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Profile of Slovakia

By Kerry Kubilius, About.com

About Slovakia: Slovakia has a long history in Central Europe, but under Communist rule, it was unable to assert itself as a region with its own culture and heritage. Now, Slovakia is eager to welcome visitors by emphasizing its proximity to other tourist destinations such as Austria and the Czech Republic. Slowly but surely, Slovakia is making itself available to travelers who want to experience this country, one that is Slavic in spirit but Western in perspective.
The High Tatras: An old, isolated series of settlements, the High Tatras are now a part of a national park. Visitors can hike, bike, and ski, relax at the spas, and visit the local museum at Zdiar Village. Other places of interest in the High Tatras include a botanical garden and a natural science museum.
Bratislava: Slovakia's capital has much to offer for the visitor interested in history. Museums, cathedrals, and the medieval castle offer a taste of Slovak history and culture. For shoppers, Bratislava has many international boutiques as well as souvenir shops. For a summer picnic, a bus will take those interested to the top of Koliba Hill, which looks over the city.
Piestany: Piestany, the spa-resort town of Slovakia, is about an hour from Bratislava by train. A destination for those seeking health-related treatments for years, Piestany offers reasonable prices for high-quality services. It is easy to spend a day or two in Piestany; here there are hotels and a variety of restaurants for visitors.

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