Slovakia – Best Slovakia Tours

Lovely UNESCO sights in Slovakia

Peter Blazicek — Thu, 18 May 2023 11:36:01 +0000

Lovely UNESCO sights in Slovakia

In our beautiful country, Slovakia several sights have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list (abbreviated form for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), which was established in 1945 and protects the most valuable cultural and natural objects on our planet.

The list of World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage contains 812 places and exactly 7 of them can be found in Slovakia.

Let’s go through them comfortably step by step. We also include recommendations on what to visit and enjoy.

BANSKA STIAVNICA (1993)

A historical town and its technical monuments including tajchy – the water reservoirs – were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993.
This magical town located in the middle of caldera, a huge volcano that erupted millions of years ago, has a special charming atmosphere and belongs to the most beautiful little towns of Slovakia.

The history of this town since its very beginnings is tightly connected with the mining of copper, silver, and gold. Between the 13th -18th centuries, mining activity was among the most significant ones in Europe. The most famous Thurzo-Fugger mining company at the turn of the 14th-15th century belonged among the largest in the world and exported precious metals to the rest of the world.
The Empress and Queen Maria Theresa from the Habsburg dynasty visited this town and established here the very first Technical University – in the World – the Mining Academy.

Top things to do

Start your visit in the Heart of the town – on the Holy Trinity square where you can admire the Baroque Holy Trinity column and square surrounded by Rennaisance houses. Then continue to the Old castle (Stary zamok), the New Castle (Novy zamok), the Piargska gate, one of the former entrances into the medieval town. A recommended-to-do activity is a visit to the Open-air museum where you can become a miner for a while and visit the mine yourself.

While strolling up and down the historical streets don´t forget to try local specialties in some authentic restaurants and relax in the small cozy local cafes.
Include a visit to the Calvary, the 18th century complex of sacral buildings. It is indeed a magical place with breathtaking views from the top.

Among seasonal events, without a doubt the most spectacular event is in September – The Salamander festival and November’s Wine Tasting called Vinna Spacirka which is becoming popular as the venue is in the old adits hidden behind the historical houses, wine cellars in 500 years old houses.

Did you know that you can find the copper from Banska Stiavnica today in several foreign countries e.g. on the roofs in the romantic Italian city of Venice?

Visit this magical place with us on a Day trip from Bratislava to Banska Stiavnica or on our Highlights of Slovakia, Best of Slovakia or Grand Tour of Slovakia.

BARDEJOV (2000)

The historical town of Bardejov was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its exceptional medieval character. The town’s former fortification walls (known also as defensive walls), bastions, water moats, and entrance gates are almost intact since the 14th century.

Bardejov became a royal town and thanks to its location on intersections of ancient trade routes were one of the most important trade towns in the Kingdom of Hungary (present-day Slovakia). Up to 50 gilds were on the huge square.

Top things to do

Get to the Heart of this town which is undoubtedly the Town Hall square with the two highlights – Gothic Basilica minor of St. Egidius with precious Gothic altars and the Rennaisance former Town Hall (now a museum of the town’s history).
This spectacular square is surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque houses and is literally a textbook of history. Visit the small and big bastion and walk along the fortification walls.

My favorite cafe is Kaviareň Tvoj Deň where you can enjoy in a very pleasant atmosphere your preferred coffee & home-made cakes. (address: Františkánska street, Bardejov)

Recommended is a visit to the Museum of History of Bardejov and Museum of Icons (both on the square) or the Synagogue.

Only 10 minutes by car you’ll find a famous Bardejov SPA with its special natural mineral water, ranking among the most important natural waters in Europe. The first written records go back to the year 1247 when the Hungarian King Bela IV added the area to Bardejov. In the past, many world-known guests visited this place – Marie Louise,- wife of French Emperor Napoleon I, Russian Tzar Alexander I, Empress-Queen Elisabeth (known as Sissi),- wife of the emperor Francis Joseph I and many other prominent European noblemen.

One of the most important treatment procedures in Bardejov Spa are drinking cures. Natural mineral waters have been classified as hydrocarbonate, sodium choride, ferrous, cold, hypotonic with increased boric acid content. Mineral waters from the following springs are used for the drinking cures: Main Spring, Medical Spring, Claire, Elisabeth, Napoleon, Hercules and Ann.

The nearby located open-air museum – Museum of Folk Architecture will give you a complete picture how was the life back in the 18-19th century as you’ll see and enter the wooden houses such as a peasant house, mayor’s house, wooden church, barns and many other objects. It is surrounded by lovely nature.

Visit this Eastern Slovakia’s Jewel with us on our Grand Tour of Slovakia or Slovakia Heritage Tour.

VLKOLINEC (1993)

A small picturesque village is perfectly hidden below the peak Sidorovo in the national park Great Fatra (Velka Fatra). It consists of 55 wooden houses and at the moment only 18 people live there permanently.

Top things to do

Stroll uphill and admire the wooden painted houses. In one of them – the peasant’s house there is a museum and you can visit its interior. Then continue up to the “main square” consisting of the 18th century and discover a bell tower, a well, rows of wooden houses, and a stream – which is also used for washing dishes and clothes. There is also a Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary and a cemetery nearby.

Would you like to visit Vlkolinec? Visit with us on our Highlights of Slovakia, Best of Slovakia or Grand Tour of Slovakia, Slovakia-Czechia Tour.

WOODEN CHURCHES (2008)

We mention here 8 wooden churches that were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. These unique wooden churches are located mostly in North-Eastern Slovakia, in the Carpathian Mountain area.

They were built between the 16th – 18th century and there are 3 types:

1, Roman-Catholic

Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Hervartov village in the Presov region is one of the oldest (15the century built) and best-preserved wooden churches. From the precious interior, it is worth mentioning altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Barbara, and Catherine of Alexandria as well as wall figural motifs of Adam and Eve in the paradise, Saint George and the Dragon.

Church of All Saints in Tvrdosin village in Zilina region is another unique 15th-century Gothic structure. What’s inside? Main Baroque altar of All saints, paintings of the Apostles, late Renaissance pulpit, and painting of St. George fighting a dragon. All from the 17th century.

2, Protestant

Back in time (end of 17th cent.), during the reign of the Habsburg ruler emperor Leopold I generally it was forbidden for the Protestants to build churches. However, later, under special conditions, they could build them if they fulfilled a list of laws called “artikula”, from this the name articular churches.
The conditions given to the protestant believers after the Congress of Sopron were: to be built only from wood, no iron nails, construction must be finished within a year, the church must be outside of city walls, and tower must be built separately.

