Technical monuments Západné Slovensko

The Bratislava city district of Staré Mesto attracts tourists as well as locals with many attractions, whether cultural, artistic, or historical. Each of them has its own story. Michalská brána is among them as well. It is the only preserved gate from the original four through which people once entered the fortification of medieval Bratislava.

It received its name from the settlement and church of St. Michael, which was located in front of the fortification. In the 16th century, it was demolished due to the Turks. The settlement is now recalled only by a pink gravestone incorporated into the masonry of the tower. It is visible upon entering it, from the inner side, at approximately the height of the third floor.

The tower was built at the end of the 14th century, but throughout its lifetime it underwent many renovations and alterations. It is a fascinating blend of various styles, as there is a noticeable Gothic influence in the lower part of the tower, the upper floors bear hints of the Renaissance, and the elegant tower with a bulbous dome originated during the Baroque period. In the past, a drawbridge, a drawbridge tower, and strong drawbridge gates were also part of it.

The massive tower soars to a height of 51 meters. Once, a trade route to Moravia led through its gate. Today, the marking of the historical coronation route passes through the gate. Balancing on its tip is a copper statue of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon, created by Peter Eller. Over time, the statue was significantly damaged and was removed from the tower in 1845. During its repair, a box containing literal historical treasures was removed from it. Among others, a copper plate engraved with text about the author of the statue, banknotes and copper coins from the time of the statue's last repair, a list of city council members, and two pieces of parchment. One of them contained text written in Latin. It stated that the statue was crafted during the reign of Maria Theresa and repaired during the reign of Francis I. There was also a list of saints and their relics stored in a silver-plated box.

On the right side, right next to the gate, house number 15 is seemingly glued to Michalská veža. It is a rarity. With its width of 1.3 meters, it is likely the narrowest house in Bratislava, as well as in all of Europe. Another point of interest is the kilometer zero marker with compass points, displaying the distances to 29 European and world capitals. Furthermore, a laser beam is emitted from the southern window of the tower, indicating the route of the original Korzo promenade.

In the Middle Ages, bad deeds were punished in truly cruel ways. There were so-called cages of shame where the offender was placed. When the Bratislava cage of shame was removed and stored in the municipal depot, a pillory was erected in front of Michalská brána. The offender was hung on it with a large, heavy stone ball attached to their leg. Passersby could spit on them.

When you step out onto the balcony of Michalská brána, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the castle hill, the villa neighborhood on the hills, the historical city center, and the individual roofs and towers of Bratislava. Inside the tower is Múzeum zbraní. While climbing up the tower across seven floors, visitors will view medieval weapons and armor, tournament equipment, firearms, and an exhibition of all the crafts related to the defense of the medieval city.

Especially during exam periods, the surroundings of Michalská brána are often full of silently walking students. Rumor has it that if a lazy student manages to walk through the alley under the arches of Michalská brána without uttering a single word, they will surely pass their exam. Whether true or a myth, a large number of them try it every year.

When you come to admire the individual attractions in Bratislava, definitely do not miss Michalská brána, one of the iconic symbols of our capital city. However, not only this place deserves your attention, which is why we recommend making a multi-day trip to Bratislava. The pages accommodation Bratislava and specifically accommodation Bratislava Staré mesto will help you choose the right accommodation, leaving you only with planning your trip.

Kolonádový most v Piešťanoch is among the longest covered bridges in Slovakia. It is also nicknamed the Sklený most because one of its sections is completely glazed. When visiting the spa town of Piešťany, do not miss a walk across the bridge. You might just meet someone interesting there.

Spanning the Váh river, this masterpiece was designed by the architect Emil Belluš. The bridge ranks among functionalist structures in Slovakia. It replaced the original wooden bridge that connects the town center with the spa island. It is a fantastic pedestrian bridge that is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. A walk across it will leave you with a wonderful experience, as this is precisely where you can connect with other people, for instance while admiring the exhibited works.

Not only on the bridge but also in its surroundings, you can meditate and enjoy peaceful days in Piešťany. At its entrance on the town side stands the bronze statue of the barlolámač, the symbol of the spa town. In the year of its completion, namely in 1933, glass etchings entitled Detvy piesne and Na salaši were placed on the bridge. They were crafted by Martin Benka, and each consists of four panels. Today, these are classified among the movable cultural landmarks of the town. During World War II, the head of the spa protected them with his own body, and subsequently, to prevent the originals from being destroyed by vandals, they were replaced with replicas.

