Žilina: The Hidden Gem of Slovakia

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeDovidenia
  [doh-vee-de-nya]
• YesÁno
  [ah-no]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youĎakujem
  [dya-koo-yem]
• Excuse me/SorryPrepáčte
  [pre-paach-te]
• How are you?Ako sa máš?
  [ah-ko sa mash]
• Fine. And you?Dobre. A ty?
  [do-bre. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Hovoríte po anglicky?
  [ho-vo-ree-te po ang-li-tsee]
• I don't understandNerozumiem
  [ne-ro-zoo-mee-em]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChcel by som vidieť menu, prosím
  [khe-tsel bi som vee-dyetch me-no, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNemám rád mäso
  [ne-mam raad ma-saw]
• Cheers!Na zdravie!
  [na zdra-vee-ye]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChcel by som zaplatiť, prosím
  [khe-tsel bi som zap-la-teet, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [po-mots]
• Go away!Choď preč!
  [khod prech]
• Call the Police!Volaj políciu!
  [vo-lai po-lee-tee-oo]
• Call a doctor!Volajte lekára!
  [vo-lai-te le-ka-ra]
• I'm lostZablúdil som
  [za-bloo-deel som]
• I'm illSom chorý
  [som kho-ree]

• I'd like to buy...Chcel by som kúpiť...
  [khe-tsel bi som koo-pit]
• I'm just lookingLen sa rozzerávam
  [len sa rozz-ze-raa-vam]
• How much is it?Koľko to stojí?
  [kol-ko to stoy-ee]
• That's too expensiveTo je príliš drahé
  [to ye pree-lish dra-he]
• Can you lower the price?Dokážete znížiť cenu?
  [do-kaa-zhe-te znee-zheet tse-nu]

• What time is it?Koľko je hodín?
  [kol-ko ye ho-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [ye yed-na ho-dee-na]
• Half past (10)Polovica desiatej
  [po-lo-vee-tsa des-yat-ey]
• MorningRáno
  [raa-no]
• AfternoonPopoludní
  [po-po-loo-dnee]
• EveningVečer
  [ve-cher]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-che-ra]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZajtra
  [zai-tra]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-na]
• 2Dve
  [dve]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Štyri
  [shty-ree]
• 5Päť
  [pyat]
• 6Šesť
  [shest]
• 7Sedem
  [se-dem]
• 8Osem
  [o-sem]
• 9Deviť
  [de-vit]
• 10Desať
  [de-saht]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kde ye]
• What's the address?Aká je adresa?
  [ah-ka ye a-dre-sa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Môžete mi to ukázať (na mape)?
  [moh-zhe-te mee to oo-kaa-zaht (na ma-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedy je ďalší (autobus)?
  [ke-dy ye dyal-shee (ow-to-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno lístok (do ....)
  [yed-no lees-tok (do)]

Žilina, a city in northwestern Slovakia, was first mentioned in historical records in 1208. The city was granted town privileges in 1312, which helped it grow as a significant trade hub in the region. The medieval town square, known as Mariánske námestie, is a testament to its early development with well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

In the late 17th century, Žilina played a role in the Thököly Uprising against the Habsburg monarchy. The uprising, led by Imre Thököly, saw several battles in the region. Žilina's strategic location made it a focal point during this period of conflict, influencing its fortifications and military history.

Built in 1934, the Žilina Synagogue is an important cultural and historical landmark. Designed by the German architect Peter Behrens, it stands as a symbol of the once-thriving Jewish community in Žilina. The synagogue has endured through the trials of World War II and the Holocaust, serving today as a poignant reminder of the city's diverse heritage.

The arrival of the railway in the 19th century marked a significant turning point for Žilina. The city became an industrial center, with factories and businesses flourishing due to improved transportation links. The construction of the Považská Railway in 1871 connected Žilina to other major cities, fostering economic growth and urban development.

During World War II, Žilina was a crucial site in the Slovak National Uprising of 1944 against Nazi occupation. The city was a hub for resistance activities, with local partisans playing a significant role in the fight for liberation. This period is marked by numerous memorials and monuments throughout Žilina, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of its residents.

After World War II, Žilina underwent extensive reconstruction and modernization. The city expanded rapidly, with new residential areas, infrastructure, and cultural institutions emerging. Today, Žilina is a vibrant urban center with a rich blend of historical sites and contemporary amenities, reflecting its dynamic evolution over the centuries.

Žilina is well-connected by various modes of transport. The nearest international airport is M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Bratislava, you can take a train to Žilina, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes about 2 hours. Žilina also has good bus connections with major Slovak cities and neighboring countries.

Žilina offers various transportation options. The city has an efficient public bus system that covers most parts of the city. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer cycling, the city has several bike rental services and bike lanes. Walking is also a great option, as many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other.

The official currency in Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash using international cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets that may not accept cards.

Žilina is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas and do not leave your belongings unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Žilina. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering churches, it is respectful to dress conservatively and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when using public transport. Fines for not having a validated ticket are strict. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. It is polite to say 'Dobrý deň' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Slovak delicacies and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Žilina like a local, visit the local markets such as the Žilina Central Market to buy fresh produce and traditional Slovak goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting Budatín Castle and the historic Mariánske Square. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Váh River or hike in the nearby Malá Fatra mountains.