This small beautiful country is widely known for its magnificent alpine ski resorts and numerous natural and historic places of interest. The most famous historic landmarks are located in the capital of the country, the city of Bratislava. The oldest university in the country is also located here. This is Universitas Istropolitana that was open in 1465. Nowadays, only one faculty works in ancient buildings of the university - the faculty of scenic art. The Bratislava Castle is one more sight of the medieval period. First mentions of the castle belong to the 10th century. During its centuries-long history the castle was rebuilt several times and changed its design significantly, until it was completely destroyed by fire in 1811. The ruins remained untouched for more than a hundred years and restoration of the castle started only in the 20th century. These days, the castle provides space for treasury and the National Museum.
The central square of Bratislava is home to a famous landmark - Stará radnica. This is a whole complex of beautiful buildings constructed in different years. The main town hall building was constructed in the 14th century. Two more buildings were added after the reconstruction, which took place in 1599, so nowadays the complex features a beautiful combination of renaissance and baroque styles. The town hall was a witness to many important historic events. In the 19th century a cannon smashed into the wall of the town hall. The cannon has remained there till our days and keeps reminding visitors of the Napoleon wars.
Magnificent churches remain the most famous landmarks of Kosice. The central street of the city is the location of St. Elisabeth Cathedral - the largest church in the country. The height of the main tower, which was built in the 11th century, is 59 metres. Beautiful gothic altar decorated with skillfully made drawings remains one of the most precious artifacts of the church. In the 15th century, St. Michael's Chapel was built near the cathedral. Inner premises of the chapel are no less interesting than its outer design as there are beautiful drawings and frescos that depict important historic events. Until the middle of the 18th century, a graveyard was located near the chapel. Later the graveyard was turned into a park.
Travellers should not forget to visit the ancient city of Trencin, which is mostly famous because of the Trencín Castle. The castle was built more than a thousand years ago during the reign of the Roman Empire. There is a small church in the territory of the castle, as well as several observation decks and spacious terraces.
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Cities and sights of Slovakia