After walking across the bridge, you will certainly notice the facade carved with Latin inscriptions. On the town side, the loose translation reads Najuzdravujúcejšie piešťanské kúpele, and on the other side of the island it reads Vstaň a choď, which symbolizes the biblical scene where Jesus heals a paralytic.

So that you can walk across this bridge every day and perhaps enjoy the atmosphere of the town, which features various age groups, book your accommodation near Kolonádový most v Piešťanoch. You will not regret coming in spring when everything is blooming, nor in summer when a sightseeing boat cruises the Váh. In autumn, you can simply enjoy all the colors that the local nature bursts with, and in winter, you can relax your body in the spa.

Piešťany is popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. Thanks to its excellent location, seniors who prefer hotels in Piešťany will find what they are looking for here. Their range of services is truly extensive and provided at a high standard. If you come as a family with children, we recommend apartments instead. Of course, the choice of accommodation is entirely up to you! We will gladly help you.

Riding the Lesná železnica Katarínka is an experience for all age groups. It is located near the village of Naháč, but falls under the cadastre of the village of Dechtice. Feel free to plan a trip to Malé Karpaty and enjoy a wonderful time.

This narrow-gauge railway once served to transport timber from the surrounding forests directly to a chemical factory. At that time, the forests were the property of Count Jozef Pálffy. On his order, the chemical factory together with the forest railway was built during that period. Although it operated for only a few years, a group of enthusiasts from the count's lodge put it back into operation in 1997. The railway as such is not very long. Its track is approximately 600 meters long. As it was restored, it does not copy the exact rail layout of that time. Currently, it is situated more in the mountains, close to a tourist-sought attraction, namely Zrúcanina Kláštora svätej Kataríny. It is also on this basis that it received the name it boasts today. Riding a historical passenger train or watching a mining locomotive run with carriages of many types is an experience for everyone. You can see with your own eyes a limestone freight wagon, a passenger wagon with a brake.

If you decide to go for a ride on this railway, it is good to make sure in advance whether it is running. You can board at the depot and enjoy the charming romance of a clacking train with occasional warning signals along the narrow tracks. You might tire out your children so much that you will appreciate finding accommodation near Lesná železnica Katarínka.

In the village, in addition to the ride, you can view the aforementioned Zrúcanina Kláštora Katarínka. It is wonderful to soak in the atmosphere of the surrounding nature during a hike to this attraction in Dechtice. Families with older children might rather appreciate one of the manor houses located in the area. At Kúpalisko Dobrá Voda, not only couples can cool down their overheated bodies. Everything there is to do in the surroundings of Dechtice as well as all accommodation options in Dechtice can be found on our portal MegaUbytovanie.sk.

In the beautiful environment of a floodplain forest, only 2 km from the village of Tomášikovo, in Southern Slovakia, you will find an architectural gem, Vodný kolový mlyn. In 1893, it was built by the miller János Maticza and has been preserved in its original state to this day. It is located at the confluence of the Malý Dunaj and Suchý potok. Tomášikovský vodný mlyn is an external exhibition of the Vlastivedné múzeum v Galante.

The wooden millhouse building features a shingle roof and a large paddle driving wheel with a diameter of 7 meters. Its structure stands on original acacia stilts. Inside, you will find an original interior with photographs as well as an authentic miller's room with a wooden plank bed, a slit window, and a small table. The interior also houses milling tools and sacks in which ground flour and grain were stored.

The mill ground flour for a respectable 67 years, almost 20 hours every day. An interesting fact is that in 1940 a dynamo was installed in it, and thanks to this, it also operated on electric drive. Did you know that it is one of the few preserved watermills in Slovakia with operational mill machinery?

In 1982, it was restored and today serves as a technical monument of folk milling in Southern Slovakia. You can reach it from the bank via a wooden footbridge. Located near it is a popular paddlers' campsite.

