Trnava

Trnava is one of Slovakias oldest cities dating back to the 13the century. Nicknamed 'The Slovak Rome', it is home to some of the oldest and most impressive buildings in the country including the Catheral of St. Nicholas which was built in the 14th Century.

There are also many fine museums including the Galeria Jana Koniarka and the West Slovakia Museum. Outside of the city is the world famous spa resort Piestany. Also in this region you can find the great Catle Cerveny Kamen which is one of the most famous in Slovakia.

Trvana is oft referred to as the Slovak Rome due to the active history of Catholicism in the area and the many ancient churches that still stand in the city. The landscape of this town does have echoes of that eternal city, when seen from a distance. Once inside you will discover much besides and make contact with a city immersed in history, but one that manages also to be as modern and varied as any visitor could hope to see.

History

Where the city of Trvana stands today was once no more than a loosely defined territory that stood at the intersection of two important routes: one from southern to Eastern Europe and the other from Czechoslovakia to Hungary. Laying at this busy crossing where traders would frequently pass in their business perhaps made Trvana destined to form into the burgeoning city it did.

It was around the 13th century that early documented history would suggest a rapid period of change began. As elsewhere in the Old Slovakia of this period King Belã of Hungary was an influential figure in Trvana. It was his decree that Trvana would become a Royal City with all the prestige and advantage that this brought. It was subsequently a place much visited by the great and good of Eastern Europe's political and religious bodies. Its newfound status was a likely factor behind its growth into a bustling town of trade and markets. It was also open to new industries, which added to the pre-existing agricultural richness afforded by the fertile countryside nearby.

Another reason why Trnava became such an important city in the country was due to its strategic position as part of the old Hungary. The Hungarian Empire rightly saw Trvana as a town that could withstand foreign invasion at a time when Hungary was facing this threat. Trvana became characterised by the resolution of many branches of the Catholic Church within it, and the walls of fortification built up around it to keep out foreign invaders. Some remains of these barriers still stand today as a source of fascination for visitors. When in the middle of the 16th century Hungary was invaded by Turkey, the seat of the Archbishop moved to the haven Trvana offered. For the city it enhanced even further its religious identity; the building of the Archbishop's Palace and some of the Churches that still remain followed from this.

From the 16th century the story of Trvana seems to be one of achievement, loss and then eventual regeneration. In the 17th century the seat of the Archbishop moved from Trvana, back to mainland Hungary. The religious and spiritual aspect was didn't go; the churches were maintained and renovated through time, with other Christian churches built in addition to the Town's two Synagogues which formed in the 19th Century. In 1977 - two centuries after losing the Archbishops seat - Trvana was declared by the fifth Pope John Paul to be an autonomous church region.

A similar story accompanies the universities in Trvana. The University that was built in the City in 1635 was in effect the main such one in Hungary, created with the help of church leaders. As such it became a renowned institution with first class facilities. It was a sad day when the university relocated to within Hungary in 1777. In the same century some colleges were built to compensate but Trvana had to wait until 1992 for a new major university to be formed, which now benefits and serves the region. This was followed by the declaration in 1996 that Trvana would become a regional seat of Government, affirming it as one of the Country's prime locations. The city today is at the centre of an active commercial and cultural area, with Sony and the car manufacturers Peugeot operating plants and offices, in addition to holding many attractions for tourists to enjoy.

Culture and Tourism

Trvana has a busy arts diary together with good entertainment and leisure facilities, mostly within walking distance of the city centre. Two particular highlights of the cultural year include major musical festivals in April and September, with numerous musical performances and touring shows in the spotlight. A musical and dance festival, known as Dobrofest, attracting performers from around the world entertains the town at the end of summer. Autumn sees the Trvana market in full swing with many locally produced artefacts and delights on sale, giving a glimpse into the Town's particular character.

The Trvana Theatre has a varied programme that includes drama and music concerts of national and international origin. There are also several film theatres, which offer a mixture of commercial, art house and world cinema screenings throughout the week. The nationally renowned Western Slovakian Museum was formally a church school that has been converted into a large and multi-faceted site for exhibition, which displays varying pieces, from art works to musical artefacts. Whilst in Trvana, the Town's square is worthwhile spending some quality time within, to soak up the atmosphere and saviour the views. The volume of churches and the beauty of their architecture are distinctly Roman in appearance. In counterpoint, other buildings here, with renaissance, baroque and modern influences provide a richness of scene. The city centre is an attractive place to view by day or after dark, and it's also a city of fun and relaxation. When out at night in and around the square, you will find an assortment of pubs and restaurants for refreshment, and some nightclubs and a casino for entertainment.

Transport

The main international airport in the region is in Piestany if flying. From here any means of other transport is possible. If driving, take the E75 link on highway D-61 when travelling from Bratislava or from outside Slovakia; you will need to traverse smaller local roads if coming from most other Slovakian Towns. Buses run on local routes to Trvana, sometimes with changes; from Bratislava or mainland Europe they are also regular bus services. The train network provides services into Trvana from all the major cities in Slovakia; the E63 international train link connects Trvana with European cities.