Historical sights and natural beuties of Slovakia

If you could take our Earth in your hand and examine it with a strong magnifying glass, you would find, that Slovakia is a tiny territory with what is perhaps the highest concentration of beauty. Slovakian history is European history. Historical finds dating from the earliest periods of human settlement, archeological finds from the times of Roman Empire and monumental foundations of basilicas dating from the Great Moravian Empire prove the early existence of highly developed cultures at the area of todays Slovakia.
Among the first inhabitants were Slavonic tribes who came before 7th century. The first territory was Samo`s empire, estabilished in the year 628. In the 8th century arised the Great Moravian Empire.
Later, Slovaks were conquared by the Hungarians who occupied them for over thousand years. In 1918, after the Austro – Hungarian monarchy broke down, independent Czechoslovak republik was formed. After the Munich dictate CSR was split and Slovak fascisist state with president Jozef Tiso was created. But thanks to the Slovak National Uprising (29.8.1944) our position changed to winners. After the WWII CSR was renewed but under the communist dictatorship. In 1968 CSSR was changed into a federal state and new process of democratization (known as Prague Spring) led by Alexander Dubcek was stopped by invasion of the Warsaw Pact troops in August. The years of normalization followed. In November 1989 so called Velvet Revolution changed almost everything. The new Slovak republic was estabilished on 1st of January 1993.

A relatively small territory is situated in the heart of Europe. Slovakia contains an immense source of natural, cultural and historical monuments. Who comes here even if for a short time, sees the countryside, visits typical villages and towns with historical sights and buildings. Natural beauty, favorable condition for summer and winter vacation, beautiful caves, thermal and mineral natural springs with healting effects, water areas, cultural and historical monuments, interesting castles and houses, typical lively folk architecture, folk art and folklore - all this can Slovakia offer to its visitors all year round.

Slovakia is largely a mountanious country. Only in the southren and sout–eastern there are the extensive lowlands : Záhorska, Podunajská and Výchotoslovenská. The lowest point of Slovakia is located near the town Streda nad Bodrogom (94m above the sea level).

Up to the half of Slovakia`s territory is taken up by the Carpatian Arch, mountains that stretch across the north, that contains several small ranges: The Small Carpathians and the White Carpathians, the Small Fatra and the Large Fatra, the High Tatras and the Low Tatras, and Slovenské Rudohoria Mountains.
In the west, The Small Carpathians, situated in the lenght of almost 100km from Bratislava (the capital). With its natural beauties this area attracts many tourists in every season of the year
The White Carpathians create a natural border between Slovakia and Czech Republic.
The Small Fatra, with Vrátna valley is the centre of the winter sports.
The High Tatras are the largests National Park of Slovakia, the highest mountains in the country. They are situated in the north of Slovakia, and create the border between Slovakia and Poland. In the flora of this area you can find 1500 species of various plants. And in the flora, there is still possible to see the bear, the lynx, wild cats, otters, mountine eagles, the chamios, the marmot and other animals.
The highest peak of High Tatras is the Gerlachovský Štít, with its 2655m is situated in the middle of whole massif. The peak Lomnický štít with its high of 2635m dominate in the eastern part and peak Kriváň with 2494m dominate in the wetstern part of High Tatras. Between them there are 25 more peaks higher than 2500m.
The High Tatras are also famous for its numerous valleys which are largely the results of glacial activity. There are more than 90 lakes in them. The largest and the deepest of the lakes is Veľké Hincovo pleso (53m deep and its surface covering 18,2ha). The most frequently visited lake of the High Tatras is Štrbské pleso situated in the heigh of 1355m. It is popular for wonderful views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The turists, who are interested in an old architecture should visit the town Starý Smokovec. It is one of the oldest settlements of of the High Tatras. Starý Smokovec, together with Nový and Horný Smokovec create an important administrative centre and the most significant resort of mountain turism, winter sports and rekreation all the year round. A funicular conects it with Hrebienok (1236m) at the foot of the peak Slavkovský štít. Hrebienok is a good starting–point for tours to the valleys: Veľká Studená dolina and Malá Studená dolina.
In the area of the Slovak Paradise are faunded nomerous karstic phenomena, subsurface corridors, rock windows, caves, roaring waterfalls, but also the vast plains and ridges with fascinating far-reaching views. The variety of vegetation was influenced by the diference in the temperature and humidity on the rosks headed by the sun and in the cool canyons. There are thermophilic plants on the plains and rocks while the narrows provide good conditions for mountainious species. Much of the area is covered with spruce, fir and maple.