After this pleasant excursion, you can stay on the bank, lay out a blanket, pull out a picnic basket full of treats, and enjoy precious moments with your family. At the end of the day, check in with good people right in the village. Beautiful accommodation near Vodný mlyn Tomášikovo can be found on the page accommodation in Tomášikovo. During your stay, you can make trips to the surrounding area and discover other interesting attractions of the Podunajská nížina lowland, of which there are plenty.

Vodný mlyn Jelka, also known as Némethov mlyn, is situated in the beautiful natural environment of the village of the same name, on the banks of the Malý Dunaj river. It is originally a ship mill that was converted into a stake mill in 1905. In Central Europe, it is considered a rarity as it has three floors. The mill in Jelka is an exhibition of the Vlastivedné múzeum v Galante.

The location in which it is situated is tailor-made for water mills. This is also confirmed by statistics from the past. In 1866, there were approximately 37 mills on the Malý Dunaj, 4 of which were in Jelka. By 1902, there were already 7 of them in Jelka, named after their owners. Némethov mlyn, which was the first in order from upstream, is currently open to the public. The first mention of it dates back to 1894.

In the past, mills served their economic function. However, the technical nature of the mills over time hindered progress in the milling process, and their location also impeded watercraft traffic. In 1885, the so-called Water Act was passed, on the basis of which all water mills that conflicted with police orders regarding navigation safety were abolished. This led to the aforementioned conversion of the mill into a stake mill. The reconstruction lasted from 1900, and the mill began milling again in 1906. Rye was mostly milled here, and according to the former owner's stories, farmers came to this mill from great distances to have their grain milled into flour or semolina. This continued until 1951, when the mill ceased operation.

The dominant feature of the mill is the wooden mill building. The technological equipment of the mill consists of three systems. The drive system is formed by a paddle water wheel with bottom drive. The transmission system consists of a main gear wheel and another pair of wheels, with a conical pinion transferring the rotational movement. The third system, the working or milling system, is formed by the entire technology, in which every detail fit together precisely to ensure the flawless operation of the mill.

You can reach the mill via a dirt field road heading from Jelka towards Dunajská Streda. When you arrive, be sure to visit the open-air museum located nearby as well. It will introduce you to the agricultural past of the village of Jelka. Naturally, refreshment options near the mill are also available. Anyone wishing to camp or anchor a boat is also in the right place.

Water mills belong to an interesting part of history, especially in the southern regions of our country. Book accommodation near Vodný mlyn v Jelke, for example on the page accommodation Jelka or accommodation in district Galanta, and set off on the footsteps of our ancestors. It was not so long ago that the mills were still operating regularly. Perhaps during your trip, you will run into locals who remember stories from this era passed down by their grandparents.

During your visit to the village of Jahodná in the Dunajská Streda district, you cannot miss the view of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter and Paul. However, the village was also known for milling, which was reflected in the lives of the inhabitants who built an interesting water mill here on the adjacent parts of the Malý Dunaj.

On the calm surface of the Malý Dunaj river with its constant water flow, a total of 11 mills were built. Only 4 have survived to the present day. One of them is the wheel water mill in Jahodná, which has been restored and declared a technical monument of folk milling.

One of the main components of human nutrition was grain and grain products. These were processed in this area by grinding in water mills. Looking at this structure, you will find that it is a single-story brick building. It was built around 1920. Due to a lack of financial resources, the mill had to be sold to a new owner, namely Západoslovenské energetické závody. That is also why it is not accessible to the general public today.

The mill is among the sought-after attractions of this village. You can reach it via a cycling loop that starts and ends in Dunajská Streda. Its length is 57 km, including a stop at this mill. The second way to visit this place is by floating along the educational trail that starts in Tomášikovo. The loop is 10 km long. Along this route, you will also see another water mill in Tomášikovo.

The environment is peaceful and thus mainly attracts the attention of tourists who need relaxation in nature. Some choose a slightly more adventurous program and do not hesitate to pitch their tent near the mill. At night, it is beautiful to observe the sky studded with glowing stars. However, it is more pleasant to spend your stay in accommodation at the water mill Jahodná.

