Many people associate the city of Trnava with the panorama of countless church towers and the resounding sound of church bells. It is thanks to them that Trnava is also called Little Rome. However, the city offers much more than a rich sacral architectural heritage, although this also forms the genius loci of Trnava. Come with us on a trip to a city that will win you over. We are sure of it.
The first written mention of Trnava dates back to 1211, and a few years later it gained the privileges of a free royal city. Today it is a modern and cultural city with rare historical monuments, romantic corners and an unmistakable atmosphere.
The walls served their defensive function until the 18th century. Later, some sections of the fortification were demolished, but they are still the largest, oldest and best-preserved city walls in Slovakia. You can still walk along the massive medieval fortifications today (for example, in the part behind the Basilica of St. Nicholas).
The Ján Palárik Theatre building on the square has stood since 1831 and is considered the oldest preserved building of its kind in Slovakia.
Even before the mechanical clock was installed in the tower, a sundial was placed on it (probably in the 17th century).
Another interesting feature of the tower is the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary Immaculate at its top, which has a face on both sides to protect everyone and not turn its back on anyone.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful view from the tower (and we really recommend it), you have to climb 143 steps.
Another interesting church is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist , the so-called University Church, which is the first Baroque building in Trnava. It is part of the Trnava University building complex and inside you will find the highest early Baroque altar in Slovakia, more than 20 meters high.
There are also two synagogues in the city, which no longer serve as churches. The Orthodox Synagogue houses the stylish Synagogue Café, and the Status Quo Ante Synagogue houses the Center for Contemporary Art, an exhibition space for the Ján Koniarik Gallery. Both are worth a visit.
Children and adults alike will be entertained by the games prepared by the city. All you need is a mobile phone with data and GPS turned on. In the game The Powerful Belt, you will help the city gatekeeper find the lost key to the Lower Gate, and thanks to the tasks you will complete, you will learn about the history and attractions of Trnava. The game The Elf's Magic is only available in the winter months. During it, the children's task is to help the main character, who is freezing in an old shoe, find his home.
City fortification
Trinity Square
The heart of the city is Trojičné námestie , dominated by the Statue of the Holy Trinity. It is surrounded by the City Tower, the Ján Palárik Theater, the House of Culture, the Slovak Post Office building, as well as restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy quality gastronomy with a nice view. The square once served as a marketplace. Today, various cultural events, such as concerts, are organized here more often than markets.
City Tower
You can enjoy the city at your fingertips and the views of the surrounding area from the 57-meter-high City Tower from the 16th century.
It was originally built to strengthen the city's defenses, as its height provided a view of the surrounding area. That is why there was originally an apartment in the tower, where the guard or city herald lived. His job was to signal danger and report the time. Another interesting fact about the tower is also connected with time. Since 1729, it has housed a unique mechanical clockwork , which needs to be wound by hand every day. The clock has been looked after by the Nemček family for more than 100 years. The grandfather of the current clockmaker lived in the aforementioned apartment in the tower when he was looking after the clock.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
Perhaps the most dominant church in Trnava is the Basilica of St. Nicholas , once the main church in Hungary. It was built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries on the site of its Romanesque predecessor from the 11th century. It was formerly the cathedral church of the Archbishops of Esztergom, and in 2008 Pope Benedict XVI declared it a minor basilica, allowing it to use the papal emblem of crossed keys. Its two towers are well-known in the Trnava skyline, but its side Baroque chapel, which houses an image of the Virgin Mary of Trnava, who is said to have shed tears during the Turkish invasions, is also rare.
Little Berlin Courtyard and Cultural Center
What not to miss in Trnava
Take breaks for food or coffee during your walks. In addition to the aforementioned restaurants and cafes, we also recommend Forhaus, Enak bistro, Iná haluška or Wetzlerov dom. For coffee and dessert, stop at ReBarbore and Bábovka café & bakery and for ice cream at Gio caffe and Cremì gelato & caffè.
