Nitra is one of the oldest Settlemensts
in Slovakia dating back to the 9th century. The region
is lowland with many forests, parks and vineyards and
thermal springs. The main city, Nitra, boasts a rich
culture with exhibitions, museums and historical monuments.
There are also natural wildlfe reserves and the region
is well known for its winegrowing.
Western Slovakia's second largest city with a population close to 100,000, Nitra is a town with a definitive sense of its history, one that merges harmoniously to its present. Its traditions - of religion and Christianity, agriculture and fisheries, literature and music - are engrained in the environment of the Nitra of today.
History and Identity
Historical records of the town have endured from the pre-Middle Ages, coloured notably by the charismatic Prince Rabina, who in the 800s became the town's figurehead and religious inspiration as the area developed along the lines of a Christian faith. Through the subsequent rule of the Movarian Empire, foreign invasions and conflicts, and many reverberations from wars beyond Slovakia's borders, Nitra resolutely stood as the one of Slovakia's major cities, with a varied cultural life and healthy local economy.
Nitra's ability to flourish amidst centuries of far-reaching change in the continent owes much to the endurance of a strong agricultural tradition that continues to be a focal point around which much of the city's commerce and cultural activity revolves. A major agricultural convention takes place annually at the Agrokomplex - Slovakia's premier conference facility -, which also hosts numerous events and meetings through the year of local, national or international prestige. Agriculture and food production helps to energise Nitra's economy and employment and, in no small measure, also its social and cultural life.
Culture and Tourism
Nitra has both a fine agricultural museum and a university that is largely dedicated to agricultural research and development. These are certainly the foremost institutions of their kind in Slovakia, a good indication of Nitra's progressive and harmonious relationship with its natural environment. One way to gain an insight into this is to look down upon the vine and grapes from the top of the high hill near the town. This spot, known as Zoobor Hill, is a good option for an invigorating walk, with excellent views, which may well whet the appetite for the areas local wine, rated as very palatable. Conversely you may opt to try the many local ales and beers, for the town also boasts of a thriving brewery.
Aside from the agricultural heritage, Nitra also offers many activities and interesting sites. They are a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the year including an organised season of diverse music and live performances by classical guitarists. At the two main auditoriums there is a variety of theatre on show - from local and student productions to touring companies.
The town of Nitra is loosely divided into an upper and lower half and in both parts there are a good share of amenities and services including schools and libraries, museums and galleries and an adequate supply of decent places to eat and drink. Both the upper and lower town are good places to see many of Nitra's distinctive and impressive buildings. This City has a pronounced Christian history dating back to the 9th and 10th Centuries when religion was a key developing influence in the town's formation. The grand aspects of its churches - especially in the upper area - attests to this heritage; St. Emeram's is one of Slovakia's famous ancient churches and is certainly worth close viewing. The upper town stretches towards a commanding hilltop, where this and other churches stand unfalteringly alongside the remnants of a 9th Century castle and monastery. From here a sweeping view of the locality is afforded.
A delightful alternative to the grandly affecting upper and lower areas of the town is the Pedestrian Zone close to the centre. Here is an ideal place to stroll among shops and eateries and take in some fascinating monuments. Modern architects who have strived to represent aspects of Nitra's cultural history designed this Zone; the area includes two fountains, one beneath pavement level adorned with flowers and foliage, with a patterned surface underfoot, the other carved of stone and metal, the water from it curving onto a block cut into the shape of a shell; a poem by a local writer hangs above the fountain, its subject Prince Prabina, the town's ancient pioneer. The pedestrian zone contains much more including an adorned 18 feet high musical Clock which marks the hours and changes of days with a variety of sounds and musical interludes. The zone was unveiled in 1996 and will be enjoyed by visitors as much as it is cherished by the townsfolk.
Transport
If flying the nearest international airport is Bratislava, and from here you can make it to Nitra within an hour and a half either by direct bus service or if driving, by the main motorways E571 or E75. Euroline and inter-Slovakia railway services can also take you to Nitra from numerous towns and cities. Travelling within Nitra can easily be done on foot or bicycle, but car or bus is recommended for visiting surrounding towns and villages such as Tribecom and Kostolany.
