A Virtual Intertextual Tour

across Ancient Entrepeneurship

4th – 10th October 2015

Hosting partner: Hotelová akadémia, Mikovíniho 1, Bratislava

SLOVAKIA

Official name: Slovak Republic (SR)

State formation date: 1 January 1993

State system: republic

Political system: parliamentary democracy (150 members of Parliament elected for 4 years)

President: Andrej Kiska (since 15. 6. 2014), elected for 5 years

Prime Minister: Robert Fico (since 2012)

State symbols: national coat of arms/emblem, national flag, state seal and national anthem „Nad

Tatrou sa blýska“

Area: 49 035 km2

Location: Central Europe

The mid and the North of the country is mountainous (Carpathian curve), lowlands (important

agricultural areas) are typical of the South and the East. The most important Slovak river the Danube

connects the capital city of the SR Bratislava with two capital cities of the neighbour countries –

Vienna and Budapest.

Elevation: the highest point is Peak Gerlachovský štít (2655 m), the lowest point is the Bodrog

river on village Streda nad Bodrogom (94 m).

Climate: Moderate climatic zone, with changing four seasons, average temperature in winter -2 °C

(the coldest month January, the coldest area High Tatras), in summer 21 °C (the warmest months July

and August.

Capital city: Bratislava (population 465 327)

Population: 5 412 008

Population density: 110/km2

Official language: Slovak

Nationalities: Slovak (80.7 %), Hungarian (8.5 %), Roma (Gipsy) (2 %), Czech (0.6 %), and other (8.3 %)

Slovaks are emotional nation. We experience our joys, successes, disappointments and sorrows with

emotions. We are sincere, friendly, open, hearty and generous

Hungry or thirsty?

In Slovakia you will find quality gastronomy at affordable prices. Regional dishes are as colourful as

the Slovak countryside itself. The traditional cuisine of mountain areas mainly favours those who love

cheese and milk products. In low lying areas, you can taste more spicy food, cabbage specialities,

goose, lokše (local fried flatbread) or trdelník (sweet pastry cylinders).

Wash it down with good wine from the lowlands and the southern

slopes of the Carpathians or from Tokay.

The Slovak national meal is bryndzové halušky. This Slovak

national meal consists of dumplings made of potato dough mixed

with a special kind of soft and salty sheep curd.

A good Slovak dinner consists of a soup – kapustnica (made of

cabbage), garlic (in some places it is served in a bread loaf), a bean

soup with a frankfurter or the beef or chicken consommé.

Traditional desserts are pastries of risen dough filled with marmalade, curd, nuts or poppy seeds.

Domestic soft drinks such as Vinea and Kofola, and a wide choice of fine quality mineral waters now

compete with the world trademarks of soft drinks.

Specific Slovak distillate is borovička (for instance Spišská borovička), the local variety of gin, distilled

of the fruit of Juniperus comunis. Popular distillate is the plum brandy (above all Bošácka slivovica)

and hriatô (a mixture of fried bacon, spirit and honey).

Apart from distillates, beer is very popular. Slovak beers are of good quality and the brands like Zlatý

bažant, Smädný mních or Topvar are comparable to the excellent Czech beers. You can try the

authentic taste of various brands of unfiltered beers in minibreweries.

Practical information Safety: The situation in Slovakia is in this aspect similar to all the European neighbouring countries.

Especially in places, where many tourists pass by (i.e. The Old Town / Staré mesto in Bratislava, bus

and train stations, means of transport), you have to pay attention to your personal stuff and

valuables.

Electricity: 230 V/50 Hz, standard socket with safety pin. Wifi: The zone of free wireless connection is in Bratislava in the Primate and Hviezdoslav Squares

(Primaciálne a Hviezdoslavovo námestie)

Water: There is drinking water from the taps

Tips: In the restaurants and bars it is usual to leave some tip for the waiter by rounding up the

resulting amount, in the majority it is about 5-10 % of the bill. It is not obligatory and the amount

should within the possibilities reflect the guest’s satisfaction with the service.

