Get to know our Slovakia
Basic information
Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over 5.4 million people.
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, which is closely related to Czech and other Slavic languages.
Slovakia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its neighboring countries such as Hungary, Austria, and Poland.
Slovakia gained its independence from Czechoslovakia in 1993, and has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, with a population of around 430,000 people.
Slovakia has a strong tradition of folk music and dance, with many traditional festivals and events held throughout the year.
Slovakia has a high-income economy with a GDP per capita of around $20,000, and is known for its strong automotive industry.
Slovakia is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Spiš Castle, the St. Martin's Cathedral, and the Orava Castle, which attract tourists from all over the world.
The Inventor and pioneer in wireless communication, Jozef Murgaš, was born in Slovakia - in Tajov. His most important achievement was the wireless transmission of the spoken word in front of witnesses.
Interesting facts
Folk culture
Slovakia’s world heritage also includes the fujara, a musical instrument with a very specific sound, as well as Terchovská muzika (Terchovská music) and the traditional Horehronské viachlasná (Horehronské viachlasná singing).
Protected animals
Slovakia values its natural wealth, which is why it has a number of natural parks on its territory. There are also many protected animals and valuable forests.
Čičmany
Among the typical Slovak motives is the pattern that decorates the Čičmanské dreveničky. It became world famous thanks to the Japanese edition of Vouge, who photographed his collection in Čičmany.
National food
In the 16th century, shepherding spread on our territory, and bryndzové halušky became our national dish. They were served by the Wallachians, who used to eat them from one large wooden bowl.
Unique nature
There are more than 7 000 known caves in Slovakia, which makes us one of the countries with the highest number of caves per capita in Europe. Many of them belong to the UNESCO list.
UNESCO monuments
In the north-east of Slovakia there are also unique wooden churches belonging to UNESCO. The oldest churches date back to the 16th century and some of them are still used for mass today.
Interesting cities
Bratislava
The capital city of Slovakia is a beautiful blend of old and new architecture. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many historical landmarks, including the Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Old Town.
Stara Lubovna
Visitors can tour the site to learn about life in Slovakia at the beginning of the 19th century and many of the dwellings are made from logs. A list of tourist cities in Slovakia is incomplete without it. Just as the log lodges there are additionally working structures, for example, blacksmith’s, a water factory, and a town school with the goal that guests can acquire about the nearby specialties of ancient times, just as a Catholic Church also made altogether of wood. At Lubovna Castle there are sees over the city from the protected perception towers just as a devoted nearby exhibition hall and visits accommodated guests.
Poprad
This city is well-loved in Slovakia due to its status as a holiday resort. Its historic center features Baroque and Renaissance architecture in the form of the Baptist, the Renaissance Bell Tower and the Church of John. It is considered one of the best cities to see in Slovakia. Where you can enjoy the thermal waters and the local saunas, as well as a whole host of other fun activities to take in all that the city has to offer head to the Aqua City Poprad such as water tobogganing and playgrounds. There are biking paths all over the city and you can even use these to indulge in another favorite activity in the city roller-skating for those looking for something more energetic.
Trencín
Near the border with the Czech Republic, the city of Trencín is a historic region known for the dominating yet beautiful Trencín Castle that lies atop a rock. The whole castle is medieval in style and is split into the upper and lower parts of the castle, two sites. This beautiful city in Slovakia also features a traditional town square that faces Baroque buildings and churches, and tourists across the world can spend an afternoon exploring the winding streets that lead off the square. The square is home to boutiques, galleries, and local arts and crafts shops. It is perfect for buying souvenirs. A large music festival is held every year in the city apart from a glimpse of the past.
Levoca
If you are a fan of Renaissance architecture come to the town of Levoca. This famous city in Slovakia has in abundance, including the Roman Catholic Church of St James whose claim to fame is that it has the highest carved wooden altar in Europe. The Old Town is still encircled by the original town walls and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the town square, you will find the Old Town Hall which is now a museum for those who want to learn more about the region, as well as the iron cage that still sits in the square with the rather alarming name, ‘The Cage of Shame’ which was used in days gone by to punish criminals.
Nitra
Nitra located in western Slovakia is home to the oldest historical remnants especially those related to the early establishment of Christianity. It has turned its fortune to become the most successful agricultural center in Slovakia with a population of 80,524 people. It is also known as one of the best cities to visit in Slovakia.
Presov
Presov is a regional administrative center of Eastern Slovakia and one of the top cities to visit in Slovakia. Such as the old town, castles, and pools, it has many tourist attractions centers. Like Baroque and Gothic architecture, the old town is characteristic of various architectural styles. It was a wealthy town with opal mines and salt mines that continue to exist even today during the early renaissance period.
Zilina
This important city in Slovakia is rapidly becoming one of the most important centers of international manufacturing. With a population of 108,114 people, it is a mid-sized town and the third most populous city in Slovakia. It is one of the best cities in Slovakia to visit. Including arcaded squares, representative of the native Slovakian designs, Zilina has a unique architecture. With numerous museums, 3D digital theaters, and exclusive shopping outlets, it is an important cultural center.
Košice
Having a population of at least 355,047 people, Košice is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia. It is the main industrial hub and the administrative capital of the Eastern region of Slovakia. Such as the US Steel giant plant, which houses major companies. Near the eastern reaches of the Slovak Ore Mountains, the city is located along river Hornád. With several distinct ethnic groups such as Hungarians, Romani, Ukrainians, Germans, and Czechs close to the Hungarian border, Košice is a culturally diverse city. It was named the European capital of culture in 2013, together with Marseille.
Banska Stiavnica
Banska Stiavnica is one of the cities to visit in Slovakia that got rich thanks to the gold and silver mines in its surroundings. technical monuments and historic buildings have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Including the Old and New Castle and the beautiful Calvary are the most important monuments. There are countless historical buildings that can be found within the city which include mansions, churches, and fortifications since it was first settled back in the 9th century. Very interesting is the renovated city center that is also very romantic especially during the summer months when you can find lots of pubs, cafes, and restaurants featured with typical folklore live music here.
Tips for trips