The Protestant church of Lestiny in Zilina region was constructed in the 17th century. The type of wood was spruce. What’s inside? The richly decorated sacristy, painted marble ceiling, and illusory architecture on the walls.

Did you know that our famous poet Pavol Orsagh Hviezdoslav was baptized in this church?

The Protestant church of Hronsek in the Banska Bystrica region is an early 18th-century wooden church that was built near the river Hron in a swampy area. They planted linden trees all around to dry it.
What’s inside? Baroque altar with six oil paintings of Christological cycle dated back to 1771 and Baroque organ from 1764. The capacity of this church is unbelievable – up to 1100 people. It is really interesting that we can find many unusual motives from Scandinavian architecture here, therefore it is assumed that craftsmen from Norway or Sweeden participated in its construction.

Protestant church in Kezmarok town from the 17th century. What’s inside? Baroque altar with Madonna under the Cross and statues of Moses and Aaron on the sides. Ceilings are decorated with paintings of 12 apostles, 4 evangelists, and the Holy Trinity above the altar.

3, Greek-Catholic

Church of St. Nicolas in Bodruzal village in the Presov region, from17th century is surrounded by the cemetery and the walls. Inside are 18th-century wall paintings as well as preserved Iconostasis.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Ladomirova village in the Presov region) from the 18th century.

Church of St. Nicolas the Bishop in Ruska Bystra village in Kosice region from the 18th century.

Would you like to a wooden church? Visit with us on our Grand Tour of Slovakia or plan a Private Tour.

LEVOCA (2009)

The town’s position has always been important – on the intersections of ancient trade routes. Fortification walls, precious Highest Wooden Wing Altar of the world, and more.

Top things to do

An absolute must is undoubtedly the Roman-Catholic church of St. James (Kostol sv. Jakuba), a 14th-century Gothic structure with the highest wooden wing, late gothic altar in the world, a work of woodcarver Master Paul from Levoca (size: 18.6m high, finished in 1510, from lime wood), other side altars are even older – St. Catherine altar is from 14th century.

Worth seeing are mural paintings such as St. Dorotha story, seven deadly sins, and seven deeds of mercy (all from the 14th century).

Former Rennaissance Town Hall (nowadays museum of the history of Levoca), a cage of shame, fortification walls around the Old town. So stroll around and enjoy the beautiful burgher houses on the square. One is especially outstanding, the Thurzo house (15th century)

Save some time and walk up Marianska Hill to enjoy stunning views (it is a pilgrimage place where each July up to 500 000 people climb). You can see also a Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary there.

Did you know that this medieval gem Levoca was also visited by Pope John Paul II in 1995 (among other Slovak cities)?

In 2022 the Old town’s reconstructions have been finished and nowadays, you can truly enjoy a new pedestrian area.

Levoca town is spectacular and you can visit it on our Highlights of Slovakia, Best of Slovakia, Grand Tour of Slovakia and Slovakia Heritage Tour.

SPISS CASTLE (inscribed in 1993)

One of the largest castle ruins of Central Europe lies in a beautiful area of Spiss region. Built upon the travertine hill, the history of this mighty fortress goes back to the 12 century, where it was a fort on the northern border of Upper Hungary (present-day Slovakia).

Later it became the possession of Stefan Zapolsky who reconstructed it into an aristocratic residence. Inside the castle, he built a palace, a knight hall, and a chapel of St. Elisabeth. His son, Jan Zapolsky was born at the castle, he later became the King of Hungary. Further among the famous owners were the Thurzo and the Csaky dynasties.
In 1781 a huge fire turned this castle into a ruin.

Did you know that up to 2000 people used to live in the castle?

Not far from Spiss castle, there is a unique religious place called Spiss chapter – nicknamed as Slovak Vatican. Since the 12th century, church life was organized from here by the bishops, provosts, and canonists.

The dominant is the Late Romanesque – early Gothic St. Martin Cathedral from the 13th century. Inside you can find 8 altars some of the original Gothic. In 1995, Pope John Paul II visited this place too.

Spiss podhradie – the area under the castle was also listed in Unesco.

Zehra church in the village nearby with precious Roman-Catholic church of the Holy spirit with precious interior and Tree of Life frescoes representing Old and New Testament.

It is definitely worth seeing all these Spiss gems and combines this trip with a visit to Levoca town.

Spiss castle is a unique castle ruin and one of the symbols of the Spiss region. While in Slovakia, plan a visit. With us you can visit it on these tours Highlights of Slovakia, Best of Slovakia, Grand Tour of Slovakia and Slovakia Heritage Tour. Enjoy!

CAVES (inscribed in 1995-2000)

Dobsinska Ice cave

(located in National Park Slovak Paradise in Presov region) is one of the world-famous caves. Discovered in 1870 by Mr. Lang, Mr. Mega, and Mr. Feher.

You can admire ice stalagmites and columns. In the Great Hall, the thickness is as much as 26.5 meters The trail is 515 meters long and the tour takes 35 minutes.

Did you know that in Dobsinska Cave electrical lights were used among the very first in the world?

Domica cave

Lies in the Kosice region. It is 5.080 meters in length and forms a single entity with the Baradla Cave in Hungary. The cave is home to 11 kinds of bats.

Gombasecka cave

Lies in Slovak Karst in the Kosice region, was discovered in 1951.

What to admire here? Above all, the thin sinter ”feathers”, which are in places as much as 3 m long. Other forms of stalactites and stalagmites.
The trail is 530 meters long and the tour takes 30 minutes.

Jasovska cave

There are interesting chambers, pagoda-shaped stalagmites, and waterfalls. Different species of bats live in the cave.
The trail is 720 meters long and the tour takes 45 minutes.

Ochtinska aragonite cave

Located in the Kosice region was discovered in 1954.

There are only 3 such caves in the world – in Slovakia, Mexico, and Argentine.
You can admire a variety of aragonite ornamentation.
The trail is 230 meters long and the tour takes 30 minutes.

Details about each cave you can find on Slovak Cave Administration.

Would you like to visit one or many of these caves? Let’s plan a Private Tour.

NATIONAL PARK POLONINY (2007, 2011)

Located in northeastern Slovakia at the borders of Poland and Ukraine, creates Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians.

The forests have beeches of record size, up to 58 meters tall and very thick, and many animals hard to find elsewhere.
From the animals, there are wolves, bears, lynxes, bison.

Would you like to visit it? Let’s plan a Private Tour.

FUJARA

Fujara is the most typical Slovak musical instrument. It was included by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Fujara is an extremely long flute (up to 1.8m long) with three finger holes played by Slovak shepherds, is regarded as an integral part of the traditional culture of Central Slovakia.

