Roundup: Vietnamese cuisine in Martin, Vienna tram on a stamp

Culture and travel stories from Slovakia in one place.

The third reconstruction stage of Bratislava Castle leads to a rare archaeological discovery on Aug 6, 2020. The third reconstruction stage of Bratislava Castle leads to a rare archaeological discovery on Aug 6, 2020. (Source: TASR)

During the third reconstruction stage of the Northern Walls at Bratislava Castle, archaeologists unraveled a timber-framed wall from the 11th century, which is of extraordinary historical value. The discovery could be made accessible to the public as early as 2023.

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TRAVEL

1| Komárno played a key role in the Ottoman wars

The border town of Komárno, Nitra Region, served as a border fortification. Parts of the 12.5-kilometre fortification system are accessible to the public with a guide.

2| Popular night hikes to Sitno

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With a new chalet opened in the Štiavnica Mountains, tourists can climb to its peak, Sitno, stay overnight and enjoy the sunrise afterward. Sitno is one of the most visited attractions in the district of Banská Štiavnica.

3| Exploring the Choč Mountains

The only Slovak alpine type mountain, whose highest peak is Veľký Choč, boasts of bottomless, wild canyons in its eastern part. Visiting valleys near Prosiec and Kvačany is a must for hikers.

4| Details you find on a Slovak wine label

It’s not just about the colour. The grade of a wine also matters. What do ‘akostné’ and ‘stolové’ mean?

5| Slovaks are discovering more of the Gemer region

Due to the pandemic, Slovaks are spending their summer in Slovakia. However, Bratislava is not their top option.

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More information about travelling in Slovakia
Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide.

CE ZA AR 2020

As many as 21 architectural works have been shortlisted for the prestigious Slovak award in architecture, CE ZA AR, this year. Even though awards will be handed out in early October, you can take a look at the shortlisted architectural designs and buildings now.

QUOTEWORTHY

We wanted to show people that they may have something special in smaller towns as well.

Nam Van Nguyen on the opening of his Vietnamese bistro outside of Bratislava

WEEKEND READS

1| Vietnamese cuisine has conquered Martin

Nam Van Nguyen decided to walk in his father’s shoes and open a Vietnamese bistro. It first attracted a local international community in Martin, but most customers are Slovaks nowadays. Which meals do Slovaks love the most?

2| Looks different, feels the same. Racism is nefarious

Tyrone Chambers, a Black-American opera singer based in Germany, shares what it feels like to be an American living in Europe, watching the BLM movement from across the ocean.

The next Spectacular Slovakia Weekly: August 14, 2020.

Read last week's roundup.

Top stories

Slovakia marks 20 years since joining NATO.

Slovakia marks 20 years in the Alliance.


Daniel Hoťka and 1 more
Píšem or pišám?

"Do ľava," (to the left) I yelled, "Nie, do prava" (no, to the right), I gasped. "Dolšie," I screamed. "Nie, nie, horšie..." My Slovak girlfriend collapsed in laughter. Was it something I said?


Matthew J. Reynolds
Czech biochemist Jan Konvalinka.

Jan Konvalinka was expecting a pandemic before Covid-19 came along.


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