A PIECE OF ORIGINALITY – AND A WHOLE LOT OF CULTURE
IMPRESSIVE PEAKS, CRYSTAL-CLEAR RESERVOIRS, UNDERGROUND CAVES, SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS, CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND LIVELY CITIES: SLOVAKIA IS A REAL HIDDEN GEM.
In the heart of Europe, Slovakia has a diverse and original character to suit all tastes. IMA Schelling has a regional site in Kechnec, a village with only 1200 residents on the idyllic River Hornád, right by the border with Hungary. The historic city of Košice, the second-largest in Slovakia with 242,000 residents, is only 20 kilometres away and has no shortage of attractions. In 2013, it was the European Capital of Culture – a fact that is still noticeable today.
The houses are resplendent and there are many cultural activities on offer. In the city centre, it’s worth paying a visit to the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia. The spindle- shaped main square of Košice is one of the most beautiful squares in Slovakia and surrounded by a lively pedestrian zone with numerous histo- ric, ornately decorated facades.
Not far from Košice is the Ružín reservoir, which is shaped like a curved “V”. The 600-hectare lake is situated at the foot of the Volovec mountains and consists of two water basins, which are up to 60 metres deep in places and always refreshingly cold as a result, and make an important contribution to the region’s water supply. The most beautiful view of the lake can be seen at an altitude of 781 metres from Sivec peak. Visitors to Slova- kia should not miss out on a visit to one of the country’s many impressive ice or stalactite caves, of which many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Jasovská Cave near Košice is known for the rich occurrence of calcareous sinter, remarkable rock formations and underground caverns. The cave is inhabited by colonies of bats, and traces of Stone-Age residents can also be found.
A visit to Spiš Castle is yet more proof that the region is rich in history that can be experienced first-hand. Even from a great distance, the colos- sal stone castle, with walls over 400 metres long, makes a bre- athtaking impression.
The largest castle in central Europe was built in the 12th century, is a UNESCO World Heri- tage Site and has served as the backdrop for many films like „Dragonheart“ as well as „The last Legion“. On clear days, a spectacular view of the High Tatra
mountain range can be seen from the tower.
Alena Mlinarčíková | accounting
IMA Schelling Slovakia s.r.o.
Around one hour away by car is the unique Ochtinská Aragonite Cave. Extraordinary spiral and coral-shaped mineral formations adorn the walls, and aragonite roses, stalks, bushes and needles form beautiful patterns. The minerals on the ceiling of the Milky Way Dome resem- ble the stars in the sky.