Slovakia is considered to be the place of origin of this instrument, especially the region of Poľana (central Slovakia).

Traditionally, it is made completely by hand from deciduous trees such as alder, maple, locus tree.

You can see the Fujara performances every year during the summer Folklore Festivals in Detva and Vychodna village.

On the picture, Dusan Holik, famous and talented fujara player from Ocova traditional village, who unexpectedly passed away in 2017 at the age of 58. Back in the years 2016, 2015, 2014 he showed and introduced to our clients how to play this unique music instrument. He was not only exceptional player, but also producer of high quality Fujara instruments as well as an organizer of many international courses. Thanks for everything and RIP Maestro!

Come with us on a 10 day spectacular Slovakia Heritage Tour and enjoy Fujara Performance.

We believe we introduced you to the UNESCO World Heritage sights of Slovakia in a relaxing and understandable way.

Make a use from a free consultation/advice with us before planning your tour around Slovakia.

Let us know your Travel Plans and Questions, contact us – Planning a Private Tour.

Thanks for reading our Travel Blogs.
Peter Blazicek, CEO and founder

The post Lovely UNESCO sights in Slovakia first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.

Top products Made in Slovakia

Peter Blazicek — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 09:49:13 +0000

TOP products Made in Slovakia?

Do you know what has Ebenica Coffee, Chocolate Lyra, and Tatra Tea in common?
They’re all genuine products Made in Slovakia.

These success stories – from small family business owners to winners of prestigious international awards are now celebrating their 10th anniversary.

EBENICA COFFEE – the coffee success story

Behind Ebenica’s success story is a founder Mr. Marek Fajcik. He used to travel worldwide and quickly developed his passion for trying different cuisines and coffees. His love for coffee was stronger each time, he started visiting small family-owned companies as they were more focused on quality. He got inspired and wanted to make from a Slovak coffee – an international success. Now, Ebenica coffee is exported to many countries and celebrates its 10th anniversary.

What do the 90 points mean? It is equivalent to gold medals. Thanks to this huge success, these coffees appeared among the Top 10 Best Espresso coffees in Europe.

Ebenica Piano – unique 100% Arabica coffee with a pleasant taste of fruits and chocolate-nuts tones.

Ebenica Intensivo – one of the TOP 10 espresso coffees of Europe with earthy, but still sweet chocolate-nuts taste.

Ebenica Harmonelle – harmonically balanced espresso coffee with fresh tones of flowers and pleasant chocolate taste.

Coffee Roasting Factory in Modra town, a lovely little town under Small Carpathian Hills, close to Bratislava (the town is for centuries famous for winemaking and Slovak Folk Pottery).

They offer a guided tour through the family-owned factory where you can see the whole process from A-Z. From unroasted green coffee beans through roasting, packing up to coffee-tasting with a professional barista.
For more information and e-shop Visit Ebenica coffee

LYRA CHOCOLATE – the sweet success story

As a small family-run company they started with different businesses, but their breakpoint was in 2009. They met Colombian Casa Luker, visited their plantations in South America, and became business partners. They learned that making quality chocolate means knowing each farmer, each tree, each detail; it means understanding each stage of cocoa’s journey and give it enough time.

2014 was the year the chocolate won the Great Taste Awards in the UK, which is something like the “Oscars in the food world”. Recently they started successful cooperation with South Korea – Lyra chocolate you can buy at the airports as well as onboard of the different Korean airlines. I am so happy to hear that our genuine Slovak product is spreading around the globe.

For me, Lyra means an amazing variety of first-class chocolates. It is also a great, beautifully packed souvenir.
For more information and e-shop Visit Lyra chocolate

TATRA TEA – the original from the heart of the Tatra mountains

However, it sounds like a non-alcoholic tea, it is, in reality, a strong liquor called Tatra Tea 😉

In the past centuries, most of the inhabitants living in Slovakia in the mountains and rough countrysides used to heal many diseases with their homemade medicine. Boiled water poured over the herbs, added moonshine, spirit, honey, garlic, and tallow. Everyone had their own recipe, but they all called it Tea.

Nowadays, this modern way of Tea is called Tatra tea – and it is becoming incredibly popular. They offer lots of varieties, such as tea-based, fruit-based and herbal-based. I like the traditional 52% Tatra Tea which can be served in hot tea, with ice, or as a long drink.

It is possible to have a guided tour through the factory where you can learn about the whole procedure from maceration, through filtration, maturation, resting up to packaging. And of course, tasting all 14 types of Tatra Tea. For more information and e-shop Visit Tatra tea

I love success stories. Starting with an idea, a vision, a dream which slowly becomes true, all the hard work, patience, and ending with the premium high-quality product.

I love to hear that such success stories also origin in our lovely SLOVAKIA.

Come and enjoy excellent coffee, chocolate, and liquor on your Slovakia Tour with us:)

Thank you for sharing with your friends and keep reading our Travel Blogs.

The post Top products Made in Slovakia first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.

The Beauty of National Parks of Slovakia

Peter Blazicek — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:21:13 +0000

The Beauty of National Parks of Slovakia

Let me introduce you to our 9 National Parks of Slovakia.
Each park is unique and offers memorable experiences.

HIGH TATRAS / VYSOKE TATRY

Tatransky narodny park is the oldest one, established on January 1, 1949, and from 1993 creates a biospheric reservation UNESCO.
Located in the north of Slovakia, divided into Western Tatras, High Tatras, and Belianske Tatras.

It has the highest peaks of Slovakia with 25 peaks over 2500m, the highest – Gerlachovsky peak (2656m), the 2nd highest – Lomnicky peak (2634m), and the symbol of Slovak mountains, the Krivan peak (2494m).

While the highest one is pretty hidden and not visible from the distance, the Krivan is visible from far away and the Lomnicky peak can be conquered by cable car too and there is the highest Cafe Dedo.

What is typical for the High Tatras? The top of the peaks is rocky, with only lichens and Moses. In lower elevations are dwarf pines and in the valleys, you can find spruces and firs.

Among the animals, up in the mountains, you can find eagles, Chamonix (mountain goats), brown bears, marmots. And from flowers not to forget to mention the precious and protected alpine gentian.

Attractions tourists love and admire are deep valleys with hiking trails, waterfalls, the highest is Kmetov waterfall with 80m.

On your walking/hiking tour, you will discover numerous mountain lakes (horske plesa). The biggest and deepest is Velke Hincovo Pleso, but Strbske Pleso is undoubtedly the most famous (walks around belong to very popular activity for people of all ages and physical activity. And of course, there are more than 100 of them.