Not everyone can appreciate the beauty of such a unique structure. That is why many visitors choose one of the other leisure options for their program. Riding at the Czajlik ranch is among the favorites. During hot summer days, you can cool your sun-heated bodies in the Thermal park Dunajská Streda. In addition to swimming pools, you will also find a number of attractions, wellness, or a lake with a rich offer of water sports. Cat lovers will be pleased by the opportunity to visit Malkia Park, which is a sanctuary for abused and unwanted animals.

We believe that you will fully enjoy your stay by the water mill in this village. You can make it special by accommodation in chalets in Jahodná, which offer sufficient privacy even for larger groups of guests. Alternatively, book one of the comfortable apartments, from where you will have the opportunity to set out for other attractions in Jahodná. We will be happy to help you choose the best accommodation on our website.

When visiting the Podunajský región region, you can also stop in the village of Dunajský Klátov. It will charm you not only with its picturesque nature, but also with an interesting technical monument in the outskirts of the village, which is an old watermill. It is located right on the bank of the Klátovské rameno of the Malý Dunaj.

This cultural historical monument is a typical example of an undershot watermill. It was converted into its current form in 1920. The mill was still functional in the 1940s. 10 years later, a new bridge was built in the area, and the water to the mill was diverted to the side. The mill thus lost its original function. However, in the 2nd half of the 1980s, the state purchased the mill and declared the surrounding area a protected area with several protected plant and animal species. It was opened to the public only in 1987. In 2016, it underwent another complete reconstruction. An exhibition of water milling with original equipment was subsequently set up on its premises.

And what does this mill look like today? Imagine a two-story building with a gabled roof. The millhouse building is brick, and the wheel together with the drive system are located in a wooden extension. This facility consists of a mill wheel, which forms the drive system. This is followed by the transmission and working systems. During your visit to this place, take note of the industrial metal windows as well.

Visit this place and, in addition to the watermill, enjoy the pier with a view of the calm water surface. In the village, you can also take a walk to the Roman Catholic chapel and quiet yourself in prayer beside it. Do not miss the opportunity to go horseback riding at Czajlik Ranch either. As part of your itinerary, you can go see other watermills located in the surrounding area. On hot summer days, you can relax in the pools of Thermalpark Dunajská Streda. You can also entertain your children with a visit to Malkia Park, which is home to big cats.

When exploring the region, it is good to think about how you will end your evening. You can head either home or to accommodation near the watermill in Dunajský Klátov. In our offer of accommodation facilities on our website, we have beautiful rooms in guesthouses. Located on the riverbank are also stunning cottages in Dunajský Klátov. It all depends on you which type of accommodation facility you choose as the place for your temporary stay.

The town of Kolárovo can pride itself on two attributes right away. The first is that it is one of the largest towns located on Žitný ostrov. The second attribute is being a town with the longest covered wooden river bridge in Central Europe.

Kolárovo is a town lying in the komárňanský okres district. During your visit, you can view interesting monuments, but also gems such as the unique all-wooden bridge. This bridge connects the banks of the Malý Dunaj. The bridge is located in the middle of the northern part of Kolárovo. It is up to you what means of transport you choose.

The bridge was first built in 1877. Before this period, a ferryman operated at this place. In the 1950s, the bridge was destroyed by moving ice floes. Only the original piers remained, which still remind local residents of the original bridging of the riverbed today. The bridge got a second chance at its restoration in 1992, when it was newly built. Thanks to acacia piers and special treatment with a preparation from Kutná Hora, it stands here to this day. And it is allegedly going to stand for another 150 years. It received the title of the longest wooden bridge only in 1997. From the original 62 m, it was extended to 86 m. The highest point on it reaches a height of 2.25 m. To protect it from adverse weather conditions, locals had it covered.

The popular bridge in Kolárovo is sought after not only by local residents, but also by foreign tourists. On its other bank, you can relax in a beautiful area built in the spirit of traditional countryside. Definitely do not miss the water mill either, which belongs to the last floating water mills in Slovensko. The Múzeum vodného mlynárstva is established on its premises. You can refresh yourself with a drink during hot summer days in a nearby pub with interesting architecture. You can also admire the beauty of virgin nature from the wooden shelter near the bridge.

This place is an ideal choice for walks. Everyone will be pleased by the sun rays reflecting on the calm water surface. Thanks to the fact that a fishing revir is declared here, fishermen will also be delighted. To enjoy your time at this place as best as possible, we recommend booking accommodation near the dreveným moste Kolárovo wooden bridge. Know that you will have right 2 attractions of Kolárovo in one place.

