There are three places in Slovakia that we visit that show just how multi-faceted Slovakia is. Our first stop is Košice, the biggest city in eastern Slovakia. Walking around the city centre is the best way to discover the colourful buildings that house shops, restaurants and theatres along the streets. Košice is also home of the gothic St Elisabeth’s Cathedral.
The Slovak St Elisabeth has no relation to Hungary’s beloved Sisi but is instead, a patron saint that is often depicted with a bouquet of roses, a symbol of the miracle that she is most well known for.
From the urban landscape of Košice, we depart for Vlkolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mountainous village is a remarkable settlement of 45 wooden log cabins. Vlkolínec was originally a settlement for sheep-rearing Slovaks who needed a place to stay in the summer while their sheep roamed the lush grass- covered mountains. As sheep-rearing grew into family businesses, accommodation became more permanent and the town took on the name of Vlkolínec, named after the wolves (vlk) that used to prey on their sheep. Today the mountainous village serves as a monument reserve of folk architecture with its 45 wooden log cabins painted in summer popsicle colours. Only small cars are allowed to make the drive up to Vlkolínec but making the 30-minute trek up on foot isn’t too bad. On the way up, trekkers will come across streams and meadows. Once at Vlkolínec, a view of the High Tatras mountain range is the jaw dropping vista that serves as a reward for completing the climb.
