Czeched out and hungry for new experiences? Enjoy Trnava

Off-the-beaten-path travel lovers will relish this royal town, once the ecclesiastical capital of the Kingdom of Hungary for several centuries. Trnava—nicknamed Slovakia’s Little Rome—offers the same European elegance as Czech medieval towns, but without the crowds. 

Spirit of Central Europe 

Stroll past rows of historic townhouses, browse local delicacies at an open-air market beneath the Renaissance Town Tower, and soak in the serene beauty of a grand early Baroque church—one of the finest of its kind in Europe. This is everyday life in Trnava, a western Slovak town easily accessible from Vienna, Budapest, or Prague. With its peaceful charm Trnava evokes the spirit of better-known European cities—minus the rush. 

Founded in the 9th century at the crossroads of trade routes, Trnava became the first town in Slovakia to receive the status of a free royal city, back in 1238. Its golden age began in the mid-16th century when the Turks captured Esztergom, and the Archbishop moved his seat—along with the entire church elite—to Trnava. For nearly 300 years, the city served as the religious capital of the Hungarian Kingdom. 

Modernism is surrounded by ancient walls 

The city walls are among the oldest fortification systems in Slovakia. They encircle the city center, which is full of life thanks to its vibrant arts scene represented by galleries, theatres, and creative hubs. Slovakia has become known for its coffee culture in recent years, and Trnava stands out in this area thanks to its cozy cafés, local artisanal roasteries or the option to grab coffee in a mobile coffee car and enjoy it while strolling through its picturesque streets.   

Local guides bring ancient history to life, but Trnava is far from a town frozen in time. Just steps from a Baroque sculpture stands a surprising Brutalist landmark—the House of Culture, whose stark concrete design provokes mixed reactions. Modernist gems like the NUPOD automatic mill or the water tower are just a short ride away—and easily explored thanks to dense network of cycling paths. 

Within cycling distance: noble residences and a drink of the gods 

At the foot of the Little Carpathians Mountains, just outside Trnava, nature lovers will find a peaceful retreat. The romantic Smolenice Castle crowns the hills with fairytale views, while to the south, the elegant Dolná Krupá Manor—linked to stories of Ludwig van Beethoven—stands as a gem of rural classical architecture. Surrounded by an English-style park and home to a rare rosarium, it’s a place where history blossoms. 

In this region, honey is liquid gold—sweet, fragrant, and healing. But even more divine is mead, the so-called drink of the gods. Local beekeepers craft award-winning mead that tastes best where it’s born: under the slopes of the Litlle Carpathians. 

An ideal destination for a long weekend escape for anyone seeking to experience the authentic atmosphere of Central Europe. 

More: regiontrnava.sk