Nitra is located approximately 90 km from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The Nitra River flows through this city with the same name and the hill Zobor sits overlooking them. This city has prehistorical origins. The territory of present-day Nitra was once an important Celtic (several centuries before Christ), later German and eventualy Slavic settlement. It was also the settlement of the first known sovereigns of the territory of today’s Slovakia. The first written account is from 828, and from the 8^th century until 1108, Nitra was the capital of the Principality of Nitra. It is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia and has an immense historical importance. It is the fifth largest city in Slovakia by population. In addition to its rich history, Nitra is famous for its youthful atmosphere as it is the seat of two universities – the University of Constantinus the Philosopher and the Slovak University of Agriculture. The most dominant feature of Nitra is Nitra Castle, earlier a powerful fort. The entrance into the castle is located in the most beautiful part of Nitra filled with historical buildings such as St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, the Small Seminary, the Great Seminary and the Diocesan Library with hundreds of rare books, incunables and manuscripts, the Bishop’s Palace, the Region House and St. Emeram’s Cathedral.

Monuments

The monuments in the historical center are part of the city’s historic reserve. St. Emeram’s Cathedral and Nitra Castle are the city’s focal points. The castle’s Gothic fortification encompasses Upper Town – the historical part of the city. Its current baroque classicist feel is influenced predominantly by the Great Seminary, the Franciscan Church (built in 1630) and the Region House. St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Monastery and Church, St. Ladislav´s Piarist Church, the Synagogue, the Monastery of Nazarene and the Calvary are other interesting sights. The hiking trail to Zobor Hill is also very attractive for tourists. In addition to the beautiful views of the city of Nitra, the surrounding country offers a very pleasant educational trail. The trail from Zobor leads through a wine-growing region, so you can stop by a winery and taste the delicious wines of this region.