Piarist church is a 19th century synagogue.
This synagogue, built in 1913, still
utilizes one part as a place of
worship but the other is an exhibition hall. Upon entering this
beautiful house of worship the interior main dome makes a lasting
impression. Walking further on, there is a very unique gallery
offering the works of M.A. Bazovsky. The gallery is housed at a former
Piarist monastery and the architecture combined with the gallery offer
a very warm atmosphere for those who enjoy modern painting and
sculpture. Some of Bazovsky’s paintings are very captivating
including those of peasant life. Also on display are other works of
talented Slovak painters, sculptors and artists from the Trencin
region.
Being a city of over sixty-thousand, a visitor will
find that even with this large number of residents there is a lack of
congestion in places. There are many narrow lanes that wind their way
through many streets and each has something to offer. There are a
number of small sized parks and along many side streets a bench can
always be found to sit and relax. Exploring the city from any point is
always pleasant and can be very enriching. The best way to view
Trencin and enjoy all it has to offer is definitely by walking. The
pace here can be moderate but, only if you wish to join in. There are
many side cafes and small areas where a visitor can sit and just enjoy
the view. The atmosphere is very relaxing and on a warm day, sitting
on a bench or at a cafe can be a very pleasurable experience. There
are a number of outdoor cafes and in mild and warm weather these are
excellent places to watch the rhythm of the town. One excellent
benefit of Trencin is that it is a very quiet city and at times, not
very busy. Depending upon the time of year visiting Trencin can not
only be an excellent vacation destination but, also a very relaxing
one as well.