Slovakia.Travel
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www.slovakia.travel Slovakia Slovensko-EN.indd 1 11.4.2013 20:32:52 www.slovakia.travel Spot Slovakia Regional City International Airport Main Road Highway Slovak Republic Formation date: 1 January 1993 Capital: Bratislava Land area: 49 035 km2 Population: 5 408 148 National language: Slovak (as of 30.9.2012) Currency: Euro (from the of 1st January 2009) Bordering countries: Hungary (655 km), Poland (541 km), Czech Republic (252 km), Austria (107 km), Ukraine Cultural superlatives … Natural superlatives … (98 km) Th e most extensive medieval fortress One of the largest sinter formations Time zone: Central European Time complex in Central Europe – Spiš Castle. in the world – the dripstone Kvapeľ (GMT +1 hour), summer time (March- rožňavských jaskyniarov (Krásno- November: GMT + 2 hours) Th e easternmost western style of cathe- horská jaskyňa cave, 32.6 m tall, with dral in Europe – the Gothic St. Eliza- a diameter of 12 m at base). Distances: beth’s Cathedral in Košice. Bratislava – Wien / Schwechat-Airport: Th e largest river island in Europe – Žitný 80 km / 60 km Th e tallest wooden Gothic altar in the ostrov (132 612 ha) which is also the – Budapest / Airport: world – in the Church of St. Jacob in largest reservoir of drinking water. 200 km / 218 km Levoča (18.6 m). – Banská Bystrica: 210 km Th e only aragonite cave in Europe – – Košice: 400 km Th e oldest mining university in Europe Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa (in – Poprad: 332 km – Banská akadémia (Mining Aca- the karst territory Slovenský kras). – Žilina: 202 km demy) in Banská Štiavnica (1763). Košice – Budapest-Airport: 268 km Th e only coldwater geyser in Slovakia and – Poprad: 118 km Th e oldest perpetual ongoing concern – a rarity in Europe – the geyser in Herľany Poprad – Kraków-Airport: 156 km the Kremnica Mint (since 1328). (jetting water to a height of 15-20 m). 2 Slovensko-EN.indd 2 11.4.2013 20:33:18 A Little Country of Big Experiences Slovakia is a unique country, because distinct fl avours of regional specialties in a relatively small territory you can and traditional national cuisine. fi nd just about anything. From natural Th ese are just a few lines from the fas- wonders, historic monuments, rich folk cinating novel, the author of which is culture and folklore, through to fun and Slovak nature itself, and from the his- entertainment in the busy city streets. tory, culture and tradition of the Slovak Let yourself become enchanted by its nation. So if you would like to discover beauties, and enjoy the unforgettable other unique attractions and spend atmosphere you will fi nd here. You will your free time enjoying many exciting discover the lure of natural scenery, memorable experiences, take these few combined with a rich history, culture lines as a personal invitation. and traditions. Discover Slovakia – Th e Little Big Country. Come and see for yourself the rich Let yourself be inspired and visit natural diversity, still vibrant with un- places that will satisfy your idea of chained freedom, the elegance of deep a much desired holiday. valleys guarded by majestic mountain All you have to do is choose from the peaks with crystal clear mountain rich choice of destinations on the tributaries and streams. Revel in the national tourism portal at special experience of getting to know scenic historical towns and impressive www.slovakia.travel world heritage monuments. Sample the 3 Slovensko-EN.indd 3 11.4.2013 20:33:19 www.slovakia.travel The Little Big City Th e beauty on the Dunaj river, just one Town), where you can wander the nar- of the titles given to the Slovak capital row streets and admire impressive his- Bratislava. Th e city spreads out along torical monuments. Th e most visited the base of the Malé Karpaty (Small and popular sites in the city are also its Carpathians mountain range) sitting most dominant monuments, namely astride the longest river in Europe, the Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Danube (Dunaj). Bratislava is one of the the Primate’s Palace, St. Michael’s Gate, youngest capitals in the world, but its the Old Town Hall, Grassalkovich and rich history was chronicled over two Mirbach palaces, and Slavín war memo- thousand years ago. rial. Th e city centre is full of gorgeous Visitors are attracted by the intimacy of hidden spots, countless cosy cafes, and this relatively small city, which pulses excellent restaurants with a truly rich with life and culture despite or because culinary experience. As a modern me- of its size. Th e most attractive part of tropolis, Bratislava boasts a wide choice Bratislava is surely Staré mesto (Old of accommodation options whatever 4 Slovensko-EN.indd 4 11.4.2013 20:33:23 your need, even for the most demand- sample some fi ne local wines