Phone calls: International country code of SR: 00421 (+421)

Mobile operators on the area of SR: Orange, Slovak Telekom, Telefónica O2

Habits and customs:

When entering a Slovak dwelling the residents change their shoes in the entrance hall and offer some

house slippers to the guests as well. In many households it is considered as misbehaviour, if you

move in the dwelling space in shoes, which is used outside.

When meeting/welcoming the acquaintances are shaking hands. Close friends or family members

usually kiss once on the cheek or both cheeks and hug slightly. When introducing strangers it is polite

to shake hands, in a more informal atmosphere also to give peck (fleeting kiss).

In Slovakia it is a custom to eat 3-times daily, whereby the most is consumed usually in the lunch

time between 11:30 – 13:30 h. The dinner consists of soup and main course, sometimes also a

dessert. For supper warm meals are served often, as well, generally between 18:00 – 21:00 h.

Shopping: The three shopping centres close to Bratislava’s centre – Eurovea, Aupark, and Central –

offer everything any shopper could want. Fashion, accessories, jewellery, electronics, home goods,

books, even furniture are all clustered and available in one place. Between the shops there are

artistic sculptures and galleries as well as restaurants, bars, and activity centres for children.

Bratislava’s shops are open seven days a week.

Prices:

Lunch time menu: 5€

Fast food meal: 4€

Cappuccino: 2 - 4 €

Tea: 2 – 4 €

1 loaf of bread 1 – 2 €

1 ticket to the movie 7€

1 beer (0,5l) in a restaurant 1.50€

0,5 l beer in the supermarket 0,75€

1 bottle of white wine, good quality 6€

History The territory of Slovakia has been settled from the oldest times. Several cultures inhabited its

territory until they were dominated by the expanding Celts in the 4th century BC followed by

the German-Roman rivalry at the turn of the Eras.

In time of Migration of Nations the first Slavs arrived here. The Samo`s

Domain existing in the mid-7th century with the territory of Slovakia as

its central part was followed by establishment of the Nitra Principality

at the beginning of the 9th century and finally the Great Moravian

Empire was established in 833 AD – the first common state of the

Slovak and Czechs ancestors.

After the fall of Great Moravia the Old Hungarian tribes invaded the territory of Slovakia, and the

territory of Slovakia with its inhabitants became part of the Kingdom of Hungary for the long

thousand years.

The Hungarian state was consolidated after centuries of internal struggle between the nobility and

the ruler and economic growth occurred also in the territory of today`s Slovakia, which was also the

result of the thriving mining towns or the trade centres. In what is now the city of Bratislava, the first

university of Slovakia, Academia Istropolitana was established in 1467.

From the perspective of the Slovak nation, the crucial period in their history was the 19th century

when the Slovaks formulated their own political programme for the first time. The promising

development of the national movement

though, was mutilated by the Austrian-

Hungarian Compromise signed in 1867 and

the following period of Magyarisation which

lasted full 50 years. Only the First World War

activated the anti-Austrian-Hungarian

resistance, which culminated in 1918 by the

declaration on the joining of the Slovak nation

with the Czech nation into a whole –

the Czecho-Slovak Republic.

After the Second World War the communist party gradually seized power in the country and the

communist dictatorship was overthrown only through the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The democratic

process exposed several problems, which resulted in the break-up of the common state of the Czechs

and Slovaks and the establishment of the independent Slovak Republic (1 January 1993).

Slovakia is a member of the European Union from May 2004. In December 2007, it became part of

the Schengen Area and from 1/1/2009, upon the adoption of the single European currency Euro,

Slovakia also became one of the countries of the European Monetary Union.

Bratislava Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and with population of about 500,000, the country’s largest city. It is the seat of the Slovak president, the parliament and the Slovak Executive. While its metropolitan area is home to more than 650,000 people. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia, occupying both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.

Bratislava region is the largest wine-growing region in Slovakia

The history of the city has been strongly influenced by people of different nations and religions, namely by Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians, Jews, Serbs and Slovaks (in alphabetical order). The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories, from 1536 to 1783 and has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures.

The Primate palace It was built from 1778 to 1781 for Archbishop József Batthyány, after the design of architect Melchior Hefele. In 1805, the Palace's Hall of Mirrors saw the signing of the fourth Peace of Pressburg, ending the War of the Third Coalition. Today, it serves as the seat of Mayor of Bratislava. The palace also contains a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century.