While on a hiking tour, take a break in the mountain cottages (horske chaty), they are spread out in different elevations, the oldest one is Rainer Cottage, the very favorite among tourists are Green lake cottage, Zamkovska cottage, Teryho cottage, Highway’s cottage and many more.
They not only offer a fast refreshment, but also tasty soups such as lentil, goulash, or garlic soup and tasty main courses and desserts. Worth stopping and relax. You can have an overnight in such cottages too.

Never visited a cave? There is one accessible cave – Belianska cave and it is really worth visiting it.

Our tip for great Traditional Slovak meals and drinks are these Koliba restaurants: Koliba Patria (in Strbske Pleso resort), Koliba Zerucha, and Koliba Kamzik in Stary Smokovec.

We offer an amazing and enjoyable Guided Hiking Tour in High Tatras

LOW TATRAS / NIZKE TATRY

National Park of Low Tatras, established in 1978, it is the largest park located in central Slovakia.
The highest peak is Dumbier (2043m), the second is Chopok (2024m), and the third is Kralova Hola (1946m).

For this park are typical long valleys, deep canyons, and steep rocks. Hikers really love the famous ridge hiking, you can also rest in several cottages such as Kamenna chata (Stone cottage).

Famous and attractive for visitors are the caves Demanovska Ice cave and the Demanovska Cave of Liberty.

From the southern side of Low Tatras, there is famous hiking from the sheep farm to sheep farm and trying of local milk and milk products.

From the animals, chamois and marmots can be seen, but there are also bears, lynxes. Upon the hills, there are grass and dwarf pines, in lower elevations mixed forests such as beech, spruce, and fir.

Get the most out of your vacations on our Guided Hiking Tour in Low Tatras

SLOVAK PARADISE / SLOVENSKY RAJ

This national park was established in 1988, it is really a hiker’s paradise with 300 kilometers of trails.
Typical are deep gorges with waterfalls, canyons, adrenaline trails with chains, ladders, and bridges. The highest peak is Predna Hola (1545m).

Around 350 caves are in the underground, but only one is accessible to the public – world-famous Dobsinska Ice cave, unique and since 2000 listed in UNESCO.

Most favorite for hikers are tours to Sucha Bela and Velky Sokol and to enjoy stunning views from the terrace of Tomasovsky view. You can see the High Tatras from here.
River Hornad created passes, canyons, valleys, and waterfalls. The longest canyon tour is Prielom Hornadu.

On our hikes with clients, we often do lunch pick nicks in this beautiful park. The fresh rolls, baguettes, different cheeses, from farmer’s markets vegetables. It tastes so good 😉

Spruce forests cover 90 percent of the area and from animals, the most common are deers, bears, lynxes, bears, and wolves. In this park, there is the highest density of butterflies in Slovakia.

Come with us and book now your Guided Hiking Tour in Slovak Paradise

PIENINY NATIONAL PARK

It lies in northern Slovakia and it is the smallest in size (established in 1967). Famous for this park is wonderful scenery with meandering river Dunajec creating the natural border with Poland.

The top tourist attraction is rafting on wooden rafts, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Three Crowns (Tri Koruny) peaks.

In the area, you can admire a unique agricultural landscape with small fields, meadows, and pastures with typical hay piles special for the Zamagurie region.

Not to forget to mention is Red Monastery / Cerveny Klastor, where two different types of monks used to live – the Cartesian and the Camaldulsian monks.
The most famous Camaldusian monk – Cyprian was very passionate about science, some of his nicknames are “the doctor of the thousand sciences”, “the master of thousands of crafts” or “the flying monk”. He also collected herbs and left the Oldest Preserved Herbarium in Slovakia.

Book our most popular Grand Tour of Slovakia to enjoy this a bit hidden but not less spectacular national park.

MALA FATRA NATIONAL PARK

Situated in north-western Slovakia in the Zilina region was established in 1988.

What is famous for this park? Canyons, gorges, and ridge hiking.

Hiking in Mala Fatra is a very favorite also for less experienced hikers, they love tours such as Janosikove Diery (Upper and lower holes) and up to peaks Maly and Velky Rozsutec in Vratna valley (you can also use a cable car to get to the top). The highest peak is Velky Krivan (1709m).

Visit to traditional village Terchova is a must with a stop in one of several Koliba restaurants for trying Slovak meals & drinks. This village is a birthplace of a Slovak national hero – highwayman Juraj Janosik(1688-1713).

We’ve been here a thousand times and will take you here again
Take an amazing Guided Hiking Tour in Mala Fatra

VELKA FATRA NATIONAL PARK

Established in 2002 with the highest peak Ostredok (1596m). It offers meadows, pastures, but also lovely valleys (such as the longest valley in Slovakia – Lubochnianska valley) with rich fauna and flora.

Brown bear, wolf, and lynx live here. From the trees, dominant are beeches, they cover almost 90% of the territory. In Harmanecka valley, there are also spread out special yew trees.

Visitors really like walking tours in this park and there is also a lovely little mountain village inscribed on UNESCO. It is Vlkolinec settlement and it is recommended to come and spend some beautiful time here.

Cave lovers can find Harmanecka cave, the only one accessible to the public.

NATIONAL PARK MURANSKA PLANINA

Established in 1997, located in central and eastern Slovakia.

Typical is wild mountain karstic landscape and probably the biggest attraction is 13 century Muran castle ruin, one of the highest situated castles of Slovakia. The views are stunning.

Animals? Brown bear, lynx, and wolf. Trees? Oaks, beeches, spruces.

NATIONAL PARK OF SLOVAK KARST / SLOVENSKY KRAS

Established in 2002, located in the southern part of Slovakia near the border with Hungary, it is the largest karstic area in Central Europe. The highest peak is Pipitka (1225m).

What is typical for this park? No doubt, it is the highest concentration of underground forms. More than 1350 caves and gorges are present here and in 1995 there were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are 5 caves accessible to the public: Ochtinska araganotiva cave, Domica, Gombasecka, Krasnohorska and Jasovska.

NATIONAL PARK OF POLONINY

The easternmost and most remote Slovak national park is situated where three frontiers meet, the Slovak, Polish and Ukrainian.

It was established in 1997. Because of the special value of original beech and fir-beech forests and the primeval forests, in 2007 it has been listed on the UNESCO list.

We believe you got motivated and come to visit our green, picturesque and untouched national parks.

