Top 10 Attractions In Slovakia
Slovakia or officially called the Slovak Republic is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south and Austria to the west. Slovakia takes up an area of about 49,000 square kilometers and the territory is mostly mountainous.
Slovakia is a country with so many great places to visit, it was difficult to compile a list of top 10 attractions but we were able to make a note of the best places that showcase the essence of the country the best.
1. Bojnice Castle
Bojnice Castle is built with Gothic, Romantic and Renaissance architectural elements. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle was reconstructed and renovated many times over the year. It is one of the most popular castles in Slovakia and visitors love the fairytale vibe. The castle also houses the Bojnice Museum which holds exhibits on architectural neo-styles and is part of the Slovak National Museum. The Bojnice Castle holds many attractions including the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, the Summer Music Festival and the popular Castle Fairytale attraction.
2. Church of St Elisabeth
Also known as the Blue Church, the Church of St Elisabeth is a Hungarian Secessionist Catholic church. The tourists can visit the church that stands out because of the bluish hue of its façade, mosaics, majolicas, and blue-glazed roof. The unique aspects of the church that cannot be missed include the cylindrical church tower, the barrel vault and the Romanesque double pillars seen next to the main and side entrances. Within the church, there are many altarpieces that depict St Elisabeth giving alms to the poor among other scenes.
3. Man at Work Cumil
A sculpture that can be found in Bratislava’s Old Town, Man at Work is a beautiful masterpiece. Designed by the Slovakian artist Viktor Hulik, the sculpture depicts a sewer worker who is resting at the top of a manhole watching the people passing by. The sculpture was installed and opened for the public in 1997. There are many other statues in the vicinity including Paparazzi, Napoleon, and Schoner Naci.
4. Michael’s Gate
In the medieval times, Bratislava was surrounded by fortified walls which had only four gates through which people could enter and exit. Michael’s Gate, the smallest of the four is the only one that remains and has been reserved since its construction in 1300. The tower houses the Museum of Arms where the visitors can learn about Bratislava’s fortification in detail from its construction to destruction in the 18th century. Under the gate, there are a number of restaurants and luxury shops such as Swarovski and Christian Dior.
5. Ancient Gerulata Rusovce
Ancient Gerulata Rusovce consists of the remains and findings of what was once part of a Roman military camp. Dating back to the 2nd to 4th century, visitors can explore the museum that houses all the items excavated at the site. The museum also has many items from the archaeological research on display. The artifacts found are made out of stone, ceramic, bronze and iron and tell a tale of Slovakia’s past that can’t be seen elsewhere.
6. Orava Castle
Situated over the Orava River, the Orava Castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing castles in the country. It was built in the 13th century and over time was destructed and then reconstructed. Tourists can now explore the castle and get awestruck by its neo-Gothic and Renaissance architecture as well as the beautiful grounds surrounding it. The castle also houses the Orava Museum that was founded in 1868.
7. Ochtinska Aragonite Cave
Discovered in 1954, Ochtinska Aragonite Cave is renowned for its unusual and rare aragonite structure. This carbonate mineral is a crystal that naturally forms from calcium carbonate and other forms of minerals. The cave is 300 meters long. Due to its exclusivity, the cave is really famous both among the tourists as well as locals. Ochtinska is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors coming here can walk through the Milky Way Hall and see clusters and branches of white aragonite that resembles the Milky Way.
8. Old Town Hall
Bratislava’s Old Town Hall comprises of a range of old buildings from the 13th century. It is also home to the Bratislava City Museum which is the oldest museum in Slovakia’s capital. The museum offers a better understanding of the city’s history as well as frequent exhibitions of medieval torture devices that can’t be found anywhere else. One can also head to the top of the tower in the Old Town Hall and enjoy a scenic view while clicking memorable photographs.
9. Primate’s Palace
Built for the Archbishop Jozsef Batthyany from 1778 to 1781, the Primate’s Palace is located in the Old Town of Bratislava. The neoclassical palace witnessed some historical events including the signing of the fourth Peace of Pressburg which ended the war of the Third Coalition. The palace now serves as the seat of the mayor of Bratislava. The visitor’s favorite spot in the palace is the courtyard that adorns a fountain of St George who was the legendary knight who fought a dragon in a struggle that is symbolically similar to the Catholic Church’s efforts to banish reformation of the city.
10. Slavin
Slavin is a military cemetery and memorial monument which was unveiled in 1960 in Bratislava. It was designed by the famous Slovak architect Jan Svetlik to memorialize the Soviet Army soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. More than 6,845 graves of soldiers, as well as the memorial towering over it, can be seen. The National Cultural Monument is about 40 meters high and sits atop a hall filled with statues, inscriptions, and sarcophagus made out of white marble. Surrounding Slavin, visitors can witness statues of famous Slovak artists as well.
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