Towns and Places

Towns and places

Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, the seat of the President, government and the cultural and econimic centre of the country. It is situated on the both banks of the river Danube and has about half of million inhabitans. Medieval Bratislava Castle is the dominant building of the city. The Old Town Hall was originally built in Gothic style. Also Gothic in its origin is the building of Academia Istropolitana. St.

Martin Cathedral is situated just below the Castle hill. Grassalkovič Palace is the seat of the President.

Other wellknown buiding is Primate Palace.

But Bratislava is not only a historical city. Important national, cultural, scientific and educational institutions are concentrated in Bratislava: the Slovak national theatre, Lúčnica, and SĽUK folk ensembles, the

Slovak National Gallery as well as universities like Comenius University, the Slovak Technical

University etc.

Stará Ľubovňa

Stará Ľubovňa is one of the oldest town in Spiš region. It spreads above the river Poprad, to the east of the

High Tatras. The oldest written mention of Stara Lubovna is from year 1292. At the centre of the square stands the Gothic church of St. Nicholas. Another architectural gem is the rennaisance Provincial house- the former seat of the government for the Spiš towns.

The Stara Lubovna of today has more than 16 000 inhabitants. It has range of institutions and some industrial enterprises. There are secondary schools, elementary schools, an art school and five

Kindergardens. As for culture, among the most important facilities belong the Stara Lubovna library, the

Lubovna museum, the leisure center and others. Sporting activity has developed through clubs. There is also a place for Lubovna newspaper, cable television and town´s information centre. SLOVAKIA

Spiš Castle is the largest castle in Central Europe, listed by the UNESCO Register. The oldest sections date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Burnt in a fire in 1780 and now in ruins.

The Castle „Ľubovňa“ The castle has been built at the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century. The castle museum contains a collection of the history of the castle and the Spiš towns, art collections, church collections and period furniture.

Open-air Museum There is located an openňair museum of rural architecture from surrounding villages at the foot of the castle. The most valuable monument is the Greek- Catholic curch from Matisová from

Mineralwater Spa Vyšné Ružbachy with its nine mineral springs is one of the most known healing and touristic sites of the region. The biggest crater has 20 m in diameter and is 2-3 m in deep. Open sculpture gallery is also very attractive.

Červený Kláštor (Red Monastery) is a touristic important village in Pieniny National Park. Impressive historical monuments are located in it. Rafting down the Dunajec River- the border with Poland is the most popular attraction for visitors.