Do you love walking in nature, mountain hiking, and adventures?
Simply take a look at Hiking Tours in Slovakia or Request a Private tour.

Thank you for sharing with your friends and keep reading our Travel Blogs.
We travel constantly and bring you always updated news.

Peter Blazicek, CEO & founder and as always a passionate traveler

The post The Beauty of National Parks of Slovakia first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.

Czech-Slovak Genealogical Conference, Pittsburgh, Oct 2017

Peter Blazicek — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 13:43:39 +0000

Czech-Slovak Genealogical Conference, Pittsburgh, Oct 2017

This year we are celebrating the successful 10th anniversary of our Incoming Travel Agency focusing on Private trips, tours, and Ancestry tours around Slovakia where we help people from abroad to reconnect with their families living in Slovakia.

The 16th Czech-Slovak Genealogical Conference held in Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania was the main purpose of our 16 day US journey.

The conference was very well organized by Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI, with the, headquarter in St. Paul, Minnesota). Their main purpose is promoting genealogical research among descendants of ethnic groups who comprised the former nation of Czechoslovakia and other nations.

For comprehensive information about this society, visit Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International.

On this 3 day (we were there 3 full days as vendors) conference we got a chance to meet professionals, we took part in different workshops and knew lots of interesting facts about the arrival of Slovaks, Czechs, Ruthenians to the USA, back in the 1880-1920s and after.

Why the Slovak immigrants chose Pittsburgh as their new destination?

It was not by chance, Pittsburgh was at the end of the 19th century an industrial center for steel mills and coal mines. Along the Ohio River, there were factories, they gave the job for the newcomers.
The beginnings were very difficult and often dangerous, but it was the new Hope, the new Beginning.

Our friends Rudy and Marsha gave us a few-hour tour around the Old part of the town, showed us Pittsburgh from the top of Mt. Washington, brought us to the Strip area, and recommended us to trie the famous Pittsburgh Sandwiches. We knew more about the Pittsburgh Steelers and found out that it was a completely different city now from what it once used to be.

We also took part in the evening dinners and of course on Kroj – traditional Folk costume parade. I had a short speech introducing ourselves and have mentioned “It is our first America visit, our first Genealogical conference participation and our first time in Kroj parade ;)”. We truly enjoyed the evening.

We were very happy we could meet a Slovak-American icon, famous for her Love for Slovakia. Helene has been organizing tours to Slovakia for more than 25 years. Helene was very interested in our private small group tours and we exchanged lots of experiences. She was so friendly, enthusiastic, full of humor and energy from the early morning sessions up to the very last evening Folk Dance and Folk Costume Parade.

We promoted our lovely Slovakia at the conference and shared a booth with Judith Northup-Bennett, our partner for Slovakia Heritage Tours (tours with fixed departures every September since 2011).

People were curious about our offer of specialized Ancestry Private Tours where we help to connect the travelers and their Slovak relatives, organize family reunions, taking photos, and making videos.

And above all, we introduced them to the work of our specially trained professional Guide-driver-translators. They are essential.

I am personally responsible for every single private tour planning (from the first email contact up to the final, detailed itinerary), making use of knowing every corner of Slovakia (In the last 10 years, I probably visited every village even the smallest one and most of the churches, cemeteries and other sites).

How do we start with a precise Ancestry Private tour planning?

First of all, we ask for the travel dates, group size, and special requests. Secondly, we ask you to get as much information about your ancestors as possible. If needed detailed archive research, we connect you with our long-term partner – a professional genealogist.

Once we have collected all the necessary information, we will start putting together the day-by-day itinerary with a focus on the area where your ancestors came from.

We will arrange the meetings with your relatives and prepare everything for your visit.

We will add our passion for this unique experience, 10 years of travel experiences, travel tips, and of course the gastronomical delights, where and what to try;).

To read reviews before the tour planning is an essential idea, but, even better is to speak to our past visitors.

Thank you for reading our Travel Blog about our Czech-Slovak Genealogical conference.

Feel Free to get Free Travel Advice from our experts and a Non-obligatory draft itinerary with estimated costs for your Ancestry Tour in Slovakia.

The post Czech-Slovak Genealogical Conference, Pittsburgh, Oct 2017 first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.

Medieval Towns of Slovakia

Peter Blazicek — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 14:02:51 +0000

Medieval Towns of Slovakia

What is typical are spectacular squares in different shapes and narrow cobble-stone streets. A medieval town was usually surrounded by a sophisticated fortification system consisting of defensive walls, bastions, entrance gates with draw bridges, guards, and usually a water moat all around.

Well, nowadays, such a defensive system lost its original character (to protect the inner city and its inhabitants against the enemies) and there are no more guards or draw bridges over water moats.

Most of them were demolished at the end of the 18th century (1775-78 Maria Theresia, Austrian empress & Hungarian Queen ordered to demolish the city walls in Bratislava, see picture above), but you still can see them almost intact in 2 Slovak towns, while in the others there are now just remnants.

In Slovakia, most of the written evidence about the town establishments we have from the first half of the 13th century.

After the Tartar invasion (in the years 1241-1242) to upper Hungary (present-day Slovakia), the Hungarian king Bela IV. ordered to build the stone castles.

Later, at the beginning of the 14th century, when the towns became prosperous, they started building defensive walls. Later, they re-built them and made them higher in the 16th century, after the catastrophic Battle of Mohacs in 1526 where the winners were the Turks who started besieging and conquering Hungary and other countries.

There are 7 medieval towns we have mentioned here which we visit regularly on our tours as we consider them very special, picturesque and charming. Some of them are famous and even listed in UNESCO World Heritage List (Bardejov, Levoca), others are less visited, but charming such as Kremnica, Skalica, Trnava, Trencin. And Kosice, the 2nd largest Slovak city, is fascinating and the heart of the old town – the square according to some of our travelers is the most beautiful, green and lively. And I completely agree.

BARDEJOV town

Undoubtedly absolutely best-preserved medieval town with still-standing original defensive walls. Nowadays located out-of-the-beaten track, hidden in the northeastern Slovakia, but during the medieval times, there was an important ancient trade route going through this town, connecting the Baltic sea (the North) with the Black sea (the South).

The first written mention comes from 1241. It was king Louis I. from the Anjou dynasty who in 1352 ordered to build the fortification walls around the town. A few years later, in 1376, he granted the town another important privilege – Free Royal Town. Also, other kings such as Sigismund of Luxemburg and Matthias Corvinus supported Bardejov, which became a very developed and prosperous Hungarian town with around 50 guilds present. Even nowadays, almost the whole historical square is surrounded by fortification walls (many parts are original from the 14th century, some parts are already new but on original foundations).

