Travel Tips

Town of Levoca, Slovakia - Well Hidden Gem

It’s not surprising that there has been a growing interest in the countries east of the European Union. Slovakia has really become a tourist destination, and there are a number of cities to visit. One of the most popular cities right now however is the town of Levoca.

It’s not a huge town, in fact it only has around 15,000 people inhabiting it. Though what it does have going for it is the fact that it almost looks like an old photograph. The town is 354 kilometers from Bratislava, making it a perfect diversion for those who are looking for new sights to see. If you want to see even more, check out the national parks of Slovak Paradise and High Tatras which are actually pretty close by.

Since June 2009, the town of Levoca was recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many people believe that it deserves such recognition. There are still six watch towers and three gateways from the ancient times, and most of the buildings in the town center still have the walls they started with back in the Middle Ages.

The town’s major portal, the Kosice Gate, is directly behind both an ornate Baroque church and an eighteenth century monastery. The town square itself, which is a photographer’s dream location, houses the 14th century church of St Jakob, a Town Hall dating back in parts to the 15th century, several other impressively grand buildings and the symbolic and strange ‘Cage of Shame’.

Inside the Church of St Jakob you will find it’s Gothic wooden carved alter. This was made by the craftsman Paul, and is the largest one in the world.

The Cage of Shame is equally memorable - but for vastly different reasons. This wrought iron monstrosity dates back as far as the 17th century and serves as a reminder of the public humiliations handed out to miscreants at that time.

Wherever you wander in this peaceful jewel of a town, you’ll be walking through time, and you will soon come to understand why Levoca is such an important spiritual and social part of Slovakian heritage. It was here, after all, that the Slovakian National Anthem was first sung in the 19th century.

Discerning visitors - and those with an eye for genuine value for money - will want to seriously consider the Hotel U Leva when they are looking for accommodation for their stay in Levoca. Not only is it conveniently situated in the town square, directly opposite the Church of St Jakob, but it is also a beautiful building in its own right. A recently and sympathetically restored medieval construction, the Hotel U Leva provides elegant and spacious rooms, many of which have views across the town square. As well as offering stylish, classical charm, however, the hotel also makes sure guests have the modern touches that many consider vital in their hotels. For example, rooms are equipped with satellite televisions with in excess of 200 channels in various languages and high speed internet access. There is a fitness and sauna centre, a pharmacy, souvenir shop, laundry and excellent facilities for disabled guests. The hotel’s restaurant is probably the best in town, and serves great breakfasts and has an extensive menu in the evenings. When you add in the friendliness of the staff, many of whom speak excellent English, then you will begin to appreciate why the Hotel U Leva has become so popular.

This town of Levoca isn’t really a ‘hot spot’, and that’s really a big part of why people visit it. Though it isn’t well known, it is a container of Slovakian history, and the people there are quite welcoming. So go take a look at this city, you won’t regret it.

When you visit Levoca, do not miss Hotel U Leva - www.uleva.sk. It was one of the best places we stayed in during our journey over the Central Europe.

© 2009 Travel Oversea.