You can also look at the mentioned water mill. A bit further from this town is the Chránený areál Dropie protected area, where our largest gallinaceous bird, the great bustard, winters after snow falls. As part of your day program, you can also visit Easy Ranch, where horseback riding is possible. Watch the stars dancing in the sky on the premises of the Slovenská ústredná hvezdáreň. To relax in the water at the end of the day, visit the Plaváreň Relax komplex swimming pool. You can swim, lounge around, or make use of one of the beautification procedures here.

You are guaranteed entertainment for the whole day in the town. The best for you will be carefree exploration of the region from accommodation in Kolárovo. You can choose from offered apartments or choose private accommodation in Kolárovo as your temporary overnight stay. We will be very glad if you manage to book accommodation through our portal and enjoy a perfect time at this place.

An inverted pyramid. This is also how the architectural gem of Bratislava, the Budova Slovenského rozhlasu building, can be described. Due to technological and structural complexity, its construction took as long as 16 years. The authors of this original building are a trio of architects: Štefan Svetko, Štefan Ďurkovič, and Barnabáš Kissling. The project originated back in 1967 at a time when socialist realism dominated Slovak art. Stop by and take a look at this 80-meter unique structure, which proudly holds the title ”Building of the Century in Slovakia". You can find the headquarters of Slovenský rozhlas in Bratislava's Staré Mesto.

The radio building features generous interior spaces, a top-tier concert hall, and well-equipped recording studios. Suspended in space on a steel structure with springs, the concert hall houses one of the largest organs in Central Europe, featuring 6,300 pipes. Outstanding acoustics offer visitors a unique musical experience. Office spaces are located around the entire perimeter of the building, behind which lies an atrium and an inner pyramid. Glass facades provide views of the surroundings and ensure plenty of daylight inside.

The first test broadcast from this building took place in 1984. Regular broadcasting of Slovenský rozhlas was launched on March 27, 1985. Since its completion, the building has undergone no major reconstruction, meaning most of the equipment is original. Throughout the entire building, you will find a single type of carpet, a single type of floor tiling, and a single type of railing. The massive pedestal housing the main recording spaces is thoroughly insulated against any noise. Located above it is the editorial and broadcasting section. Perhaps the most interesting part of the building is the terraced space between the 6th and 9th floors, which is spatially rich and interwoven with a number of unusual passages and footbridges.

Did you know that the Budova Slovenského rozhlasu was classified as a national cultural monument in 2017? With its values, it represents the architectural heritage of post-war modern architecture and is one of the crowning works of late modernism in Slovakia.

Stay in Staré Mesto and set off to discover other interesting places. Visit the Primaciálny palác, Archeologické múzeum Bratislava, the unique Modrý kostolík, or the magical Galéria Multium. A wonderful wrap-up to a great day will surely be dinner at Reštaurácia UFO, located at a height of 95 meters on the Vyhliadka na Moste SNP. Stay in a cozy guesthouse or apartment in Staré Mesto and plan further trips to the surrounding area. Our page Kam na výlet v Bratislave will help you with your choice. You can view the entire selection of accommodation near Budova Slovenského rozhlasu on our portal.

A unique technical monument attracts visitors to one of the westernmost Slovak towns, Holíč in the Skalica district. Right here, on Hrebeň hill, southeast of the town, stands the only preserved windmill in Slovakia. The history of the stone windmill near Holíč dates back to the 1880s. Due to its uniqueness, the mill was listed as a national cultural monument as early as 1972. Flour has not been ground here since the end of World War I, but the original atmosphere of Holland remains to this day. Come and see for yourself.

In place of the current stone building, the original wooden mill once stood. It was a German-type structure, which belonged among the oldest of its kind in the entire territory of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. At the end of the 19th century, the original mill was replaced by a stone technical building of the Dutch type with a characteristic circular layout. The credit for its construction is attributed to master carpenter František Sláma. The original structure was covered with a rotating wooden dome, which was replaced by a brick one in the 1920s. At that time, however, the mill was no longer serving its purpose and began to fall into disrepair.

