Slovensko/Slowakei/Slovakia [antikvár]

Dear readers, the objective of this book is to introduce Siovakia as an interesting country as far as the countryside, history, architecture, cuiture, recreation and sport are concerned. Diversity of natural beauties in Slovakia represents a guarantee that you will find everything here vihat you need for rest and recreation: repose in beautiful countryside, well-equipped recreation and sport centres, as well as nice and hospitable people. Our publication does not provide a complete picture of Slovakia. It is a mosaic of natural, cultural and historical beauties which attracted the authors by their uniqueness. We believe that after reading this publication and after visiting Slovakia personally, you will get to like this country and you will feel good here. Even though the book is mainly intended for foreign visitors to Slovakia, also the Slovak readers will definitely find out something new and unknown. The Slovak Republic is one of the youngest European states, however, the history of the settlement of its territory is quite rich. The Slovaks - majority nation in this country - had lived and developed for a long time in the Hungarian state while they had no chance to decide about their being and routing. Even hundred years ago, there were only a few people In the world who knew something about Slovakia and the Slovaks. And if they did know anything, if was only the fact that they lived somewhere in Hungary. Slovakia did not exist as a separate administrative unit and it was spoken about mostly poetically as about the country situated somewhere between the river Danube and the Tatras. Only in the 20th century the dreams and desires of several generations of Slovaks about their independent state came true. The Slovaks lived to fulfilment of their statehood aspirations and they have joined the countries applying for EU membership. As far as the Slovak Republic is concerned this effort Is also geographically conditioned. Slovakia is situated right in the heart of Europe. It is not a large country with Its area of 49 038 square kilometres. It is only slightly bigger than Denmark, Switzeriand or the Netherlands. Its area, elongated In parallel lines, can be crossed in half an hour, because the maximum air distance In the direction East-West is less than 430 kilometres. The area of land in the direction North-South moves between 80 and 200 kilometres. In the direction North-South the Slovak Republic is situated In between Poland and Hungary and with these countries it has the longest common borders. Slovakia's western neighbours are the Czech Republic and Austria, the Ukraine, having the shortest common border with Slovakia, is its neighbour in the East. Slovak borders in the North and North-West lead for the most part through ridges of the Carpathian system, in the South and South-East they are mostly made by rivers (the Moravia, the Danube, the Ipel' etc.). Natural barriers and its relatively long distance from sea, have protected Slovakia in the past, to a certain extent, from unwelcome influences and turned the country into an oasis of calm and silence. Slovakia has preserved these features up to present days. Time passes somewhat more slowly on Its territory and many places in Slovakia are characterised by a slower pulse of life. Besides this calm and silence, Slovakia has an enormous tourist potential. Firstly, it is its virgin countryside that captures attention. That Is why the first chapter of the publication mainly describes the natural beauties of Slovakia. They are presented in individual seasons of the year included in the basic theme units. History makes the second chapter Getting to know the historic sights and the period in which they were created is closely linked with better understanding of the country so rich in cultural and historic sights. Our ancestors left many pieces of evidence that make it easier to get to know their message and understand the present reality. This part of the publication provides a cross-section through Slovak cultural and historic heritage - it presents the most important architectural monuments: firstly there are secular buildings, than the sacral sights and at last, the interior of one of the oldest cathedrals in Slovakia. Variety of cultural sights, attractions of central European architecture, art and folklore creating a unique atmosphere of Slovak towns and countryside, complement a varied palette of natural beauties and historic architectural monuments. They are included in further chapters of the publication. Its third part begins with a short excursion into the past of Slovak towns and it continues by introducing them. The fourth chapter introduces the Slovak countryside. Diversity of folk architecture, art, traditions, customs makes us stop for a while and enjoy the beauty and variety of our ancestors' life. The last part of the publication is devoted to leisure time activities for visitors to Slovakia Each visitor is sure to find some hobbies or pastimes here. ¦J, " ¦ I i, ¦ ' t T/'iM jfe