SLOVAKIA

Slovak territories were occupied by the Celts around 450 BC, with settlements established in what is now Bratislava. By the year 6 AD, the Romans occupied these territories, founding settlements along the Danube. Later, it had its own barbarian kingdom of Vannius and subsequently Germanic principalities as the Slavic peoples began to arrive. There existed a short-lived Empire of Great Moravia until it was taken over by the Kingdom of Hungary and later by the Habsburgs with their Austro-Hungarian Empire so extensive that Bratislava was the capital of Hungary until 1848, when the capital was moved to Budapest.

After World War I, Czechoslovakia was formed, which included the regions of Bohemia and Moravia, not without having first experienced the brief Slovak Soviet Republic. In 1945, at the end of World War II, Czechoslovakia fell under the influence of the Soviet Union until the end of Soviet communism in 1989. Since 1993, it has been a republic with a parliamentary democratic political system.

             

According to the opinion of many experienced travelers, Bratislava is not a city distinguished by its beauty, although it certainly has its attractions, which were restored after the fall of the communist regime, when the historic center became pedestrianized. St. Martin's Cathedral, where several Hungarian kings were crowned, the Slovak National Theatre, and the Church of St. Elizabeth are must-visits, as is Bratislava Castle, which houses the city's Historical Museum.

Speaking of castles, Slovakia has a tourist route of castles. Among many, we can mention Devin Castle near Bratislava, Orava Castle, Bojnice Castle, which has the additional attraction of the International Festival of Ghosts and Monsters, held annually in late April or early May, and Spissky Hrad Castle, built in the 12th century on an earlier castle, belonged to the King of Hungary, and was the cultural, political, and administrative center of the county of Szepes.

While many travelers might not find Bratislava particularly attractive, it is fair to say that the most beautiful city in this country is Košice, also considered the cultural city of Slovakia to the extent that in 2013 it was the European Capital of Culture. Among its many attractions is St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, the largest in the country and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe.

Gothic Cathedral in Košice

The Carpathians is a mountain system that spans the entire northern area of Slovakia. Due to its cold climate in winter, there are popular places for skiing in the High Tatras. In summer, many people practice hiking and trekking in the Tatras mountains, and for mountaineers, Gerlachovský štít, the highest peak in Slovakia, is a real challenge with its 2,655 meters above sea level. Near the Tatras mountains is the Slovensky Raj National Park, which with its 44 caves, is a paradise for spelunkers and enthusiasts of this discipline, as well as for those who enjoy visiting caves. The Dobšiná Ice Cave is a marvel in itself for being an ice cave..

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Slovak culture has strong German, Austrian, Slavic, and Hungarian influences that are somewhat reflected in the music. To feel the Slovak atmosphere, let's enjoy a concert with the Slovak National Folklore Ballet Orchestra:

You should know that at Casa Europa Mexico in San Miguel de Allende, we had scheduled for this past April an exhibition that the Slovak Embassy was going to send. It had to be postponed due to the pandemic that affects us all equally. When this is over and things return to a permissible course, we will reschedule this Slovak art exhibition for San Miguel residents and visitors to enjoy in our galleries. Stay tuned, or we will notify you through the media if you are already registered as a friend of CEM.

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