Trnavsky Data
Tourism
Culture
History
Trnava – an ancient town encircled by brick ramparts is situated on the fertile plain. It´s monumental silhouette shaped by numerous towers of churches attracted long ago many strangers´ merchandisers and pilgrims. Owing to these towers Trnava got a nickname “The little Rome”.
Trnava entered the European history mainly as a university town. Peter Pázmány established Trnava University. During its operation in years 1635 – 1777 it was the sole university not only in Slovakia but also in whole Hungary. The university´s spiritual emission as well as unique, up to now preserved architectonic complex exceeding far behind the Slovakia borders by its artistic quality significantly influenced the look of the town. Lots of known Italian master-builders participated on university building, later they were the architects coming from the Court of Mariah Therese. The architectonic jewel – the first early Baroque church in Slovakia, University Church of Saint John the Baptist, opened the university campus building lot. This beautiful church and its original altar, one of the biggest in Central Europe can be admired still today. This stage of the town history is known for long time. It is less known that more significant phase of Trnava history represent mainly the oldest phase of the Middle Age – the foundation of town.
In the period of Trnava´s foundation – close after year 1238 when Trnava become royal free town, Tnava belonged to the biggest towns in Central Europe. In Slovakia it was the first respectively one of the first towns. It is remarkable that since its foundation Trnava saved all badges – that is unique ramparts with brick turrets, which encircles today´s historic centre identical with original town. Plenty of up today preserved burgher houses built in a spirit of uniform “project” are unique not only in Slovakia, but also in central Europe. Today it is possible to visit mainly the basements of these houses, where are now wine-cellars prepared to welcome visitors.
The artistic value of burgher architecture, which followed after the very first houses, keeps Trnava´s first-rate between the rests of Slovak towns. E. g. on the fronts of several houses are preserved survivals of stately window configurations. Only in Trnava the facades of seemingly comfort rooms of rich patricians can attract public attention. Trnava with its ostentatious solution of passage houses came into the fore Gothic towns in Central Europe. In the 14th and the 15th century Trnava, the popular town among Hungarian sovereigns, had an important position. In the course of visiting already mentioned unique medieval and Baroque sights the town offers also visit of some burgher houses with restored Renaissance arcade courtyards.
The visitor´s notice attracts valuable historical furnishings mostly from the 17th and the 18th century, which can be found in 8 Trnava´s churches. Trnava surely takes up an interest by its stately statues situated on two squares. While Trinity Square is a busy centre of city life, on the other square it is possible to mediate in a silent encirclement of clerical buildings. The tower built in the centre of the town as watchtower from fear of Turkish army danger offers a great view on complete old town and it´s neighbourhood.
Each unique treasury from Trnava past prepared for visitors os worth to see.