What do we recommend?

A slow-paced stroll around the defensive walls, admire the different types of bastions and visit the Town’s square surrounded by 3 sides by fairy-tale houses. The Church of St. Egidius is a must. Climb the church tower too to get the stunning views and enter the museum of the town’s history in a stunning Renaissance building (former town hall). Some of my travelers described this town with all gems which it has to offer as a Text Book of history.

Once in Bardejov, don’t forget to discover the area. Bardejov Spa, located only a few minutes by car, is famous for healing mineral water tried by Maria Louisa (the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte), the Russian Tsar Alexander I, and also the Austrian empress Elisabeth.
Worth visiting is also an open-air museum where you can admire 19th-century houses from different villages (removed and replaced in this museum), such as peasant’s house, mayor’s house, wooden church, or stalls.

LEVOCA town

is another gem, firstly mentioned as a settlement in 1249, located on a significant ancient trade route Via Magna, which became a Free Royal Town in 1323. Similarly, as Bardejov, it is the town with most of the original still standing defensive walls and city gates. You can admire them by walking around.

The first thing which comes to my mind when I hear Levoca is the famous woodcarver Master Paul of Levoca. Start your Levoca visit by visiting the roman-catholic parish church of St. James and see the masterpiece from Master Paul – the world’s largest late gothic wooden wing altar, 18.6 meters high and 6 meters wide. It is truly amazing. (Of course, there is much more waiting for you to discover in this church, such as 14th-century frescoes on the wall and many side altars too).

Other sights to admire – the authentic burgher houses on the square, cage of Shame, Renaissance building (former town hall), Master Paul’s workshop, Thurzo’s house.

If you have more time, take a walk up to the top of Marianska Hill. Levoca is the Slovak oldest and most famous pilgrimage place where thousands of pilgrims from different countries each July walk and pray. The biggest pilgrimage gathering was here in 1995, in the presence of Pope John Paul II. More than 650 000 pilgrims came here.

KREMNICA town

one of the most significant central Slovakian mining towns where you can admire a castle with fortification walls.

Of course, Kremnica has a lot more than some remnants of the walls and a castle, it is nicknamed a Golden town and became famous in the 14th century for gold production, actually for the most gold extracted in the whole Kingdom of Hungary. King Charles Robert from Anjou granted this town privileges and established here a mint, soon afterward minting of Kremnica’s Ducats began. They were used as a valuable means of payment until 1919.

What is worth visiting?

Of course, the Mint Museum and a stroll around the square.
Did you know that in the surrounding Kremnica hills – there is a symbolical middle of Europe, a monument near the church of St. John the Baptist near Kremnicke Bane village?

SKALICA town

This charming little town close to the Czech borders, nicknamed also as the Pearl of the Zahorie region, also has some parts of the former fortification system. And 12th century Rotunda.
Skalica was firstly mentioned in the year 1256. In 1372, King Luis I. granted Skalica the privilege of the Free Royal Town, later king Sigismund of Luxemburg granted other privileges and Skalica became an important commercial, cultural and spiritual center.

What to visit?

Gothic church of St. Michael, evangelical church, Franciscan monastery, Jesuit church and monastery, and Synagogue is definitely recommended. From the more recent history, admire the so-called cultural house on the square, built in the Secession style in 1905 according to plans of famous Slovak architect Dusan Jurkovic.

Once in Skalica, try the specialties of this region – the famous red wine called Skalicky Rubin and the sweet delicacy Skalicky Trdelnik cake.

TRNAVA town

Has 11 Roman-Catholic churches, an Evangelical church, and a Synagogue. The most important decree comes from king Bela IV. from 1238 when he granted this town the privileges of the Free Royal Town and the town started to prosper.

This was the reason why they started building the first fortification walls, bastions, and gates in the middle of the 13th century, later in the 14th century they started using bricks. In total it had 3km with 35 towers, the height of the walls was 10meters and thickness up to 2meters 30cm. As Trnava was for almost 300 years a significant cultural and spiritual center of Hungary (after 1543 when the Turks conquered Esztergom town and the archbishop moved here).

It is also a great idea to visit the area around. What about Smolenice castle (re-built by its last owner from the famous Palfy dynasty) in Small Carpathians or a classist mansion house in Dolna Krupa, a place where world-famous composers Ludwig van Beethoven composed Moonlight Sonata.

The city of KOSICE

Firstly mentioned as Villa Cassa in 1230, from here the name Cassovia, German Kaschau, Hungarian Kassa, and later, Slovak name Kosice.

Tartar invasion devastated the town, however, soon afterward a skillful craftsmen & tradesmen especially from the Saxony region (Germany) started coming and settling down. The business started being prosperous and the town was surrounded by a very sophisticated fortification system with two entrance gates, several bastions, and several water moats.

Kosice town lied on an important trade route (similar to Bardejov, Presov, Levoca) connecting the Baltic and Black sea. It was a meeting point of rich and influential businessmen from the whole of Europe.

Kosice became a Free Royal Town in 1342 and as the first town in Europe, on 7 May 1369, they got the first coat of arms. (May 7 is nowadays the Day of the City of Kosice).

What to enjoy?

Stroll the square – it is a magical place with the largest gothic cathedral in Slovakia – St. Elisabeth Cathedral. Enter and enjoy. There are lovely green city parks, especially the one with a singing fountain is our favorite one. Discover more, little side streets, a famous lane of crafts (blacksmith, pottery workshop, and a lovely little café with homemade desserts). If you would like to see a short movie about the development of the city and its walls, go to Miklus’s museum.

TRENCIN town

Always connected with one of the most powerful leaders, Matthew Czak of Trencin, nicknamed the Lord of Vah river and Tatra mountains who made from an existing castle a mighty never conquered fortress.

It is worth mentioning the famous inscription on the rock – left here by Roman soldiers saying that in 179AD, there was a Roman military camp with approx. 855 soldiers. It is the easternmost evidence of the presence of the Romans on our territory. If you climb up to the castle, you can admire former fortification walls (still visible in some parts). In the past, there were several important visits of the kings, probably the most important one was in 1335, a meeting of the Hungarian king Charles Robert and his son Luis I. with the Czech king John of Luxemburg and the Polish famous king Kazimierz the Great. They negotiated peace after many years of conflicts between Poland and Bohemia.

Trencin became a Free Royal town in 1412 (king Sigismund of Luxemburg).
As you can see, historically important and nowadays a perfect stop once you travel between Bratislava and Central Slovakia.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Medieval towns of Slovakia.

