History talks
Learn about Slovak history through stories of interesting people and places.
Freedom can be lost democratically, from the inside
Has the country survived the abductions of the state, the inoculation of Mečiar, Fico governments and the Kočner underworld without harm to democracy?Beata Balogová, 17. Nov 2019, at 18:46
Interview
Prague was supposed to be a quiet posting when I arrived in 1987
A Canadian diplomat thinks back to his time in Czechoslovakia during the Velvet Revolution.Anna Fay, 11. Nov 2019, at 19:19
Foto
M. R. Štefánik: an uncompromising politician and royalist with debts
The story of Milan Rastislav Štefánik, both a French general and Minister of War for Czechoslovakia at the same time, has been hidden, twisted, and romanticised at turns. What is the real story?Zuzana Kepplová3. May 2019, at 12:09
Foto
Sport, torture and guns; Palach was a fighter
The death of Ján Palach inspired protests that led to the overthrow of the communist regime.Roman Cuprik, 16. Jan 2019, at 18:26
Do you see a white elephant? Welcome to Beckov!
An exotic animal as a symbol of a Slovak village might simply be – a mistake.Peter Dlhopolec, 29. Nov 2018, at 15:24
Czechoslovakia was saving grace for Slovaks
The one-off holiday is pathetic, it betrays the ever-present Slovak separatism, says political scientist.Michaela Terenzani, 25. Oct 2018, at 17:45
Slovak and Czech presidents mark centenary with a vintage train ride
The presidents also visited sights connected to the first president of Czechoslovakia,Tomáš Garrique Masaryk, to commemorate the centenary.Compiled by Spectator staff, 30. Jul 2018, at 13:19
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Historical “presidential train” rides across Slovakia
The special project to mark the centenary of the founding of Czechoslovakia arrived in Bratislava on July 3rd.Compiled by Spectator staff, 3. Jul 2018, at 22:46
Video
Youngest Slovak village is like New York
Dedina Mládeže (The Youth Village) was a mere experiment during the communist era. Now, the still inhabited village has morphed into an open-air museum.Mário Šmýkal16. Jun 2018, at 17:39
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What are the key events in modern Slovak (and Czech) history?
Czechs and Slovaks have rated the key events in domestic modern history, picking a wartime uprising, an anti-communist revolt and the rise of independent Slovakia. They also ranked top important personalities.Compiled by Spectator staff, 12. Jun 2018, at 13:51
Candle Manifestation 1988: We went into it like innocent children
Thirty years ago, thousands of people stood on the square, holding candles and praying. But the police brutally beat them and used water cannons against them.Ela Rybárová, Boris Vanya25. Mar 2018, at 9:28
How did Communism happen in Czechoslovakia?
For the 40 years, Czechs and Slovaks would celebrate February 25 as Victorious February, even though the enthusiasm of most of those who supported Communists in 1948 would very quickly evaporate.Michaela Terenzani, 23. Feb 2018, at 16:45
Historian: After 1948, Czechoslovakia was paralysed with fear
On February 25, Czechs and Slovaks mark 70 years since the rise of Communism in their common state. Historian Jan Pešek talks about the coup and its aftermath.Michaela Terenzani, 23. Feb 2018, at 16:45
The Danube Limes proposed for UNESCO heritage list
Among almost a hundred monuments dating back to the northern borders of the Roman Empire – including those from Slovakia – those in Rusovce have a good chance entering the UNESCO heritage group.Compiled by Spectator staff, 13. Feb 2018, at 13:50
Video
New ways and new path of Slovak architect Weinwurm
The irregular guided tour in English this time offers an insight into the innovative thinking and concept of Slovak architect Friedrich Weinwurm, known also outside the then-Czechoslovakia, a pioneer of…Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská, 3. Feb 2018, at 12:47
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Oversized statues of eight Hungarian kings attract visitors to Čečejovce
One of the tourist attractions of the eastern-Slovak village is an alley lined with larger-than-life Hungarian emperors.Compiled by Spectator staff, 30. Jan 2018, at 23:08
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Who to blame for bryndzové halušky as the national meal
The ancestors of the Slovaks' wiped their mouths with the tablecloth, pigeons flying out of the pâtés served on tables. It was a famous Czech writer who romanticised “the meal of the poor”.By Ela Rybárová26. Oct 2017, at 15:28
Visitors’s centre opened near Andrássy Mausoleum
Historical former watchman’s cabin has been reconstructed to house the new centre for visitors near a tourist attraction.Compiled by Spectator staff, 23. Oct 2017, at 14:43
Foto
An outrageous conspiracy
In the Franciscan Square of Bratislava stands a tall Marian column, erected in 1675 at the order of Emperor Leopold I. Marian columns, or plague columns, were built in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for averting or…By Branislav Chovan17. Oct 2017, at 12:00
The double nostalgia of Uzhgorod
The castle in the Ukrainian town of Uzhgorod can evoke double nostalgia in Slovakia, as well in Czech landsBy Branislav Chovan19. Sep 2017, at 12:54
- 1. Former American baseball pro has found home base in Bratislava
- 2. The campaign goes to parliament after the last polls
- 3. Forget Romeo and Juliet. A Slovak Verona recounts a real-life love story Audio
- 4. The Year of the Ruthenian village
- 5. Indian manager in Bratislava: I wish Slovaks focused on emotional intelligence more Photo
- 6. Čaputová in Munich: Leaders have a special responsibility to resist populism
- 7. Pellegrini visited Hungarian-Serbian border shortly before election
- 8. Brownfields in Bratislava make up an area the size of Lamač Photo
- 9. Driving in Bratislava: Exit from Bajkalská to Prístavný Bridge closed Photo
- 10. Where the Slovak language was born: Uhrovec Video
- 1. Indian manager in Bratislava: I wish Slovaks focused on emotional intelligence more Photo
- 2. Brownfields in Bratislava make up an area the size of Lamač Photo
- 3. Vlhová wins the slalom race in Slovenia Video
- 4. Forget Romeo and Juliet. A Slovak Verona recounts a real-life love story Audio
- 5. The Year of the Ruthenian village
- 6. Former American baseball pro has found home base in Bratislava
- 7. Slovakia may lose about one-half of its water sources
- 8. The campaign goes to parliament after the last polls
- 9. Kočner set up escape plan the day of arrest
- 10. 2020 election sees unprecedented mobilisation of Roma
- 1. Indian manager in Bratislava: I wish Slovaks focused on emotional intelligence more Photo
- 2. Slovakia may lose about one-half of its water sources
- 3. Gigafactory in Slovakia is closer
- 4. Forget Romeo and Juliet. A Slovak Verona recounts a real-life love story Audio
- 5. Brownfields in Bratislava make up an area the size of Lamač Photo
- 6. Slovak election to test Orbán’s clout among ethnic Hungarians
- 7. Bratislava airport will get rid of a crashed plane after seven years
- 8. 8 great breaks on Valentine’s Day weekend in Slovakia
- 9. Poll: SNS drops from parliament
- 10. Two Slovaks evacuated from Wuhan quarantined in Banská Bystrica Video