Memorials and Commemorative Places in Slovakia
Because of its rich history, Slovakia is famous for the memorials dedicated to famous persons, victims or historical events. Historical memorials usually remind us of the events from the period of World War II and the Slovak National Uprising (SNU). One such memorial is the Slavín Monument in Bratislava while others are located in Banská Bystrica or in Dukla, which used to be an important battlefield in WWII. There are also memorials honouring the lives of important public figures: politicians, writers, etc. For example, the memorials were built in honour of a popular Slovak author P.O. Hviezdoslav or an astronomer and politician General Rastislav Štefánik . Limes Romanus - an ancient fortification system of the great Roman Empire is another historical and cultural monument. Limes Romanus is on the candidate list to be inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Slavín
Location: Bratislava, western Slovakia
Slavín is a National Historical Heritage site symbolizing the liberation of Bratislava in the World War II. There is also a military cemetery for soldiers who were killed during liberation of the city. The memorial is situated in Bratislava’s Old Town, not far from the Castle. It offers a panoramic city view.
Nemecká
Location: Nemecká, central Slovakia
Nemecká houses a SNU Memorial with a commemorative room. Here you can read the stories of people captured by the Gestapo see their personal items, photos, watch the video and read their biographies. In Nemecka German soldiers executed more than 1,000 people in a limekiln. A memorial resembling the kiln and its flames is situated just next to the commemorative room. The memorial lies in central Slovakia on the way from Banská Bystrica to Brezno, just between Brusno and Podbrezová.
Dukla Memorial
Location: Svidník, eastern Slovakia
Memorial and a cemetery of the Czechoslovak Army Corps lie in Svidník in eastern Slovakia. It is a part of the Slovak National Historical Heritage. Dukla was the scene of bitterly contested Carpatho-Dukla battle for the Dukla Pass between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in September-October 1944. You can have a closer look at the two tanks in the Death Valley commemorating the infamous tank battle. The battlefield is clearly visible from the sightseeing tower. You can also see old bunkers; you will just have to take a short walk. A 28-metre (3280ft) tall memorial with a statue looms over the place. Cemetery on the top of the hill is the resting place of the soldiers who died in order liberate Czechoslovakia. Ten thousands of soldiers died in this battlefield.
Štefánik Monument on Bradlo Hill
Location: western Slovakia, Brezová pod Bradlom, Košariská, between Piešťany and Senica
Milan Rastislav Štefánik was an important general, astronomer and politician. His house in Košariská Village shelters a museum documenting his short life. Here you can see the items that he brought back from his journeys or his French army uniform. He is buried in a mound situated on Bradlo Hill above the Brezová pod Bradlom and Košariská villages. You will get there from Brezová pod Bradlom.
Hviezdoslav Monument
Location: Bratislava, western Slovakia
A statue of an important and a well-known Slovak poet Pavol Orzságh Hviezdoslav looms over the Hviezdoslavovo Square in Bratislava just next to the Slovak National Theatre. There is a fountain just across from the statue and the place is surrounded by the bank buildings.
Ľudovít Štúr Monument
Location: Modra, western Slovakia
The Ľudovít Štúr sculpture is located in Modra, but you can also see another statue of Štúr in Žilina. A former Town Hall from the 19th century in Modra houses a museum to honour Ludovit Stur. During the visit you can have a look not only at the documents about Štúr’s life but also learn about the city development, handicrafts, vinicultural traditions, ceramics and antique furniture. The leader of the Slovak national revival in the 19th century is buried in Modra cemetery.
SNU Memorial in Banská Bystrica
Location: Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia
A colossal building of the SNU Memorial is situated next to the museum and in the park with an open-air exhibition of World War II tanks, artillery and aircraft. It lies nearby the Slovak National Uprising Square.
Home of Ľudovít Štúr and Alexander Dubček
Location: Uhrovec nearby Bánovce nad Bebravou, western Slovakia
Since these two important Slovaks were born in the same house, their home was proclaimed a National Historical Monument. Ľudovít Štúr is the author of the Slovak language standard, eventually leading to the contemporary Slovak literary language. Alexander Dubček was an important politician, secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, a representative of “Communism with a human face.” Visiting hours: from May to October on Tuesday - Saturday, 8am - 4.30pm; from November to April: Monday - Friday, 8am -4pm.Uhrovec is situated nearby Bánovce nad Bebravou.
Jánošík Statue in Terchová
Location: Terchová Village
The statue of a legendary Slovak outlaw named Jánošík who stole from the rich and gave to the poor is situated just outside Terchová Village and on the entrance to the Lesser Fatra Mountains. The statue is 7.5m tall (24.6ft) and it is located at the starting point of hiking tours to Jánošík’s Holes.
Roman Campsite in Iža Nearby Komárno
Location: Iža, southern Slovakia
This huge Roman fortress is found in Iža near the Hungarian border, only 7km from Komárno in southern Slovakia. It used to be a part of the Limes Romanus - an ancient Rome’s border defence system. The campsite was built on Marcus Aurelius’s command. Archaeological excavations from the Roman period, ceramics, plastics, clasps as well as arms and coins from the Middle Ages are available for viewing at the Museum of the Hungarian culture and Danube Region in Komárno. The fortress used to be of significant importance in times of the anti-Turkish raids and anti-Habsburg rebellions.
Roman Inscription in Trenčín
Location: Trenčín, western Slovakia
Trenčín is a city with a great history. One of the historical treasures is a Roman inscription dating back to 179 A.D. on the rock below the Castle. It was created on Marcus Valerius Maximianus’ command to celebrate the emperor’s victory over Germanic tribes. The inscription is also visible from the Tatra Hotel.
Antique Gerulata Museum
Location: Bratislava, western Slovakia
The 2,000- year- old remnants of a Roman military camp represent an important national historical monument. They once were a part of the Limes Romanus - an ancient Rome’s border defence system. The Roman military camp museum is opened to public. It is situated just behind the church on Gerulatská Street in a city part Rusovce, Bratislava. A Roman warrior’s tin hat, coins, burial site or remains of ceramics and other interesting articles were excavated at the location. Antique Gerulata Museum is open daily (except Mondays) from June till October, from 10am to 5pm.