Trnava

45-50 km north-east of Bratislava we went in to Trnava. It was nice city with an old city center full of chuches, because of the many churches within its city walls, Trnava has often been called "parva Roma", i. e. "Little Rome", or more recently, the "Slovak Rome. We walked around in the city - it was hot again close to 40 degrees - due to the heat there was not many people walking in the streets - most of the people we met was in the shops getting some relief from the sun.

Trnava as the first town in Slovakia was granted by the Hungarian King Belo IV free royal privileges in 1238. The privilege subordinated the town directly to the King and assigned the town rights enabling its fast development. 

During the period of the Turkish invasions, it was a religious center of Hungary, and became, as early as in the 17th century, a university town.

Following buildings is worth while visiting in the city: Clarist convent, the University Church of St. John the Baptist and the Franciscan Church of St. James. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas, constructed in the area around the fortifications in the second half of the 14th century, deserves special attention. There are several other churches to visit in the city and also the Archbishop's Palace. Museums and Art Galleries: Galeria Jana Koniarka (sculptor), the Museum of Book Culture (works by A. Bernolak, J. Fandly and J.I. Bajza), the University, the West Slovakia Museum