The restoration of the monument in 1970 was thanks to a local hunters' association. Currently, visitors are allowed entry to the historical mill by prior arrangement. Interesting cultural and social events are occasionally held in the surroundings of the building. If you are lucky, you might come across one during your visit to Holíč. You will thus have a unique opportunity to enjoy a celebration against the backdrop of a charming Dutch structure.

The windmill is by far not the only historical attraction in Holíč. During your visit to the town, be sure not to miss a tour of the beautiful Holíčsky zámok and the local municipal museum. Another unique attraction is the Holíčske megality megaliths, cult stones decorated with ancient engravings that have earned the nickname "Slovak Stonehenge". As visitors, you will certainly be pleased with the varied selection of accommodation near the windmill in Holíč. On our page accommodation in Holíč, you will find a whole range of enticing accommodation facilities. The offer includes popular choices like cottages, as well as comfortable guesthouses and modern apartments. All you need to do is choose a date and plan your itinerary.

The well-known town of trdelník and gingerbread biscuits, Skalica, is famous for the fact that many mills once stood on its territory. One of them is Mlyn bratov Pilárikových, which was originally a small water mill near the lower town gate. The original building was in a desolate state, and so the brothers decided to demolish it. In 1927, the new construction of a three-story electrically powered mill was approved.

This wonderfully preserved technical monument can be visited during the main season from May to September during opening hours; during the remaining months of the year, it is necessary to arrange a visit in advance. The exhibition will certainly be interesting for the whole family. Time stopped here in the interwar period of the Czechoslovak Republic. The industrial complex carries this unmistakable patina with it, and its components reveal a piece of our history.

For decades, the brothers milled flour from various cereals here, and even produced groats and baby semolina. In 1939, the power source of the mill was changed to gas, and its operation was not interrupted even by World War II, because flour for the entire army and state institutions was milled here. However, sadder moments also came when, in 1951, the mill had to be handed over as part of nationalization, and the Pilárik brothers lost all their property. A peculiarity was that, in addition to flour, the state enterprise also milled PVC plastic at the mill. In 1962, the mill building was definitively closed and its operation terminated. The brothers got their property back only after the revolution in 1989, when they regained the mill as part of restitution. A very nice gesture was made by the town of Skalica in 2004, when it bought the mill and preserved its glory in the form of a museum exhibition. A former enthusiastic employee of the mill also contributed to the authenticity of the monument and the premises.

After your visit to this magical place, do not rush home, as the Záhorie region is ready for you to get to know it better. Accommodation near Mlyn bratov Pilárikových can be found easily. Cottages and guest houses in Záhorie have their own tradition. Friendly owners will gladly welcome you and certainly also advise you on tips for trips. Originally, 9 mills stood in Skalica, including one windmill, which unfortunately has not been preserved. However, do not be sad; you can find a beautiful one in the nearby village of Holíč. Veterný mlyn pri Holíči is the only windmill structure that has been preserved in Slovakia. Do not miss the Holíčske megality megaliths and the majestic Holíčsky zámok chateau either. A pleasant walk awaits you by Skalické rybníky, and in summer you can have a great time letting loose at the Kúpalisko Skalica - Zlatnícka dolina swimming pool. During your holiday in Slovakia, the scent of freshly baked skalický trdelník pastries will accompany you at every step.

One of the greatest historical monuments of the town of Komárno is its anti-Turkish fortress. Every year, it is visited by many tourists from all over the world. It is a unique fortification structure of the most extensive fortress system in Central Europe, which, in addition to our territory, is also located on the territory of the Republic of Hungary.

Come and see for yourself what a vast structure awaits you when visiting the Podunajská nížina. Pevnosť Komárno fortress was built in two periods. The oldest part from 1546 was built on the foundations of an older castle. The new fortress was completed roughly more than 100 years later, specifically in 1658. The Komárňanský pevnostný systém (Komárno Fortress System) is the largest fortification system at the confluence of the Dunaj and Váh rivers in the town of Komárno. The complex is open to the general public year-round. The easiest access to it is on foot from the town center, or by car from the parking lot on Hradná ulica street.

