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Slovakia

Right in the heart of Europe, Slovakia is a land of castles and mountains, occasionally punctuated by industrial sprawl. More than a quarter-century after Czechoslovakia's break-up, Slovakia has emerged as a self-assured, independent nation. Capital city Bratislava draws visitors to its resplendent old town and tankard-clanking drinking culture. But Slovakia shines brightest for lovers of the outdoors. Walking trails in the High Tatras wend through landscapes of unearthly beauty, with mirror-still glacier lakes backed by 2000m peaks.

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Experience the real

　　Limestone pinnacles and thick forest conspire to make Vrátna Valley one of Slovakia's most majestic areas to hike or ski. A scenic road winds south from Terchová up through craggy Tiesňavy Gorge, past picnic sites and roadside lookouts, to Vratna Výt'ah cable-car station. It hauls you to Snilovské saddle (1524m)...

Must-see attractions

　　Crowning a travertine hill above Spišské Podhradie village, this vast, Unesco-listed fortification is one of Central Europe's biggest castle complexes. Its bulwarks and thick defensive walls date to the 12th century (at the latest), and once guarded Hungarian royals and nobles from flying arrows. Highlights of the four-hectare site, connected...

　　A statue of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary crowns Košice's 14m-high 'plague column'. Raised in 1723, this masterful baroque sculpture is a symbol of gratitude for Košice surviving numerous plagues and wars, in particular an epidemic in 1709–10. ...

East Slovak Gallery

　　A thoughtfully curated gallery space with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, the East Slovak Gallery also has a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century regional art. Most atmospheric are the underground chambers peopled with religious statues; among the oldest is a fine 14th-century sculpture of St John the Baptist. ...

Lower Gate Underground Museum

　　The underground remains of medieval Košice – lower gate, defence chambers, fortifications and waterways dating from the 13th to 15th centuries – were only uncovered during construction work in 1996. Get lost in the maze-like passages of the archaeological excavations at the south end of the square, which include the...

East Slovak Museum

　　Choose your own adventure at this sizeable regional museum with two distinct galleries. 'Centuries in Art’ offers richer cultural insights, with 16th-century woodcarvings, silversmithery and Gothic art, along with lavish parlour furniture from the 18th century onwards. Better for kids is the ‘Carpathian Nature’ exhibition, with antler-lined hallways, dinosaur figurines...

　　Art studios and traditional workshops line quaint Hrnčiarska, including herbalists, blacksmiths, potters and purveyors of precious stones. Some of their crafts haven't changed in 200 years; others use timeworn techniques to create contemporary designs. A few businesses along this cobbled lane have traditional crafts demonstrations, while others house arty coffee...

　　Much of Košice's finery is assembled along Hlavné nám, a long plaza with flower gardens, fountains and cafes on either side. Stroll past the central musical fountain to experience its hourly chimes (and, at night, the multicoloured light show). Across from the fountain is the State Theatre, a baroque beauty...

Rodošto & Mikluš Prison

　　This complex's motley attractions form a whirlwind tour of Košice's history. In the bastion, whose walls date to the 15th century, Košice is revealed as a powerhouse of medieval weapons production: you'll see cannonballs, coats of arms and well-dressed horse mannequins. Adjoining is a replica of the house in which...

Cathedral of St Elizabeth

　　This 14th-century cathedral dominates Košice's main square, its gables bristling above tall, stained-glass windows while colourful roof tiles evoke a resplendent scaled dragon. One of Europe's easternmost Gothic cathedrals, 60m-long St Elizabeth is the largest in the country. Ascend 160 stone steps up the narrow stairwell of 59.7m-tall Sigisimund Tower...

Hviezdoslavovo Námestie

　　At least once during your visit to Bratislava, you'll stroll along this tree-lined plaza, bypassing embassies, tourist-magnet bars and some of the city's grandest buildings. The square's primary meeting spot is the statue of renowned Slovak poet Hviezdoslav. 　　At Hviezdoslavovo's east end, the ornate 1886 Slovak National Theatre steals admiring...

Roland's Fountain

　　Planted in the heart of Bratislava's most storied square, Roland's Fountain is said to have been erected in 1572 to serve as a public water supply. It's also referred to as Maximilian's Fountain, having been sculpted thanks to financial contributions from the Hungarian king of that name. 　　According to a...

　　The sci-fi silhouette of Bratislava's 'UFO bridge' came at a heavy cost. Period mansions and an old synagogue were sacrificed for the construction of the highway and bridge in 1972. Consequently the sight of this 95m-high modernist marvel, crowned with a flying saucer, is bittersweet for locals. 　　The bridge's pedestrian...

St Martin's Cathedral

　　The coronations of 19 royals have taken place within three-nave St Martin's Cathedral, alluded to by the 300kg replica crown atop its spire. The interior of this 14th-century Gothic sanctuary has four chapels dedicated to saints and luminaries, a horseback statue of St Martin, and huge rib vaults and stained-glass...

Bratislava Castle

　　Magnificently rebuilt in Renaissance style, Bratislava Castle looks as though it has been transplanted from a children's picture book. Inside is a history museum, though many chambers feel empty and underutilised. The castle's oldest original feature is the 13th-century Crown Tower; climb it for bird's-eye views. Another highlight is the...

Museum of City History

　　Rove through Bratislava's past in the former town hall. First, scale the tower for a lookout over Bratislava. Then tour the exhibition rooms; loveliest of all, despite the dreary name, is the Hall of the Extended Municipal Council and the Court House, with brightly coloured ceilings, Gothic flourishes and stained...

　　Dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary in 1913, the early-20th-century 'Blue Church' is a vision in sapphire and powder-blue. From its undulating arches and ceramic roof tiles to the tip of its clock tower (36.8m), it's a marvel of art nouveau design. 　　During the limited opening hours, you can step...

Hlavné Námestie

　　The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction, notably the Stará Radnica (Old Town Hall), a complex of attractive 14th- and 15th-century Gothic buildings, and Palugyayov Palác, a neobaroque former palace. 　　Roland's Fountain, at the square's...

Latest stories from Slovakia

　　This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in a bucolic location, 2km south of central Martin. Wander between timber buildings (a few have richly dressed interiors) and learn how to discern an Oravian farmhouse from a Turiec-style hut; the...

Slovenský Raj National Park

Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

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