If you like traversing the “off the beaten path” destinations, Slovakia, one of Central Europe’s relatively untrodden gems will truly mesmerize you.
Slovakia is surrounded by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and Czech Republic to the northwest.
Here are some awe-inspiring facts about what is officially called the “Slovak Republic”, which you’d love to know before paying a visit!
#1: Slovakia was formerly part of Czechoslovakia. In 1993; however, the country was divided into two – Czech Republic and Slovakia – by mutual agreement.
#2: Slovakia is a tiny country with a population less than that of the New York state. As per the 2020 estimates, Slovakia’s population is only 5.5 million vis-à-vis New York state’s, which is 19.5 million.
#3: Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is the only capital city in the world that is located on the borders of two countries viz., Austria and Hungary.
#4: Slovakia is home to the highest number of châteaux and castles per capita in the world. There are 425 châteaux and 180 castles in the country.
#5: Slovakia boasts over 6,000 spectacular natural caves discovered till date and still counting.
In fact, the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is the only aragonite cave in entire Europe.
#6: The geographical midpoint of Europe lies in Slovakia. It is located near the village of Kremnické Bane, right beside the St. John Baptist Church.
#7: Slovakia is also home to more than 1300 mineral water and healing thermal springs. Most of them are used for therapeutic purposes within the country’s 21 spa resorts.
#8: In the Slovakian town of Levoča is the Basilica of St. James, which houses the highest Gothic wooden altar in the world.
It is almost 19m tall and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Levoča town center.
The historic preservation area comprises traditional wooden houses adorned with white geometrical folk patterns.
#9: Northern Slovakia’s beautiful village of Čičmany is the first ever folk architecture reserve in the world.
#10: The Slovakian Village of Stará Bystrica is home to the only horologe in the world showing the true solar time.