Middle Slovakia: Banska Stiavnica, Sklene Teplice & Bojnice

Calvary Chapel on a hill overlooking Banska Stiavnica

It is said Slovakia is exactly in the middle of Europe.  Well, if that's the case, then my adventure on Saturday, with other English teachers (Doug and Catherine) from Trencin, took us to the middle of the middle with a trip to Banska Stiavnica, Sklene Teplice and Bojnice.  

I'm not new to this area having visited Banska Bystrica only a few weeks ago.  I was disappointed we weren't able to see Kremnica or Zvolen because I've heard these cities are also worth a look, but that is what happens when you are on a tour. 

Banska Stiavnica

Banska translation is mining.  Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Banska Stiavnica was one of Europe's main mining centers, and grew into the third-largest town of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When we arrived we were overwhelmed by the Gothic-Baroque architecture before us.  We had very little time, so we concentrated on the main square and the old castle.  

Banska Stiavnica is on the UNESCO World Site list with only 10,000 inhabitants and is about 25 miles south of Banska Bystrica.

Holy Trinity Square

Artwork outside the walls of the Old Castle

The Old Castle was turned from a church into a fortress when the town was threatened by the Turks from 1546 to 1559.  Many variations of architecture Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, are found throughout the church/castle grounds.  

At the center is the Bell Tower with panoramic views of the city.  The tower was originally styled in late Gothic with a square ground plan and then during reconstruction during the Renaissance and then changed again during the Baroque period in the late 18th century.

Old Castle from the outside

Bell Tower

The Himmelreich is a tower from the end of the 14th century and was used in the 16th century as a jail and torture chamber. 

Funeral chapel of St. Michael is Romanesque in structure and is adorned with beautiful fresco's and unique carvings.

  

Funeral chapel of St. Michael

Fresco's in St. Michael's

Clock Room in St. Michael's

There are three bells on the third floor; a Gothic one, A Renaissance one repaired in 1732 and a Baroque one from the 2nd half of the 18th century.

Bell Tower

Doug looking very stoic under one of the bells

Unfortunately we weren't able to take the mine tour but if I ever get the chance to return to this lovely city, I definitely want to take the tour.

While we were there the open-air square was filled with people sitting in cafes and listening to Jazz music.  Such a lovely day in this historic city that I won't forget anytime soon.

Sculpture outside Mining Museum

Entrance to one of the mines

Sklene Teplice

Sklene Teplice is a small spa village in the Banska Bystrica region about a 30 minute drive north of Banska Stiavnica.  The thermal water can reach about 52 Celsius.  The cave waters reach about 42 Celsius and is a wellness attraction for people not only Slovakia but the surrounding countries of Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic.

Hot thermal water drips down through the cave

Wellness Center

Taking a bath

Bojnice

Bojnice Castle

This romantic castle is one of Slovakia's great tourist attractions. First built in the 12th century it was passed to the powerful Hungarian warlord, Matus Cak in 1527 to the Thurzo family who converted it into a comfortable Renaissance residence.  The last owner, Jan Frantisek Palffy removed it into the stately residence it is today.  Palffy may sound familiar "Ziggy" Zigmund Palffy was an NHL Hockey player from 1996-2006 and currently plays for Slovakia Extraliga. He also played in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

You can tell immediately the town relies heavily on tourism.  This little hamlet was packet with tourists waiting to see the Castle as well as the famous Bojnice Zoo located next to the Castle.  The day we visited, their was a festival complete with camel rides.

A two humper...

Keeping watch over the Castle walls

Beautifully lime tree lined walkway

Nothing like the perfekt bar

Oldest lime tree in Slovakia

Slovakia's Winter Wonderland

It has been a while since my last post.  I've been struggling with a cold and after a day of classes, I just want to come back to my flat and sleep.

I have been able to take a few photos of Slovakia's winter wonderland in Piestany and nearby Zilina.  Here are some photos for your enjoyment.  There are many parks weaving throughout Piestany dotted with sculptures and monuments.  It was lovely to walk down the paths blanketed with snow.

Zilina

The region of Zilina adjoins Poland to the North and the Czech Republic to the West at the base of the Mala Fatra mountain's. Zilina is the third largest city in Slovakia (Bratislava is first and the capital and Kosice is second, located in the East).

The restored 14th century buildings in the Farska Square are the Old Town Hall and Baroque Church of St. Paul (Pavel). 

On a hillside at the West end of the town stands St. Church of St. Stephen (Stefana), one of the oldest in Slovakia.

Piestany, Spa City of Europe

Well, it has been a while since my last post.  I've been very busy with a new ESL teaching position and move to a new school and flat in Piestany, Slovakia.  Piestany is known as one of the premiere health resorts and spa in Europe.  It is quite small at 30,000 population, but vibrant with many cultural and artistic programs, museums and of course, spa island. People travel to Piestany for many treatments especially rheumatic and arthritic conditions. 

River Vah in Piestany

Piestany is located about 45 minutes northwest of Bratislava on the River Vah.  It is quite a beautiful and quiet village.  Many expats are located here and people come from all over Europe to enjoy what the spa has to offer.

Now that I'm settled in Piestany I will be providing more photos and cultural activities.

Why the move?  Although Trencin is a lovely city, the living accommodations were not adequate and the school didn't really suit me.  At Skypers, I'm able to really use all my background in business and teaching skills to their best advantage.  I am teaching business communication classes with several local companies and have individual students.  My hours are much more manageable and the other teachers and owner, Peter Remis, are a pleasure to work with.

My flat is quite nice and the owner, Anna, is becoming a good friend.  All in all it has been a great move for me.  This is what happens when you travel to another country.  Sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit that works for you and your lifestyle.  My recommendation is to not give up and keep searching for the right position.  I've added the Skypers link to My Favorite links or you can click on this link to check out the school.  I asked Peter where the name Skypers comes from and he said, "The Sky (being the limit) and PER is his initials".  Pretty cool I think. Skypers also has Facebook page so be sure to check it out.

I have had some time to check out the neighborhood a bit.  Anna took me to Beckov Castle and we had lunch at their famous restaurant (best meal yet in Slovakia).  It was a beautiful fall day.  The pics don't really do it justice.  The castle is currently being restored so I wasn't able to climb to the top.  The pool area is part of a spa and many weddings are performed outside during the summer.  The castle sits on top of a 230 ft rock towering over the little village of Bechov below. The structure dates back to the 12th century and was used as a link between Hungarian fortifications and the Vah river.  In 1729 the fortress burned down and was never rebuilt. There is an upper castle and two palaces and chapel.  

Look for more pics and travel comments.  I need to plan a holiday vacation so give me some good ideas in the comment section!

Beckov Castle Pool

Beckov Castle