Nitra
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History
Nitra has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 9th century. Archaeological finds from the paleolithic to the modern era, as well as the collections of museums, galleries and archives, testify that the city played a key role in the creation of the oldest Slavic cities.
Nitra gradually became an important economic and cultural center. It became the seat of the principality and retained this role until the end of the 11th century. In 828, the oldest known Christian temple in Central Europe was consecrated in Nitra. In 880, they founded the Nitra bishopric here, which testifies to the importance of this place in church history. Here you will also find the remains of the oldest Slovak monastery, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hypolit on Zobor hill. From the 13th century, Nitra became a royal, later a bishop's city, when the king donated the city and the castle to the bishops of Nitra.
Throughout its history, Nitra had to deal with many challenges, including the Turkish occupation in the 17th century. After the II. World War, the city underwent rapid construction development. Unfortunately, it lost many of its historical monuments. In return, it received new educational and cultural institutions, 2 universities are located here, and it became the center of agricultural education and research in Slovakia.
Location and climate
Nitra is located in the Danube Uplands at an altitude of 167 m.a.s.l., in the valley of the Nitra River. Seven hills rise above the city. Among the most famous are Mount Zobor (586.9 m above sea level) and Pyramid with the transmitter (553.8 m above sea level). The hills form part of the core Tribeč mountain range.
The city of Nitra is also an important transport hub, it is located at the intersection of important road and railway routes, which allows easy access from all corners of the world.
Nitra is located in a temperate continental climate zone. The climate is characterized by significant seasonal temperature changes between summer and winter. The average annual temperature here is around 47,66°F.
Tourist attractions
Upper town, the historical part of Nitra, is closely connected with the church. The Church of St. Peter and Paul, Small and Great Seminary with a diocesan library containing up to 65,000 volumes of rare books, first editions and manuscripts. Kluch Palace, known as Corgoň. The stone sculpture of Corgoň, by the sculptor Vavrinc Dunajský, supports the corner of the building and emphasizes the historical importance of the place.
In the Lower Town, which is located in the northern part of Nitra, apart from the Church of St. Ladislav and the Piarist Monastery you can also find the Palace of Justice, the County House and the Town Hall Building. In addition to them, you can visit many chapels and churches. For example, the Chapel of St. Michael, Church of St. Štefan Kráľ, Synagogue, Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, Church of the Reformed Christian Church.
The pedestrian zone, from 1996, is an important part of the Lower Town. It is decorated with works of art inspired by Great Moravia. Here you will find a copy of a historical bronze sword, a 5-meter-high musical clock, a hatch from Great Moravia, a drinking fountain, Svätopluk's rods and Svätopluk's Square.
Nitra Castle with the Cathedral of St. Emeráma is an integral historical monument of the city. In addition to the aforementioned cathedral, the castle complex also includes other church monuments. This includes the Bishop's Palace with farm buildings, the old Romanesque church (11th century), the Upper Gothic Church (14th century) and the Lower Baroque Church (17th century).
Among the most visited monuments is the Calvary of Nitra. Twelve neo-Romanesque chapels, which depict the Stations of the Cross, will lead you to the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher at the top of the hill. In addition to a spiritual experience, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city here.
Zobor Hill, one of the most famous hills in Slovakia. It was inhabited in the past and there are many archaeological finds.
Surroundings
Nitra is surrounded by beautiful nature, which offers many possibilities for tourism. Nearby mountains such as Považský Inovec and Tribeč are made for hiking and cycling. In addition, in the surrounding area you will find many castles, manor houses (for example the manor house in Nitrianska Streda, Tonkovcie, Oponice,...), vineyards and traditional slovak villages that are worth a visit.
