It’s not a huge town, in fact it only has around 15,000 people inhabiting it. Though what it does have going for it is the fact that it almost looks like an old photograph. The town is 354 kilometers from Bratislava, making it a perfect diversion for those who are looking for new sights to see. If you want to see even more, check out the national parks of Slovak Paradise and High Tatras which are actually pretty close by.

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 14th 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’.

Within the church of St Jakob you will see yet another amazing site. It is a Gothic wooden carved alter, which is easily the largest of it’s type. The alter was carved by the craftsman Paul.

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 19th century.

Those looking for a good place to stay should think about the Hotel U Leva. It’s right in the town square, and is a rather beautiful building. It is a stylish building and provides a classical charm, though it doesn’t skimp on the modern necessities. The rooms have satellite televisions, and even high speed internet access. There are all sorts of facilities and shops within, and it is highly accessible to the disabled. As far as food goes, you likely will not find a better restaurant in down aside from the one in the hotel.

It’s not a real tourist attraction, but that simple old fashioned charm certainly makes it attractive to many. It contains a plethora of Slovakian history, and tourists are always welcome.

If you will find way to this beautiful town, our best recommendation is Hotel U Leva – www.uleva.sk. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

Beautiful Bratislava

The city of Bratislava in itself is one of Slovakia’s major attractions. Indeed, many visit Slovakia just to spend a night or two here. The Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city, serves as its main landmark and a symbol of its rich history, while other architectural marvels like the Primate’s Palace, Mirbach Palace, St. Martin’s Cathedral and Michael’s Tower are all worth seeing. If you want to relax, you can also do so at one of the spacious parks of the city, like the park surrounding Rusovce Mansion or the forests just nearby, while a trip to museums like the Slovak National Museum provides insights into the history of the entire Slovak Republic.

From Bratislava, you can make your way to other equally interesting cities in Slovakia, such as Banska Bystrica, which is also a popular tourist destination, Kosice, Levoca, Trencin and Nitra.

The High Tatras

Of all the green spaces in Slovakia, the Tatra National Park is the most enchanting. True, this mountain range may not be as high or as popular as the Alps nearby, but its alpine climate, majestic mountain peaks like Krivan and numerous lakes and waterfalls make it a worthy destination. It offers opportunities for various recreational activities, too, like trekking, cycling, golfing or wildlife watching in the summer and skiing during winter. There are also many excellent hotels here with thermal pools and several cable cars that allow you to sit back and savor the amazing panoramic views.

Caves

The caves in Slovakia are also remarkable sights – so impressive, in fact, that some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites. Visit the Ochtinska Cave, the largest of its kind in the world, and be astounded by the sparkling aragonite formations in its Milky Way Hall. Go on a boat trip down the river Styx in Domica Cave while spotting various species of bats. Marvel at the ice waterfalls and columns in the Dobsinska Ice Cave or experience speleotherapy at the Gombasecka and Jasovska Caves. Although not a World Heritage Site, the Demanova Cave of Freedome is also worth a visit, and is, in fact, the most visited cave in Slovakia because of its stalactite formations that come in various colors.

Architecture

Aside from natural wonders, Slovakia also boasts of man-made marvels, best exemplified in its romantic castles. The most popular castle in the country is the World Heritage Spis Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a favorite location for films with a fantasy or medieval setting, although the castles at Lupca, Trencin, Nitra, Cerveny Kamen, Orava and Bojnice are just as impressive. Some castles, like Hradok Castle, offer accommodations, too.

In contrast, you will also find many humble wooden churches when you visit Slovakia, particularly in the Svidnik province, which are just as worth seeing. One of the largest wooden structures in Central Europe can be found in the country, too – the Wooden Lutheran Church – while Podbiel has a collection of more than 70 well-preserved rustic houses. Although not entirely wooden, St. Jacob’s Church in Levoca has the highest wooden altar in the world.

Handicrafts

Slovakia has a rich folk culture, and you can take some of it home with you when you visit Slovakia by buying popular handicrafts. The crpak (ornamented wooden cup), for example, is traditionally used in milking sheep; the fujara is the country’s national instrument and the valaska is an axe-like walking stick used in the mountain regions. Dolls in national costumes, a Slovakian waistband, blue and white ceramics from Modra and kraslice (painted eggs) are also excellent choices, which you can get from shops all over the country.

Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Slovakia. To book your car hire slovakia or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.