It feels like yesterday that we were living and working in Bratislava. Thinking about it brings back some of the best memories. In reality, it is now almost five years since we moved back north, but the Slovak capital is still a place we love to return to. This was the first time for Little…
It’s time to talk travel plans! August is here, and as I sit here in my parents’ living room I hear the rain. Hello autumn, I say, and start dreaming away. Actually we do have some travel plans that I’d like to share with you. Our Travel Plans for Autumn 2018 Four countries in two…
Námestie SNP, named in memory of the Slovak National Uprising of 1944, is a square that truly serves as the historical stage of modern Bratislava. It has seen empires rise and fall, revolutions begin, and a nation find its voice. The square’s identity has shifted over the years, reflected in its many previous names honoring…
The Primate’s Palace is a prominent historical building, and it stands in Bratislava’s Old Town. This impressive palace is a major landmark, so it attracts many visitors from around the world. Its location is just behind the Old Town Hall, yet its elegant pale pink facade is still remarkable. The building’s roof is topped with…
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…