Too Square to be Hip
A narcissist's guide to travel and culture
Located in the heart of central Slovakia, Banská Bystrica is intricately tied in with the history of the Slovak mining industry just like its neighbour Banská Štiavnica. In fact, in the Slovak language, Banská means mine and in this case we speak of copper mines. With the help of deep shaft miners from Germany, this …
Although it would not appear to be so from its population count, the Slovak city of Martin is among the top ten largest in the country. This is even more remarkable due to its remote northern location. Yet it is this unique geographical situation that allowed the isolated city to become the heart of the …
In the north-western quadrant of Slovakia, lies a region in the shadows of great mountain ranges and eclipsed by time itself. Yet in the 20th century, it was home to the Slovak National Revival and hosted one of the most remarkable events in Slovak history the Černová massacre at the Church of its most charismatic …
Perched above an artificial pound, clinging to a nook, is a grand romantic monument, one that can’t decide if it wants to be Gothic or Renaissance. From it innards emerge a series of soaring round spires plastered onto rectangular contraptions hosting beautiful arched windows. This is Bojnice, one of Europe’s most impressive castles and one …
Located high above sea level, in the northern reaches of Slovakia, lies a tiny hint of civilization among the vast expanses of the mountain range. A place where alpine hills look more like those of Austria, with their bright green grass, and the wilderness of the Veľká Fatra, range extends as far as the eyes …
Slovakia’s industrial queen, the northern city of Žilina has experienced a remarkable reinvention in recent years. Industry has not abandoned it, quite the contrary, but the city has modernized with the times to highlights its remarkable historical core. With reinvention has come a degree of success, something that Žilina deeply deserves. I did not expect …
Pitched on a rocky ridge in the Little Carpathians, not far from the town of Nové Mesto, this famed fortress was once home to Hungary’s most famous serial killer the countess Elizabeth Báthory. Known in folklore to bathe in the blood of virgins, to restore her beauty and youth, her legend still holds our imagination …
Under the protection of the emerald mountains of Central Slovakia, this village has thrived for centuries. Its distinct “gingerbread” homes, lumber dwellings with stunning painted motifs, are the perfect representation of the Slovak folk like. Welcome to Čičmany, one of the prettiest places in Slovakia! How to Reach to Village There is little way to …
As you approach the city of Trenčín from the south, a strange feature emerges suddenly from the a rock in the landscape. That would be Beckov castle and its distinctive Gothic chapel located near the rocky peak! Yet Beckov is just one of the many beautiful things to do in this small slice of Western …
The eighth largest municipality in a country of smaller urban centers, I did not expect more then a sleepy Western Slovak town. After all the city was a backwater during Roman times, serving as the northernmost outpost of that empire in Central Europe. Yet Trenčín, a city with a massive castle that can be seen …
