It's not surprising that there has been a growing interest in the countries east of the European Union. Slovakia has really become a tourist destination, and there are a number of cities to visit. One of the most popular cities right now however is the town of Levoca.
Levoca has a relatively small population in that it is below 15,000. It is a historical area, and is almost like something you would see in a picture. It is 350 kilometers from Bratislava, and is the main part of so called the Gothic Route. There are also some national parks nearby, such as Slovak Paradise and High Tatras, which are great for tourists regardless of the time of year.
The town of Levoca itself has only been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June, 2009 - but visitors soon appreciate that this recognition was well deserved. Secure within the well-preserved town walls - 6 watch towers still remain as well as 3 of the ancient gateways - most of the buildings in the centre of the town still have their original walls dating back to the Middle Ages.
The town's major portal, the Kosice Gate, is directly behind both an ornate Baroque church and an eighteenth century monastery. The town square itself, which is a photographer's dream location, houses the--th century church of St Jakob, a Town Hall dating back in parts to the 15th century, several other impressively grand buildings and the symbolic and strange 'Cage of Shame'.
The Church of St Jakob is notable especially for its magnificent example of a Gothic wooden carved altar. Made by famous local craftsman Master Paul, this is the largest example of its kind in the world and, together with 10 other winged Gothic and Renaissance altars inside the church, makes an astonishing interior.
Another great site to see is the Cage of Shame. It is something that you will not soon forget, and it is a relic from the past-an unpleasant past as it may have been. It is a relic from the times when common criminals were subject to public humiliation.
Wherever you wander in this peaceful jewel of a town, you'll be walking through time, and you will soon come to understand why Levoca is such an important spiritual and social part of Slovakian heritage. It was here, after all, that the Slovakian National Anthem was first sung in the'th century.
There is a great hotel to stay at in the town, which is known as the Hotel U Leva. It is located in the town square, and is nearly impossible to miss. It is a beautiful sign of the classic era with all the modern amenities inside. In addition to that, there is also a great restaurant within.
Levoca is not a tourist 'hot spot' - indeed, for many people that will be part of its undoubted charm. What is certainly is, though, is a delightful treasure trove of Slovakian history, full of genuinely welcoming people. Go there yourself and discover Levoca, the hidden gem of Slovakia. - 29931
Levoca has a relatively small population in that it is below 15,000. It is a historical area, and is almost like something you would see in a picture. It is 350 kilometers from Bratislava, and is the main part of so called the Gothic Route. There are also some national parks nearby, such as Slovak Paradise and High Tatras, which are great for tourists regardless of the time of year.
The town of Levoca itself has only been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June, 2009 - but visitors soon appreciate that this recognition was well deserved. Secure within the well-preserved town walls - 6 watch towers still remain as well as 3 of the ancient gateways - most of the buildings in the centre of the town still have their original walls dating back to the Middle Ages.
The town's major portal, the Kosice Gate, is directly behind both an ornate Baroque church and an eighteenth century monastery. The town square itself, which is a photographer's dream location, houses the--th century church of St Jakob, a Town Hall dating back in parts to the 15th century, several other impressively grand buildings and the symbolic and strange 'Cage of Shame'.
The Church of St Jakob is notable especially for its magnificent example of a Gothic wooden carved altar. Made by famous local craftsman Master Paul, this is the largest example of its kind in the world and, together with 10 other winged Gothic and Renaissance altars inside the church, makes an astonishing interior.
Another great site to see is the Cage of Shame. It is something that you will not soon forget, and it is a relic from the past-an unpleasant past as it may have been. It is a relic from the times when common criminals were subject to public humiliation.
Wherever you wander in this peaceful jewel of a town, you'll be walking through time, and you will soon come to understand why Levoca is such an important spiritual and social part of Slovakian heritage. It was here, after all, that the Slovakian National Anthem was first sung in the'th century.
There is a great hotel to stay at in the town, which is known as the Hotel U Leva. It is located in the town square, and is nearly impossible to miss. It is a beautiful sign of the classic era with all the modern amenities inside. In addition to that, there is also a great restaurant within.
Levoca is not a tourist 'hot spot' - indeed, for many people that will be part of its undoubted charm. What is certainly is, though, is a delightful treasure trove of Slovakian history, full of genuinely welcoming people. Go there yourself and discover Levoca, the hidden gem of Slovakia. - 29931
About the Author:
During the travelling over the Eastern Europe we have luckily found this gem - Levoca town and its surroundings. We were very happy with the stay in Hotel U Leva - www.uleva.sk. It was the best accommodation we had during the journey.
