Day trip to Trnava: Discover Trnava, the Slovakia's Hidden Gem
Trnava, one of the oldest Slovakia‘s cities located just 50 km from Slovakian capital Bratislava. Situated in the Danube lowlands on the Trnava table, bordered by the Little Carpathian Mountains on the northwest. Trnava is also known in Slovakia as a “Little Rome of Slovakia” or “Slovak Rome” due to its numerous churches, Trnava offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and vibrant modern life. In time when Bratislava was a capital city of Hungarian Kingdom, Trnava was a seat of Esztergom Archbishop. Let E-TRAVEL.SK, the leading incoming tour operator to Slovakia & Central Europe.
A Journey Through Time: The rich history of Trnava
During your day trip from Bratislava to Trnava you will discover the rich history of the oldest “Slovakian Royal Town”. The surroundings of Trnava were attractive because of very rich soil and favourable conditions for sedentary life and farming. The earliest written notice about Trnava is date from 1211 with a reference back to the year 1205. In 1238 Trnava was granted by the royal town rights by king Bela IV. These rights enabled then a very rapid development. The whole fortification system which part of it is well preserved till nowadays was completed by the architect – engineer Pietro Ferrabosco in the first half of 16th century.
The town privileges attracted German colonist called “guests” to Trnava, especially after the Tartar invasion. Trnava acquired an extraordinary position in 16th century. In 1563 Bratislava was promoted to the rank of a coronation town, and Trnava took the role of the spiritual and cultural leader of the Hungarian Kingdom. The function of Esztergom’s religious centre were the first to move here and after them the Bishop – Primate arrived in the town in 1543. At that time the synods and sessions of the Hungarian Diet also took place in Trnava.
The most glorious period in the town’s history is connected with 17th century. The first complete Hungarian university was established here by Cardinal – Primate Peter Pazmany. Its four faculties, which existed 142 years, grouped themselves according to academic disciplines – theology, arts, law and medicine. The university also became famous for the astronomical observatory established by Maximilian Hell, a library, gardens, and a theatre.
The main highlights of Trnava are: The basilica of St. Nicolas, University Basilica of St. John Baptist, the Monastery and Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of St. James, the Church of St. Helen, the Church of St. Joseph, the Church of St. Anna, the church and convent of the Clarists, the University building, the building of “Albertinum”, the Archbishop Palace, the Town Tower and many more.
Trnava is also “the capital city of Slovakian football”, in the town plays their matches one of the Slovakian best clubs FC Spartak Trnava at Stadium of Anton Malatinsky.
You can discover Trnava as a part of a Half Day Trip, available from 2 paying pax. Trnava is also a good option for the groups for one day trip from Bratislava to Trnava in addition to Small Carpathian Wine Route.