Trnava: The Little Rome of Slovakia

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeDovidenia
  [doh-vee-de-nyah]
• YesÁno
  [ah-no]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youĎakujem
  [dyah-koo-yem]
• Excuse me/SorryPrepáčte
  [preh-pah-chte]
• How are you?Ako sa máš?
  [ah-ko sa mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobre. A ty?
  [doh-bre. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Hovoríte po anglicky?
  [hoh-vo-ree-teh poh ahn-gleet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumiem
  [neh-roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChcel by som vidieť menu, prosím
  [kh-tsel bee som vee-dyeh-t menu pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatJa nejem mäso
  [yah neh-yem mah-so]
• Cheers!Na zdravie!
  [nah zdrah-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChcel by som zaplatiť, prosím
  [kh-tsel bee som zah-pla-teet pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Choďte preč!
  [kho-tye prech]
• Call the Police!Zavolajte políciu!
  [zah-vo-la-ee-teh po-lee-tsyoo]
• Call a doctor!Zavolajte lekára!
  [zah-vo-la-ee-teh leh-kah-rah]
• I'm lostSom stratený
  [som strah-teh-nee]
• I'm illSom chorý
  [som khor-ee]

• I'd like to buy...Chcel by som kúpiť...
  [kh-tsel bee som koo-peet]
• I'm just lookingLen sa pozriem
  [len sa pozh-ryem]
• How much is it?Koľko to stojí?
  [kohl-koh toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je príliš drahé
  [toh yeh pree-leesh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Môžete znížiť cenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh znee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Koľko je hodín?
  [kohl-koh yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Polovica desiatej
  [po-lo-vee-tsa deh-shya-tyeh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopoludní
  [poh-po-loo-dnee]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-cher]
• YesterdayVčera
  [vcheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZajtra
  [zahy-trah]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dva
  [dva]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Štyri
  [shtee-ree]
• 5Päť
  [pyat]
• 6Šesť
  [shest]
• 7Sedem
  [seh-dem]
• 8Osem
  [oh-sem]
• 9Deviť
  [deh-veet]
• 10Desať
  [deh-saht]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Aká je adresa?
  [ah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Môžete mi to ukázať (na mape)?
  [moh-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zat nah mah-peh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedy je ďalší (autobus)?
  [keh-dee yeh dyal-shee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Lístok (do ....)
  [lees-tohk doh]

Trnava, often referred to as 'Little Rome' due to its rich ecclesiastical history, was first mentioned in historical records in 1211. By 1238, it had been granted the status of a free royal town by King Béla IV of Hungary. This status allowed it to flourish commercially and architecturally, becoming a bustling center of trade and crafts.

In the 16th century, Trnava became a significant religious center after the establishment of a bishopric in 1543. The town was an important bastion of Roman Catholicism during the Reformation. St. John the Baptist Cathedral, built in the early 17th century, is one of the prominent landmarks from this period. The University of Trnava, founded in 1635 by the Archbishop of Esztergom, Péter Pázmány, further cemented its role as a center of education and culture.

The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by a Baroque transformation that left an indelible mark on Trnava’s architecture. Numerous churches, monasteries, and civic buildings were constructed or renovated in the Baroque style, giving the town its distinctive historical character. The Holy Trinity Column, erected in 1695, stands as a testament to this period of artistic and cultural flourishing.

The 19th century brought industrialization to Trnava, transforming it into a modern town. The introduction of the railway in 1846 connected Trnava more effectively with other parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, spurring economic growth. Factories and new infrastructure projects reshaped the town’s landscape, laying the groundwork for its contemporary development.

During World War II, Trnava, like much of Slovakia, was affected by the geopolitical turmoil. The town saw occupation and resistance, with significant impacts on its Jewish community. The post-war era brought socialist policies and reconstruction. Trnava’s industrial base expanded significantly during this time, with new factories and residential areas being developed.

In the post-communist era, Trnava has embraced modernization while preserving its historical heritage. The town has become an important cultural and economic hub in Slovakia. Efforts to restore and maintain its historical architecture have been complemented by new developments, making Trnava a vibrant and attractive destination for visitors.

Trnava is located in western Slovakia, approximately 47 kilometers from the capital, Bratislava. The nearest international airport is M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava. From Bratislava, you can take a direct train to Trnava, which takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus; both options take roughly the same time. Trnava is also well-connected by rail to other major Slovak cities such as Košice and Žilina.

Trnava is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, local buses are available and operate frequently. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable. If you prefer more independence, car rental services are available in the city. Biking is another popular option, and the city has a network of bike lanes.

The official currency in Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Trnava, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Trnava is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Trnava does not have any specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, standard precautions should always be taken.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. Trnava has local police stations and medical facilities, including a hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head and shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's common to greet with a friendly 'Dobrý deň' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Trnava like a local, visit the city's vibrant markets and local cafes. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the city's many beautiful churches and the Town Tower for a panoramic view of Trnava. For a unique experience, try attending a local festival or event, such as the Trnava Jarmok, which showcases local traditions and crafts.