Plentyful plant families support a variety of fauna too.The area of Slovak Paradisie has the good conditions for butterflies (1324 species), the lizards, the brown bear and the lynx. Numerous caves make good homes for various species of bats. The richness of fauna and flora and beautiful sceneries provides an atractivity for tourists. The village Čingov is the main holiday resort and the starting-point of the marked tourist routes.Other attractive places you can visite are:
11km long canyon on the river Hornád – Prielom hornádu; 14km long canyon of the river Hlinec - Stratená dolina and the oldest cave in Europe – Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa.

Most of the slovak rivers originate within its borders. Only four rivers bring water from neighboring countries: the Morava, the Danube, the Dunajec, and the Tisa. River Váh is the largest river of Slovakia and it empties into the largest river of Europe, into the Danube, which flows into the Black Sea.
Slovak rivers also abound in naturally attractive places. Especially in the High Tatras, or in the Slovak Paradise you can admire numerous small natural waterfalls, that were formed by glaciers. The 18km long waterfall Kmeťov vodopád in the High Tatras is the highest in Slovakia. Water reservoirs such as Hrušov, Orava, Liptovská Mara, Zemplínska Šírava became guite famous among water sport fans. Underground minerals and thermal springs are significant for recreational and physical therapy. About 1300 mineral springs are in Slovakia, with all types of mineral thermal waters.At the present time, mineral and thermal springs, natural curative sources and climatic conditions suitable for treatment are utulized for therapeutic purposes in 23 resorts. The most famous spa is Pieštany. Others, such as Trenčianske Teplice, Bardejov, Sliač, Dudince, as well as a few open air spas in the mountains, including Štbské Pleso and Nový Smokovec, also attract their share of grateful visitors.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovak Republik, has had a changing and colorful history. Bratislava is residence of Slovak President, the seat of the natoional, political, economical, social and scientifical bodies and institutions. It is the seat of country`s government and parliament. The most important university - the Comenius Univerzity seets in Bratislava., and also a number of other universities.

With the Slovak National Thatre and other diferent kinds of theatres, concert and exhibition halls, cinemas and various clubs it is the centre of country`s cultural life.
Situated at the cross-roads of important routes leading from the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea, and of the foot of mountains and confluence of two rivers, it became an important settlement in Celtic and Roman times. At the turn of the 5th and 6th centuries the Slavs and the Avars settled in its territory. In the 9th century Bratislava became an important town of the Great Moravian Empire. In 1291Bratislava had been granted full urban privilegies by king Andrew. The town grew in significance especially under the rules of king Sigismund of Luxemburg and Mathias Corvinus, who made Bratislava the base of their foreign policy towards their western neighbours. By rebuilding the castle and putting up a second line of the town`s fortification, Sigismund made of Bratislava a key place, while Mathias Corvinus, by estabilishing the university Academia Istropolitana (1465) turned Bratislava into a center of his empire. After the battle of Mohacs in 1526 when Turks defeated Hungarian troots Bratislava became the capital of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The hungarian kings and queens were coronated in the Ghotic Minister of St. Martin. The Hungarian assembly used to hold its meetings in a Baroque palace in the Michal Street. In modern times this place has served as an University Library.
There are around 300 unique historical places and buildings in the old premises of Bratislava which were turned into museums and galeries and are now opened for the public. In the Castle of Bratislava are exibithed the greatests treasures of the country`s ancient history such as a Paleontholic Venus, golden Paleontholic jewellery, Celtic coins, silver Roman dish and jewellery...
The Old Town Hall, the oldest town hall on the territory of Slovakia, is also a museum today. Its exposition include the Gothic wall paintings and a panel celing in the original chapel which is now hall.
The largest palace of the town is Primaciálny Palace, built in the classicist-baroque style. The palace serves primarily as a picture gallery. The most beautiful part of the palace is the Mirror Hall. Recently the representative rooms of Primaciálny Palace have served as a temporary residence of the president of Slovak Republik.
One of the most beutiful palaces built in rococo style is the Mirbach`s Palace. The Slovak National Galery is situated close to the river Danube. In the front park of the galery the viitors can admire sculptures. In the exhibition halls there is an exhibition of Slovak art from the 12th century up to the present days.
Apponyi`s Palace is situated in the centre of the Old town, near the Old Town Hall.