Would you like to visit some of these towns and get the most out of your holiday? Simply have a look at

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Next week about the Beauty of National Parks in Slovakia. Tips from locals, Advice from experienced guides, and much more. Stay with us 😉

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Top 11 Day Trips from Bratislava

Peter Blazicek — Mon, 22 May 2017 14:23:35 +0000

11 Spectacular Day Trips from Bratislava

DEVIN CASTLE

Situated in the beautiful scenery of protected natural reserve, only 15 minutes from Bratislava’s Old Town, one of the oldest castles in Slovakia – Devin Castle – sits on a top of 200 m high rock hill and guards, since the very first centuries, the confluence of two rivers: Danube and Morava.

Settled already in Neolithic times, the first fort was built here by the Celtic population to become later a strategic Roman military fortress. Its position was crucial in the past since it overlooked ancient trade routes going along the Danube.

The castle played an important role in the Great Moravian Empire and that´s when its first written mention dates back to 864 as Dowina which is a Slavic word meaning „a girl“.

In 1809 Napoleon’s troops blew it up and destroyed it significantly. That´s why today we can see just the remaining but still with a long and colorful history and most of all with a magnificent panoramic view of both Slovakia and Austria.

This is also the place where the former Iron Curtain directly went through and cut Slovakia off from Austria and „the West“ during the Communist era. At that time this area was one of the most heavily guarded ones in the country and many people were killed here in their attempt to flee the regime to Austria. A memorial below the castle commemorates all the victims, not a shortlist at all.

Devin area is also typical for a special blackcurrant wine production which is awaiting you, too ☺ So don’t hesitate! Come, see and taste!

BANSKA STIAVNICA

A gem among the towns of Slovakia situated in the heart of Štiavnica hills – less than two hours from Bratislava, was one of the first Slovak places subscribed to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

When a volcano erupted here about 15 million years ago, it predestined the fate of a man and nature in this region for a long time and precious metals such as gold and silver found their way to the surface.

Take a walk and explore a charming medieval town with a unique mining history and atmosphere.

An unusual down-the-hill square of the Holy Trinity with a beautiful plague column welcomes you in the center and you can start to explore the mining history of this region in the mining museums, mining tunnels, two different castles both built as anti-Turkish fortresses, two different churches in two different styles – the catholic late Gothic St.Catherine´s Church and the protestant Baroque Church.

As a highlight of your visit, you cannot omit one of the most beautiful Baroque calvaries in Europe, located on a hill and offering a magnificent view of all the splendid natural surroundings.

Slovak specialties of this region are a must and the cozy restaurants hidden in the medieval streets are happy to welcome you. The local brewery ERB (THE COAT OF ARMS) offers a genuine Slovak beer! ☺

Come, explore, and take back home in your heart!

CACHTICE CASTLE

Have you ever heard of a female serial murderer? Not really? Less than two hours from Bratislava the ruins of mysterious Čachtice castle stand up on a hill and whisper the history of the „bloody countess“ Elizabeth Bathory who lived here at the turn of the 16th to 17th century and with her sadist habits tortured and killed more than 500 young girls. Why not take a bath in their blood and stay young and beautiful forever, right?

A true story or a myth?

Come and re-discover the mystery hidden in the picturesque natural surrounding and take a walk through the picturesque village below the castle with beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture! ☺

SMALL CARPATHIAN WINE ROUTE

Are you a passionate wine-taster? If yes, then the Small Carpathian Wine Route is exactly for you! No high hills, no deep valleys… small but still beautiful – the Small Carpathian mountains for about 100 km decorate the horizon all the way along the western side of Slovakia, starting right in Bratislava.

This is where the history of fertile vineyards and wine production goes back as far as to the Celtic period, 7th century BC. and connects former royal towns Svätý Jur, Pezinok, and Modra and a chain of small villages with viticultural tradition.

Would you like to taste new unique Slovak varieties such as Dunaj or Devín? Or possibly the most commonly grown ones here such as Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltliner), Rizling vlašský (Welschriesling), Rizling rýnsky (Riesling) or Frankovka modrá (Blaufränkisch)?

This region is happy to welcome you! The largest underground cellars in Central Europe can be found in one of the best-preserved castles in Slovakia – the Red Stone Castle. Come, visit and travel back in time with its precious collection of historic furniture, weapons, and fine arts from all around Slovakia! ☺

BOJNICE CHATEAU

What would it be like to live in a real-life fairy-tale? One of the most visited and beautiful castles in Slovakia – Bojnice Castle – makes you try this idea. It is no coincidence that many filmmakers chose this splendid castle, built in the 12th century, as their filming stage.

No surprise that National Geographic Programme listed this castle among the TOP 10 castles in Europe in 2017!

Unique folk architecture with geometrical patterns originated some 200 years ago, in a small village of Čičmany, is a hidden gem of Strážov mountains.

One of the most famous open-air museums in Slovakia is ready to introduce you to the lovely traditional wooden houses, folk costumes, and customs of our ancestors!

TRENCIN TOWN

If you think the Roman Emperors stayed mostly in Rome, the opposite is true. About 2000 years ago the legions of one of the most powerful empires in history together with their Emperor Marcus Aurelius reached this area and set up their military camp known as Laugaricio right under the Trenčín castle.

The historically precious Latin inscription on the castle rock recalls the Roman presence and victory over the Quadi in 179 AD here. The castle above the rock was once a residence of one of the most influential oligarchs in the country in the early 14th century – Matthew Csak – who seized two-thirds of the territory of present-day Slovakia.

Many different exhibitions, medieval games, and attractive night sightseeing are organized at the castle throughout the year. The pleasant medieval Old Town below the castle offers a gorgeous walk through its narrow streets with different architectural styles.

Apart from being polite and helpful locals, Trenčín also has a great selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes with a special comfortable atmosphere.

Come and breathe the history here!

DRINY CAVE

Hardly anyone would look for an elephant ear below the Earth´s surface, right? In western Slovakia, less than 60 km from Bratislava, a breathtaking underground world full of special limestone stalactites and unique dripstone shapes (such as the elephant´s ear:) is hidden in the Small Carpathian mountains.

Driny Cave is the only accessible cave in this region and one of the main tourist attractions. A complex of narrow passages and small halls offers a 450 m long tour which is definitely a unique experience.

Don´t miss this natural marvel so close to Bratislava!

VIENNA CITY

Is the history, music, and arts or high-quality shopping what interests you the most?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Sissi – the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Sigmund Freud… these well-known personalities of music, fine art, Austro Hungarian empire´s history or psychoanalysis are just a tiny fragment of everything what the capital of Austria – Vienna – has to reveal you.

