Liptovský Mikuláš
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Understand
Liptovský Mikuláš (pronunciation (help·info); until 1952 Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš, German: Liptau-Sankt-Nikolaus; Hungarian: Liptószentmiklós) is a town in northern Slovakia, on the Váh River. It lies in the Liptov region, in Liptov Basin near the Low Tatras and Tatra Mountains. Known as Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš (or Liptovský Saint Nicholas) before communist times, the town is also renowned for its guilds and culture.
From the second half of the 10th century until 1918, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The town of Mikuláš (Liptószentmiklós) was first mentioned in the royal deed of King Ladislaus IV in 1286. The first written record mentioning the Church of Saint Nicolaus, which was to become the founding element of a larger settlement, dates back to 1299. The Church of Saint Nicolaus is the oldest building in town.
Mikuláš was one of the most important centres of crafts in the Liptov region. The craftsmen formed guilds. The oldest guild was the shoemaker's guild, first mentioned in 1508. There were also other guilds, of smiths, furriers, tailors, hatters and butchers.
In 1677, Liptovský Mikuláš (Liptószentmiklós) became the seat of the local district, and of Liptó county. The legendary Slovak "Robin Hood" Juraj Jánošík was sentenced and executed here in 1713 by being hanged by the ribcage on a hook. In the 19th century, the town became one of the centres of the Slovak national movement.
In the 20th century, many once independent villages were annexed to Liptovský Mikuláš. Thus, what was once the bucolic farmers' hamlet of Vrbicá is now simply a street in the middle of the town.
The town is one of the most famous tourist centres in Slovakia because of its rich cultural life and also because it is a perfect starting point for accessing the Low Tatras (Demänová valley) with well-known caves such as the Demänová Ice Cave or Demänová Cave of Freedom, or the Western Tatras. Folk architecture can also be seen nearby in Vlkolínec near Ružomberok, or Pribylina, a few kilometres east of the town, and for recreation the lake called Liptovská Mara is available. Aquapark Tatralandia is nearby. The area is also well-known due to its location close to the biggest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná. Many modern lifts and recent additions made to its infrastructure have meant it has become a popular ski centre for many western tourists over the last few years.
From the second half of the 10th century until 1918, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The town of Mikuláš (Liptószentmiklós) was first mentioned in the royal deed of King Ladislaus IV in 1286. The first written record mentioning the Church of Saint Nicolaus, which was to become the founding element of a larger settlement, dates back to 1299. The Church of Saint Nicolaus is the oldest building in town.
Mikuláš was one of the most important centres of crafts in the Liptov region. The craftsmen formed guilds. The oldest guild was the shoemaker's guild, first mentioned in 1508. There were also other guilds, of smiths, furriers, tailors, hatters and butchers.
In 1677, Liptovský Mikuláš (Liptószentmiklós) became the seat of the local district, and of Liptó county. The legendary Slovak "Robin Hood" Juraj Jánošík was sentenced and executed here in 1713 by being hanged by the ribcage on a hook. In the 19th century, the town became one of the centres of the Slovak national movement.
In the 20th century, many once independent villages were annexed to Liptovský Mikuláš. Thus, what was once the bucolic farmers' hamlet of Vrbicá is now simply a street in the middle of the town.
The town is one of the most famous tourist centres in Slovakia because of its rich cultural life and also because it is a perfect starting point for accessing the Low Tatras (Demänová valley) with well-known caves such as the Demänová Ice Cave or Demänová Cave of Freedom, or the Western Tatras. Folk architecture can also be seen nearby in Vlkolínec near Ružomberok, or Pribylina, a few kilometres east of the town, and for recreation the lake called Liptovská Mara is available. Aquapark Tatralandia is nearby. The area is also well-known due to its location close to the biggest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná. Many modern lifts and recent additions made to its infrastructure have meant it has become a popular ski centre for many western tourists over the last few years.
Get in
Liptovský Mikuláš is located near the main Slovak D1 motorway, as well as being on the main railroad from Bratislava to Košice. The closest international airport is in Poprad.
Get around
The town also has its own public transport network with 14 lines operating. Most of the lines meet at the .
See
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address: Demänovska CestaThe most visited cave in Slovakia with unique drip stone formations. Two excursions are available, 2,150 m and 1,150 m long. Temperature inside is around 6°C.
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address: Demänovska CestaOne of two ice caves open to the public in Slovakia. Go on a weekday to avoid most of the crowd.
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Church of Saint Nicolaus
address: Námestie osloboditeľov 725/27The oldest monument building in town and located on the Main Square. -
Liptov Gallery of Peter Michal Bohun
address: Tranovského 111/3The third oldest gallery in Slovakia in the center of the city in a beautiful historic place includes 5,000 works of art from the 15th to 20th century. -
address: Námestie osloboditeľov 1120/31This museum is located on the Main Square and represents the rich history of the city.
Do
Water slalom coursePlaced at the Váh river, it's the oldest whitewater slalom course in Slovakia. Slovak Olympic winners were training here.
Liptovská MaraThe biggest water reservoir in Slovakia and a popular recreational area.
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address: Ráztocká 21Large water park with saunas, slides, indoor and outdoor pools (including heated pools that can be used even in winter).
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address: RáztockáGood place for families with children.
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address: Pavčina LehotaSmall ski resort suitable also for kids, including a bobsleigh track.
- Visit
Jasná
ski resort in the nearby Low Tatras.
Buy
City square
PriorA shopping house dated back to the socialist era.
Tesco, KauflandA shopping area with multiple shops.
Eat
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Ohnivý Drak
phone: +421 445620536address: Hodžova 35/18Cheap chinese food, in the Slovak tradition. Most popular around lunchtime. -
Liptovská Izba
phone: +421 918889659address: Námestie osloboditeľov 85/21Pleasant mid-price restaurant directly in the centre with Slovak food specialties. -
Slovenská reštaurácia
phone: +421 445570929address: ul. 1. mája 699Another place with good local cuisine. Serving sizes are very generous. -
phone: +421 44 562 30 17address: Garbiarska 627Very good value for money steakhouse; one of the most late-open in the town.
Drink
Jumbo pubCozy pub with local beer specialties and other alcoholic drinks.
Dominant caféNice coffee, hot chocolate and cakes are served here.
Sleep
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address: Žiar 235Comfortably furnished family guest house in the village Žiar, 10 minutes drive from Liptovský Mikuláš.
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address: Žiar 239Hotel Spojár and its bungalows offers accommodation in beautiful nature of Žiarska dolina. It is 10 minutes drive from Liptovský Mikuláš.
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address: Štúrova 808/15