Military history clubs re-enact the Liberation of Bratislava from the Nazi occupation on May 8, 2014. (source: TASR)
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Bullets flew in the air, windows in the city centre shook under cannon shots, and German and Russian were heard. In 2014, Bratislava relived its 1945 liberation from the fascist occupation thanks to military history clubs. Slovakia and the rest of Europe commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on May 8, 2020. Picture: TASR
TRAVEL
1) A virtual visit to 250 tourist attractions
Košice Region Tourism makes it possible for tourists to visit sights in the Košice and Prešov regions through virtual tours. Spiš Castle and the Dobšinská Ice Cave are the most visited attractions online.
2) Kuchajda reopened to public
The Bratislava borough of Nové Mesto has also reopened the cable car to Kamzík and sports park Jama. However, coronavirus measures such as masks and social distancing apply when visiting the spots.
3) Cable cars in the Tatras back in operation
Only hikers will be permitted to use them. Due to social distancing, their capacity is lower than usual. People are encouraged to buy tickets online. Cable cars were closed for 50 days.
4) Michael’s Gate: The actual entrance to Bratislava
The Gate nowadays houses the Museum of Weapons and Town Fortification. At the same time, it offers a scenic view over the Old Town. Bratislava used to have four gates in the past.
5) A castle that families with children will enjoy
Plavecký Castle in the Small Carpathians is easy to climb. Therefore, it is a great trip for families with children and older people. The castle is not far away from Bratislava.
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HISTORY CALENDAR
The premiere of the first Slovak feature cartoon Outlaw Jurko [Zbojník Jurko] by Viktor Kubal took place in the Slovan cinema in Bratislava on May 6, 1977. Today, cinemas are closed, but some of them have launched online screenings.
RIDDLE
People can’t eat the bird. It is, however, half-edible. What bird is it?“
WEEKEND READS
1) Creative ideas of how to erect a maypole during the pandemic
People across Slovakia put up their maypoles at the turn of April regardless of COVID-19. Some did it online, some gave up on live music and spectators. Others even hung a facemask on their maypoles.
2) Epigraphy is kind of the Cinderella of our historical disciplines
“You walk through churches, ruined manor houses, their ceilings or crypts looking for the remains of barely visible inscriptions,” says historian Juraj Šedivý in an interview with The Slovak Spectator. He even reveals what the oldest Czech inscription in Slovakia is.
3)The most beautiful books in Slovakia of 2019
Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy was chosen as the most beautiful book in 2019 for its artistic and technical quality. Painter Miroslav Cipár illustrated the book. Find out which children’s book was named the most beautiful?
