Nitra

Nitra is a very important site of slovak history. Nitra was the center of the first state formation in our country - Great Moravia. Rulers Pribina and Svatopluk resided in this old city. In Nitra are many significant symbols of slovak history - Nitra castle, monastery Zobor, or church in Drážovce are just the main examples.

Nitra is the administrative center and one of the largest towns in Slovakia. The city lies under the hill called Zobor, crossed by the river Nitra. Nitra history goes back into the 9th century in times of Pribinu and the Principality of Nitra. The towns dominant is Nitra Castle rising high above it. It is built on a strong rock cliff visible from afar. Its predecessor was fortified Nitrava. In the castle is situated a church as well - castle cathedral, which consists of the oldest part - Romanesque church of St. Emmeram and Gothic Upper and Baroque Lower church. There are the relics of famous monks St. Svorad and St. Benedict located here. On the Nitra Castle since 1288 housed the bishop, who from this location governed diocese founded in 880 by Bishop Wiching. He resided in bishop's palace. The castle buildings are surrounded by bastion fortifications that were built after the previous castle conquest by the Turks in the 17th century. The castle complex includes so-called Upper Town, which is a particular set of religious buildings. This complex is accessible from the Župné square. From all of these buildings best known is Bishops Kluch house with popular statue of Corgoň. Lower Town is today's center of Nitra , which includes the pedestrian zone and its vicinity. Significant construction at the end of the pedestrian zone closer to the Castle is called Theatre of A. Bagar. Other historical monuments such as church of St. Stephen and the Piarists church and monastery are hidden in the surrounding streets. In the south of the city, on a hill is located Nitra Calvary. In Nitra is located Slovak University of Agriculture, but also Archaeological Institute. Around the city there are many archaeological sites. In terms of active tourism can be interesting a climb to the top of Zobor, from which is an excellent view of the whole city. In the Zobor area near the tourist trail a small rocky cave can be visited – it was the place where hermit St. Svorad used to live according to a legend. Above it there is a unique natural area - Zoborská lesostep. Very nice trip can be a visit of the Church of St. Michal of 12 century in Drážovce – one of the oldest buildings in Slovakia.