The historical city center with St.Stephen´s Cathedral, the imperial Hofburg complex, Schönbrunn or Belvedere palaces, Staatsoper, and Burgtheater form the unique heart of this imperial and music city on the Danube.

Albertina houses one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world with approximately 65,000 drawings.

On top of all don´t miss the opportunity to try the typical Viennese specialties such Wiener Schnitzel or Sacher cake!

BUDAPEST CITY

„The Paris of the East“ – this is just one of many awesome nicknames Budapest was attributed. Why? For many people the Hungarian capital is one of the most beautiful capitals of the world thanks to its stunning setting along the two banks of the Danube, combining tremendous medieval history, wonderful architectural heritage with a unique atmosphere.

Budapest is full of architectural gems, charming streets, and pleasant parks. The river Danube cuts the city into two parts: Buda and Pest which are different.

Pest is completely flat (this includes downtown Budapest), while Buda is a hilly area, and includes two of the most popular vantage points of the city: Castle Hill and Gellért Hill. Definitely, the best place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and admire the European third largest Parliament built right on the river bank.

Budapest is also famous for its numerous (more than 120) steaming thermal baths and that´s what makes it a paradise, too!

So come and visit the romantic „Pearl on the Danube“!

CARNUNTUM – FORMER ROMAN MILITARY CAMP

You don´t need to travel far from Bratislava to see ancient Roman history. Less than half an hour from the Slovakian capital, The Carnuntum Archeological Park offers a fabulous journey back to Roman times in its open-air museum which stands right on a place of a former Roman military center of the Roman province Pannonia.

The history was definitely reconstructed in a unique way here!

Get the latest info about this spectacular place: Römerstadt Carnuntum.

Special attractions include numerous reconstructed Roman buildings and an ancient amphitheater, too.

Feel free to travel back in time and experience the Roman Empire!

ZOO PARK SCHONNBRUNN – VIENNA

Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the world’s oldest zoo and has already been for several times voted Europe’s best zoo.

This was the first place in the world to see the birth of an African elephant and the birth of a panda baby.
The zoo is also comprised of a Desert House where the flora and fauna of the driest regions on Earth can be explored.

Opening hours and detailed information on Tiergarten Schönnbrunn.

So are you ready to see what more than two million visitors every year don´t want to miss here?

Thank you for reading our Travel Blog about TOP 11 Day Trips from Bratislava.
The next Travel Blog will be about UNESCO Heritage sights in Slovakia.

Would you like to Get the Most out of your Bratislava stay?
Look what we offer: Bratislava Top Day Trips.

Book & Enjoy your day with our excellent Guide/drivers.

Happy & Safe Travel!

😉

The post Top 11 Day Trips from Bratislava first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.

BRATISLAVA – charming capital city hidden between Vienna and Budapest

Peter Blazicek — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 14:57:33 +0000

BRATISLAVA – charming capital city hidden between Vienna and Budapest

In 1841, a famous Danish fairy-tale author, Hans Christian Andersen described the Slovakian capital as the fairytale city: „If you want a fairy-tale, then just look at your city, it is a fairytale itself.”

Even if in his times Bratislava’s Old Town was much more preserved, it seems that he was able to feel a cozy atmosphere and a nice variety of different architectural styles representing different centuries in one place.

Today you can admire an old castle reigning on a hill, significant medieval Gothic cathedral, the very first Renaissance University, magnificent Baroque style palaces, churches and monasteries, Classicist residences or beautiful Art Nouveau buildings – all of this within few hours in the charming capital of Slovakia, „the Beauty on the Danube“.

Bratislava, the biggest and the capital city of Slovakia and at the same time interestingly one of the smallest capitals in Europe, is ready to welcome you in all its uniqueness.

Even these days the city remains a place of contrasts (medieval – communist – modern) and a meeting point of colorful history, splendid architecture and different winsome places to visit in and out of the city.

From the geographical point of view, Bratislava is unique in the fact that it is the only capital in the world bordering two different countries with two completely different cultures and languages.

Driving only a few minutes out of the city center you can visit Austria and Hungary. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is located less than 60 km from the Slovakian capital and so in this way, Bratislava and Vienna become two closest capitals in Europe. Very close to each other and still so very different.

Walking through the historical center you can discover the long varied history of Bratislava which goes back to pre-historic Neolithic times, through the Iron Age Celtic settlement to the first centuries after Christ when this place became the border zone of the powerful Roman Empire.

Bratislava also reveals its royal history as the former capital and coronation city of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary. Only in this city, you can find a church with a golden crown on the top of its spire as a symbol of coronations. Believe it or not, between 16th and 19th centuries, 18 royal Hungarian kings and queens were crowned in the magnificent St.Martin´s Cathedral.

Bratislava was living its golden age during the reign of a woman who became one of the most influential figures in Central European history – the Queen Maria Theresia, crowned here in 1741. Many beautiful Baroque style palaces that today contribute to the cozy charm of the Old Town were built in her period.

After one of the most important and decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars – the battle at Austerlitz – in 1805 the Peace Treaty of Pressburg was signed in the classicist Primate´s palace, between the Napoleonic France and the Habsburg Empire. Nevertheless, in 1809 the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte bombarded the city and destroyed a lot of buildings and property. Not conquered though.

Many significant and well-known musicians such as Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven or Anton Rubinstein performed their music art for the nobility of Bratislava and in 1820 an outstanding pianist and composer Franz Liszt performed one of his first concerts here at the age of 9.

The city has hosted monarchs, musicians, inventors and scientists, and also different cultures and religions.

Still, at the beginning of the 20th century, Bratislava was a trilingual place where most of the citizens were able to speak Slovak, German and Hungarian perfectly. This is even today present on a building that portrays a multilingual character of the city.

The tragic period of World War II meant a considerable reduction of the Jewish community which has always formed part of the city´s population since the very first centuries and the controversial 41-year Communist regime made a beautiful Jewish synagogue disappear forever from the map of Bratislava.

Communism definitely left its footprint on the architectural panorama of the city and made today’s capital become a contrast of old and modern destroying a big part of the historical center.

All this and much more can be revealed in one of the youngest and smallest capitals in Europe which despite its size has much to offer and to remember. And is waiting for you to reveal it all.

Thank you for reading our Travel Blog about Bratislava.
The next Travel Blog will be about 11 Best Day Trips from Bratislava.

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The post BRATISLAVA – charming capital city hidden between Vienna and Budapest first appeared on Best Slovakia Tours.