Nitra region

Bíňa village in the Middle Ages was an important center for the surrounding region. The evidence of this fact are many archaeological findings and fortifications. There is a significant Romanesque basilica of 13 century located here. Next to it eas built rotunda of 12 century, which is Romanesque as well.

Bojnice are attractive tourist city. There is a beautiful castle, thermal baths, spas, as well as the zoo located in here. Bojnický zámok castle is often visited and has the romantic look, is often a place of weddings, but it is also a venue, night tours, falconry shows and acquaintances Days of the spooks. On the spot of todays castle was built in the 12th century medieval castle, that changed its owners. It was owned by Matúš Čák, Zápoľsky line, Thurzos and finally Pálffys, who gave him a present form, the model can be sought in the French castles on the Loire River. The local zoo is also enjoying a high visitor count. Bojnice resorts are popular place to treat nerve diseases and physical problems. In the historical center of the city is located church of St. Martin from the 14th century. Under this church can be found archaeologically significant site - Prepoštská cave. There were discovered a large number of findings from the Neanderthal man.

Handlová is a city known mainly for brown coal mining industry. Mining negative influenced this city and its surroundings. This fact is balanced by the amount of nice parks. The main sights include Handlová church of St. Catherine. For tourists can be an attractive option mountain range Vtáčnik above Handlová, which can be especially interesting for people seeking quiet walks away from crowds. It is extremely nice in winter. For rest you can choose vacation resort Remata.

The village, which is located at the foot of Tribeč mountain range is famous for its pre-Romanesque church of St. George of 10 century. The church is the oldest integrally preserved architectural monument in Slovakia. It keeps murals of 11 century. Above the village are located the ruins of the castle Gýmeš, where Forgach family line resided. The castle was built in the 13th century.

In Lefantovce two interesting manors are situated, which belonged to Elefanty family.

This village was known by a significant representation of yeoman class. Later, in the 17th century, moved here from the Turks occupied southern area, the Grassalkovichs, who belonged to the aristocratic elite of Hungary. A. Grassalkovich, who was born here, he was President of the Royal Chamber and Novohrad governor. In Grassalkovich palace in Bratislava is now the seat of the President of Slovakia. Son of A. Grassalkovich sold the local property to Hunyadys, who built here in the 18th late-century mansion with beautiful park, at that time regarded as the most beautiful in Hungary. It contains the stables. Horses were among the biggest passions of Hunyadys and this resulted in the arrangement of the first horse race of the monarchy in 1814. Today the mansion serves to the purpose of congresses.

In August 2007 was open in the area of ​​the Mansion Pustý Hotár respectively Park Hotel Tartuf in Beladice near Nitra Natural gallery of art pottery. Gallery follows the international ceramic workshops that were held here since 1999.

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.

This village was an important gold mining town, a fact that brought economic growth over here. A lot of interesting town houses preserved from tha time of the Carpathian Germans, who have had one of their major centers here.
Handlová

Partizánske as one of the administrative centers of Ponitrie area is well known for shoe manufacturing. In 1938 there was built a fairly large plant for the production of shoes and its associated settlement. The city, which thus arose was named after the owner of the plant (Baťa) - Baťovany. There is located the oldest mansion od Slovakia in near village of Šimonovany from 15 century.

Regional museum documenting the development of nature and society in the fields of archeology, ethnography, history, numismatics, botany, geology and zoology. In the historic building of the museum is installed archaeological exhibition Treasures of Ancient Slovakia.

Prievidza is the largest city of Upper Nitra region and is its administrative center. In Prievidza can only a few older buildings be found as historical buildings were destroyed in 17 century fire. Valuable builidngs include in the Romanesque church of the 13th century, located in the cemetery. Attention deserves the baroque church and Piarist monastery, where resides Hornonitrianske Museum. Prievidza city and surrounding area was strongly influenced by the mining of brown coal.

Mansion Pustý Chotár in Beladice was built by the noble family of Jesensky around 1820. Then it became the seat of the noble family Szirányii - Őtőmős. Later the mansion was bought by Baron Henrik Lindelóf, who by the end of the century rebuilt it and enlarged in the spirit of neoclassicism.

Šahy is the border crossing city, that is situated on the river Ipeľ. The city is known for viniculture. In the 19th century it was the seat of the county. From those times was preserved county hall, which is now used as a city hall.

Skýcov village is located inside of Tribeč mountains and during World War II it was burned by fascists. Today is a local attraction especially romantic styled castle. In addition castle of Hrušov of 13 century is located near of Skýcov.

Štúrovo is located on the border with Hungary, near the confluence of the Danube and Hron. A major attraction of this city is thermal baths Vadaš. Very popular among the visitors is relatively large pool with artificial waves. Another recreation center is Kováčov. In the vicinity worth visiting is a beautiful basilica in hungarian Esztergom which can be reached through the bridge over the Danube.

Topoľčany is known primarily for beer production. The city center is formed by M. R. Stefanik square with baroque church. City Hall is the seat of the Vlastivedné Museum. In city part Tovarníky baroque mansion built was built in 18th century.

Topolčianky is a small city located near Zlaté Moravce. There was built one of the most beautiful manors in Slovakia here. In the 15th century there was built a moated castle here. It was gradually rebuilt into a fort in Turkish times. It obtained classicist appearance in 19 century. The Habsburgs used it as a summer residence as well as later presidents. For example T.G. Masaryk. The castle interiors offer a visit of the Museum of antique furniture and valuable library. At the manor is situated a park with Art Nouveau style hunting castle. In Topolčianky there is as well located the National Stud. Furthermore, there can be admired breeding of  bison called zubor. The breeding area has an area of 110 hectares and last livin in Europe are bred here. Local winemaking tradition represented mainly Topolčianky wineries that produce high quality wine can not be ignored.

Vráble is a small town in the valley of the river Žitava. In the past Vráble owned by Archbishopric of Esztergom, later in the 15th century, the Predialists Church resided here. The history preserved records of the local castle Fidvár. The attractions include leaning tower of the local church.

Želiezovce are known for Baroque and Classicist manor house from the 18th century, in which - based on the invitation of Count Esterhazy - famous German composer F. Schubert worked as a music teacher. In Soví zámoček castle a memorial room in honor to this artist was established.

Zlaté Moravce is the administrative center of the Požitavie area. In the 19th century was the centre of Tekov and its governor, after which the County House was preserved. There is also mansion of 16 century, where currently resides Municipal Museum of National History and Geography exposure. Janko Král - one of the most important personalities of the slovak national culture and revivalist lived here. There is was build a symbolic grave here, because his remains were deposited in the National Cemetery in Martin.