The visitors can see here various exhibitions connected with winemaking, the folk costumes, ceramics...
There are two historical museums shows at the history of the city: the museum of historical clocks called U dobrého pastiera, and an historical pharmacy museum called U červeného raka, which is situated near theMichal`s Tower. The exposition instaled in Michal`s tower informs about the fights which took place in Bratislava.
Košice, the metropolis of the East Slovakia has a long history.The permanent settlement existed on its territory since the Palaeontholic period. In the Middle ages, for its loccation on a trade route leading from the Balkans to the Baltic sea it gradually developedto an important economic and administrative centre of the region. Košice was garanted the town privilegies around 1290. And it was granted the town privilegies of the free royal town in 1342. The Turkish invassion stopped the developement of the town, and the town was rebuiltint to a strong anti-Turkish fortness.
The long centtral square is actually the boardenet main street running parallel with a trade route from the end of the 13th century. The late-Gothic Minster of St Elizabeth dominates the square. Built on the older parish church it ranks among the most notable Ghotic minster of Central Europe. The complex also includes St. Michel`s Chapel from the 14th century and Urban`s Tower with its famous bell, Urban.The exhibition from the anti-Habsburgs uprising you can find in The East-Slovak Museum. Among the noteworthy buildings representting the monuments of architecture of Košice belong the Levoča Housa, Mikluš Prison, classistic Town Hall, Rákoczi`s Palace (tachnical museum) and Dessewffz Palace (galery).

Banská Bystrica was in the past a famous mining town – „copper town“, and in present, its growing importance is very well evident to every visitor coming to the town. It is an important administrative, economic and cultural centre of the Central Slovakia. It is also a seat of one of the most recently estabilished universities, the University of Matej Bel, which is now only five years old. The centre of the town is dominated by the town castle which dates from the 14th century and the late Gothic town hall rebuilt in the 15th century. In the centre the visitors can admire Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses. One of them, the Thurzo`s house is now a museum with valuable archeological expositions. One of the most interesting memorials of Slovakia is the Museum and Memorial of the Slovak National Uprising.

It is situated in a monumental modern building but there is also a free space around in which heavy arms used in the uprising are placed.

Other famous cities:
Pezinok and Modra are the cities known all over the world as the largest producers of the wine.
Piešťany is the famous world health rezort with a lot of sanatoriums, spa-treatement houses. The symbol of the city is the crutch-breaker and mud-bath procedure.
Trenčín was in the past the seat of the famous sovereign Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. Nowadays, it is the town of fashion and industry. Zvolen has very interesting castle – Castle of Zvolen, which is an Gothic art museum.
Banská Štiavnica was known as a “silver town”. Nowadays, it is a famous historical town. Around the town you can visit very beautiful Štiavnické lakes.
Kremnica was called “gold town”, for its mining history. It is very bueutiful historical town, with historical buildings. The town is a centre of artists. Levoča is well known as and old historical town. In the city you can find the wooden works of the woodcarver master Paul.