and culi- ing guests who are accustomed to the nary specialities from the region of the highest European standards. Th rough- Small Carpathians, cycle along any of out the year, the city is the venue for the eff ortless bike paths along the River a diverse range of cultural, sporting and Danube, or take a tour of the enchant- gastronomic events, which complement ing castle Červený Kameň. Th is is just the memorable atmosphere of this pic- a snapshot of the many things visitors turesque city. Th e Coronation Celebra- can look forward to in this region, so tions, the Bratislava Music Festival, and rich in history. the Christmas Market are just some ex- amples worthy of mention. Th e surroundings of the city also off er Tips a wide array of ways to spend your free time. Enjoy a boat cruise along the Danu- • Christmas Market be to the nearby ruins of Devín Castle, • Bratislava Marathon • Slovak Food Festival • Gurmán Fest Bratislava • Cultural Summer and Castle Festival Bratislava • Viva Musica! • Summer Shakespeare Festival • Festival of Historic Fencing, Music, Dance and Crafts, Devín Castle • ÚĽUV Craftsmen Days • Vinobranie (Grape Harvest Fest) www.visit.bratislava.sk 5 Slovensko-EN.indd 5 11.4.2013 20:33:32 www.slovakia.travel Cultural heritage An ideal position at the heart of Eu- roundings awaits from the tower of the rope, a history spanning millennia, and Church of the Assumption of the Virgin the infl uence of neighbouring nations, Mary, which is the tallest in Slovakia have all left Slovakia with a rich cultural with the most clock faces. heritage: the Celtic settlements, Roman A visit to a Slovak museum or gallery fortresses, ancient Slavonic cult sites, promises many rare treasures. From chateaux and fortifi ed castles of the ancient archaeological excavation sites Hungarian nobility, medieval mining to Pop Art at the Andy Warhol Museum sites, renaissance and baroque palaces, of Modern Art in Medzilaborce, which Greek-Catholic and Orthodox wooden past. Th e oldest royal free town, which is the only museum of its kind in Eu- churches, Jewish synagogues and ceme- for centuries was also the main clerical rope, and the works of contemporary teries, the interwar functionalism and centre of the former Kingdom of Hun- artists. Th e four Slovak royal towns of socialist realism of developing towns, gary, is the town of Trnava, referred Kežmarok, Stará Ľubovňa, Bardejov also contemporary works refl ecting the to as “Little Rome” also thanks to its and Levoča embody their shared past latest trends. many beautiful churches. A rare historic and glory of medieval revival. Each is Th e traces of Slovak history lead to ci- wealth can be discovered in the 18 heri- home to countless cultural and histori- ties and towns where the entrance gate- tage conservation areas that produce cal monuments, and an ideal destina- ways, massive bulwarks, watchtowers an unforgettable atmosphere with their tion for a family holiday, while getting and preserved medieval architecture unique beauty, including Bratislava, to know the history and atmosphere of bear historic references to their distant the town of Trenčín, Žilina, Nitra, and the Middle Ages. the city of Central Slovakia – Banská Bystrica. In Košice is the most east- erly western-style Gothic cathedral in Europe, St. Elisabeth Cathedral, which is also the largest church in Slovakia. Košice is also the European Capital of Culture 2013. A stunning view of the town of Spišská Nová Ves and its sur- 6 Slovensko-EN.indd 6 11.4.2013 20:33:37 7 Slovensko-EN.indd 7 11.4.2013 20:33:42 www.slovakia.travel Treasures of the past Majestic gems set impressively against castle is the meeting place for ghouls, with its imperial interior and extensive stunning natural scenery concealing witches and vampires from all over the library. the secrets of an ancient past. Castles, world. Orava Castle, the most visited You can also soak up the unique atmos- chateaux and their ruins have com- Slovak monument sitting atop a high phere of castles, chateaux and manor prised an integral part of Slovak history rock face above the Orava river, was houses on a night tour and at any regu- since time immemorial. Th ese former where the fi rst Dracula fi lm was lmedfi larly organised events. Many of these strongholds of famous noble lords that – Nosferatu. Stunning Betliar Manor enchanting places now also have ac- would resist the onslaughts of enemies House, representative hunting house commodation, and a full service for and witness key historic events, still in English-style grounds with artifi cial wedding receptions and other private have the atmosphere of glory, elegance cave and waterfall, will charm visitors functions. and romance. Th e diverse architecture and artistic styles refl ecting various historical epochs today guarantee visi- tors a memorable experience.