Stará pevnosť consists of five bastions, two courtyards, casemates, and spaces serving the garrison. It also features a moat. The fortress has only one gate, which leads directly into its premises. It is named after King Ferdinand. Nová pevnosť  was created during the time of raids by Ottoman Empire soldiers. This fortress seamlessly connected to the old one. It consists of five bastions, a moat, counterscarps, covering curtains, and the fortress's bastions. Both fortresses were elements of a defensive line meant to prevent the penetration of Ottoman soldiers into the Stredné Považie region. After the raids ended, the fate of the Komárno fortress was sealed by earthquakes in 1763 and 1783. Since the financial resources required for repairs would have been vast, the military decided to abandon the fortress. During the reign of Joseph II, the land was donated to the town, and the buildings were auctioned off. The fortress retained its military function until 2003, when it became the property of the town of Komárno. The town strives to make full use of its potential, which is why guided tours are offered to visitors here.

Did you know that the outer perimeter of the entire system, including the fortress, has a total length of 15.5 km? Or that within the fortress system, the capacity of the facility was as many as 200,000 soldiers back in the 19th century? You will learn not only these interesting facts during your visit to the fortress, which is listed among national cultural monuments. Children might be intrigued by an interactive game her. An escape game on the premises of the Kasárenská budova building themed around the witches of Komárno. The essence lies in escaping from a locked room by solving riddles.

If this fortress has caught your interest and you feel like exploring other attractive sights in Komárno, we recommend booking accommodation near Pevnosť Komárno. From here, you can set out for Krytá plaváreň Komárno, where you can try out various swimming styles in the pool. Swimming in thermal water has beneficial effects on the body, an option provided by Termálne kúpalisko Komárno, where, in addition to pools, you will find various activities for children and adults. Paintings, photographs, or contemporary sculptures can be found on the premises of Galéria Limes. Once artistically enriched, head toward Nádvorie Európy. It is a town center glowing with colors and shapes, as multiple architectural forms, building styles, and historical fates of European countries blend together here.

The step counter on your phone will surely show a higher number of steps than usual after completing this itinerary. If you feel tired, head back to your accommodation in Komárno. You can choose from many types of accommodation facilities. Comfortable apartmány Komárno are especially preferred, but affordable private accommodation Komárno is also popular. We will gladly help you select the best accommodation for a wonderful stay in this town.

Slovenský betlehem is a masterpiece by the woodcarver Jozef Pekar. You can admire it in the Žilina district, in Rajecká Lesná, more precisely in the House of God's Mercy (sometimes referred to as the House of the Nativity of Christ). Its name is not accidental; in addition to the commonly depicted birth of Christ, it also portrays the history of the Slovak nation. Besides the best-known sceneries that are inextricably linked with Slovakia, master Pekar also captured the everyday life of Slovaks in the past.

What is fascinating is that the betlehem is not static, but the figures move, thereby adding to the overall authenticity of the masterpiece. This also enables people who do not like reading about history and customs to absorb this interesting part of our history. Because just as children stand in awe and with open mouths in front of Slovenský betlehem, adults often stand there with bated breath as well.

Jozef Pekar began working on this woodcarving masterpiece after his retirement in 1980. It took him a long 15 years to complete it. The work was ceremonially opened to the public on November 26, 1995, back then still without the Eastern Slovak and Western Slovak regions. However, those were carved and added to the work in subsequent years. Every Slovak location is blessed. The dimensions of the betlehem are 8.5 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 3 m in height. Altogether, there are about 300 figures on the area, of which approximately half are static and the other half move. Some are working, others are having fun. If you look closely, you will even see a bear running by.

Rajecký betlehem, as locals sometimes call it, is a rarity towards which people from all over our country head daily. However, the work is so well known that it is nothing unusual to hear another national language around it. It ranks among the largest wooden carved betlehems in all of Europe. The building where Slovenský betlehem is located also exhibits woodcarvings by other Rajecká Dolina woodcarvers, be sure to check those out as well. They are located on the first floor.

If the wooden betlehem has caught your interest, we recommend planning a multi-day trip right away and combining it with a visit to other attractions. You can easily find accommodation near Slovenský betlehem on our portal. The accommodation in Rajecká Lesná subpage has a truly diverse offer, and everyone is sure to find something. Finally, we will give you a small tip: visit the Frivaldská kalvária, beneath which a healing spring flows.