Foto: The historic Trinity Square (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Slovakia - The historic town of Banská Štiavnica is centrally located. It is a completely preserved medieval town. Due to its historical value, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The heart of the town is the historic Trinity Square. The square is dominated by a monumental plague column and is used for events. The mineralogical museum is also located on this square. Banská Štiavnica has two castles: the so-called Old and New Castle. Both now serve as museums. We drive into the old city center over cobblestone streets. Right in front of a café, we find a parking spot. But how do we pay? People on the terrace tell us a man in an orange vest walks around — we can buy a ticket from him. But where is he? We decide to have a drink on the terrace first. That works — a bit later, the parking attendant appears. Just behind the terrace lies the Old Castle. Long ago, only a Gothic church stood on the hill. Later, it was converted into a fortress due to the Turkish threat. The church walls are still intact, though the roof is gone. We explore the watchtowers, the old prison, and the church building. Lastly, we climb the bell tower. From here, we have a great view of the center of Banská Štiavnica. The old center of this medieval town has been completely preserved and is listed as a World Heritage Site due to its historic value.
Spi Castle
Slovakia - Our first stop is the castle of Spišský. The ruins of this old castle lie strategically on a rocky outcrop. We can see the castle from far away — it’s no surprise this is one of the most photographed sights in Slovakia. The castle consists of three ...
The Slovak capital Bratislava
Slovakia - The hotel is located right at the edge of Bratislava's old town. We leave the hotel and head toward the baroque Grassalkovich Palace, the residence of the president of Slovakia. The Trinitarian Church is located near St. Michael’s Gate Tower. We walk ...
The Tatra Mountains
Slovakia - The Tatra Mountains are located along the border of Slovakia and Poland. The Tatras form an elongated mountain range stretching through northern Slovakia and southern Poland, continuing further into western Ukraine and Romania. The High Tatras, or Vysoké ...
The wooden houses of Vlkolinec
Slovakia - At breakfast, we realize there were more guests staying at the hotel after all — we thought we were the only ones. Near the hotel lies the museum village of Vlkolínec in the mountains. It’s less than a fifteen-minute drive away. Due to its sheltered ...