Banská Štiavnica is a historic town in central Slovakia, and it is known for its well-preserved medieval character. The town is located in the center of a large caldera, and this volcanic crater has now become the Štiavnica Mountains. With a population of around 10,000 inhabitants, the town offers an impressive surrounding landscape. The town…
Today, it can be difficult to imagine how hard it once was to cross borders in Europe. For many of us, it feels completely normal to travel freely between countries thanks to the Schengen Agreement. It can seem unreal that there were once guards, fences, and strict border controls. One of the most infamous of…
Two very different buildings in B Bratislava share an important cultural task, for they both house the Slovak National Theater. It is difficult to miss the Old Slovak National Theater, and it is one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city’s historic center. Located at the head of Hviezdoslav Square, this elegant Neo-Renaissance building…
Hronsek is a small village in central Slovakia, and it is home to little more than 600 inhabitants. It is located in the Banská Bystrica Region, not far from the larger cities of Zvolen and Banská Bystrica. The village stands by the Hron, which is the second-longest river in Slovakia. Despite its small size, Hronsek…
Bratislava’s Old Town has many beautiful historical buildings, and the Old Town Hall is one of its most prominent. The building, known as Stará radnica in Slovak, stands on the city’s Main Square. Its tall tower with a colorful tiled roof is a key feature, and it is an impressive sight for any visitor. The…
Slightly before the Second World War, Czechoslovakia built several fortifications along its borders. A key section of this defensive line ran very near Bratislava. These fortified parts were along the Slovak-Austrian border, just a few kilometers from the capital’s center. It was during this time of great uncertainty that Bunker BS-3 was built, and its…
In the years leading up to the Second World War, Czechoslovakia constructed a massive line of fortifications. This defensive system followed its borders, and a key section ran very near Bratislava. These defenses were built along the Slovak-Austrian border between 1936 and 1937. Bunker BS-2, also known by its nickname “Mulda,” was one of these…
There are few places in Europe that can offer such magnificent castle ruins as the small village of Beckov. This small place is indeed worth a visit, and it is located in the Trenčín Region in the north-western part of Slovakia. The village is home to approximately 1,300 inhabitants. It is a picturesque community, and…
A drive into the town of Zvolen is in some ways reminiscent of arriving in the capital Bratislava. The first thing that catches the eye is a large castle. This small city, with approximately 43,000 inhabitants, holds a surprisingly rich history and serves as a key hub in central Slovakia. It is the 12th largest…
Donovaly is a small village and a major mountain resort located in central Slovakia. It is situated in a valley between the Veľká Fatra and Low Tatras national parks. This location makes it a prime destination for outdoor activities throughout the year. The village is part of the Banská Bystrica Region and serves as a…
Most Apollo is one of three bridges that connect the center of Bratislava with the large residential district of Petržalka on the other side of the Danube River. The other two central bridges are the famous Most SNP, also known as the UFO Bridge, and the historic Starý Most, or the Old Bridge. For a…
The oldest public park in Central Europe is located in Bratislava, and you can find it just across the Danube River in the Petržalka district. Sad Janka Kráľa, or Janko Kráľ Park, has its origins long before the Slovak Republic became an independent nation. The park was established as early as 1774-76, and it has…