The Basilica of St. Emmeram in Nitra. (source: Henrich Mišovič)
From December 15, a regular, direct railway connection between Bratislava and Nitra will be launched, according to the TASR newswire and the Nitralive portal. The service will provide fast, transfer-free transport every two hours throughout the day, confirmed Peter Helexa, General Director of the Slovak Railway Company (ZSSK), during a joint meeting of representatives from the city of Nitra, the Labour Ministry, and ZSSK on Thursday in Nitra.
A one-way journey of 97 kilometres will take 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The train will run along the route Nitra – Lužianky – Zbehy – Alekšince – Hlohovec – Leopoldov – Brestovany – Trnava – Pezinok – Bratislava Predmestie, finishing its journey at Bratislava-Nové Mesto station.
Nitra, a city in western Slovakia that is the administrative centre for Nitra Region, has a population of 78,916. Until now, it has suffered from relatively poor public transport connections with the capital. However, as President Peter Pellegrini recently noted during a visit to the city, it is home to many foreign residents:
"Today, 15 percent of Nitra’s population is made up of people from abroad. The city has around 75,000 residents, with about 15,000 foreigners living here. These are not illegal migrants but individuals who have come here for work and are welcomed," the Slovak president stated.
Trip to Nitra by train
Nitra has some interesting tourist attractions. For example, Zobor Hill, at an altitude of 587 metres above sea level, is a popular destination for family walks. The peak is located directly above the city of Nitra.
The city's beautiful botanical garden, situated within the Slovak University of Agriculture campus in Nitra, offers visitors a rich collection of plant species from around the world and a space for relaxation. Art lovers will enjoy the Nitra Gallery.
Nitra Castle, the dominant feature of the old town and a national cultural monument, stands atop a small hill in the city centre, at an elevation of 220 metres above sea level. The castle complex includes the Basilica of St. Emmeram and the Bishop’s Palace.
The Nitra Calvary, dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, offers panoramic views of the city, including Zobor Hill. The pedestrian zone in the city centre features a theatre, numerous cafés, and shops.