Through the history The Main Square was the stage for every important event. It is located in the heart of Bratislava. While it is not as big as nearby Hviezdoslavovo Square, it is just as active. Here throughout the year you can find vendors selling crafts and souvenirs, ice skating, festivals, concerts, outdoor events and ceremonies, and the highlight of the Main Square - the Christmas Market.

Hviezdoslav Square is one of the best-known squares in Bratislava. It is located in the Old Town, between the New Bridge and the Slovak National Theatre. The square is named after Pavol Országh

Hviezdoslav, Slovak writer and poet.

Slovak National Theatre was built in 1885–1886 during the time of Austria-Hungary, based on a design by the Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, who designed theatre buildings in 10 European countries. It was opened as the City Theatre on September 22, 1886 with the opera Bánk bán of Ferenc Erkel, which is one of the most important Hungarian opera. The fountain in front of the theatre is called Ganymede fountain, which was construct by Bratislava’s sculptor Viktor Tilgner.

The New Bridge is a road bridge over the Danube in

Bratislava. It is the world's longest cable-stayed bridge

to have one pylon and one cable-stayed plane. The

bridge was built between 1967 and 1972. It was

officially opened on August 26, 1972, as the second

bridge over the Danube in Bratislava. The bridge

improved access between Petržalka and the rest of

the city. Parts of the historical city walls were

unearthed during construction.

The St. Martin's Cathedral is a church in Bratislava, Slovakia, and the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bratislava. It is situated at the western border of the historical city centre below Bratislava Castle. It is the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava, known especially for being the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1563 and 1830. The tower virtually formed a part of the town’s fortifications, built as it was into the city’s defensive walls.

Michael's Gate is the only city gate that has been preserved of the medieval fortifications and ranks among the oldest town buildings. Built about the year 1300, its present shape is the result of baroque reconstructions in 1758, when the statue of St. Michael and the Dragon was placed on its top. The tower houses the Exhibition of Weapons of Bratislava City Museum .

Bratislava Castle. The castle hill was populated as early as the late Stone Age; its first known inhabitants were the Celts, who founded a fortified settlement here called ‘Oppidum’.

For four centuries, the border of the Roman Empire, the ‘Limes Romanus’, ran through the area. During the Great Moravian Empire, Slavs built a fortress that became a significant centre for the time. In the 15th century, in the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg, a castle was built in Gothic style as an anti-Hussite fortress. In the reign of Maria Theresa, the castle was arranged according to the

needs of her son-in-law Albert, governor of Saxony and Tessen, who was a fervent art collector and who installed his works in the castle. This collection was later moved to Vienna to become the present-day Albertina Gallery. Since independence, the castle has served as a representative venue for the Slovak Parliament and houses collections of the Slovak National Museum.

Trip on Tuesday

Redstone Castle

Location: Častá, under The Little Carpathian It is called Red Castle because it was built on the hill, where original red stone was found. It can be seen in many places nowadays. A stone castle was built in the 13th century as part of the chain of the Kingdom of Hungary’s frontier defence castles. This castle was completely rebuilt as a fortress in the first half of the 16th century. When the Pálffy family acquired the castle in 1588, the fortress was completed, and it became a representative noble castle. The castle houses a remarkable exhibition of furniture and furnishings in its many rooms. Cellars are lying under the whole south-western wing of the castle and they are the largest cellars in Central Europe. They were built in the second phase construction of the Renaissance and served as the storage of goods, which the owners of the castle, rich and mercantile dynasties of bankers Fuggers traded. Castle pharmacy was built in 17th century and was used until 19th century. The books which are preserved say that there was a production of liqueurs and sweets for children as well. The historical library contains 14 312 books and if we put there into one shelf, it will need to have a

length around 286 m.

The largest rug from the collection of the museum has the size of 12 m2, which is the area of the

average two-bedroom apartment.

Modra – majolica

Modra has been well-known for its unique

majolica pottering along with its wine

production since the 14th century. All the

majolica masterpieces are handmade

developing the traditions of East Europe,

especially the oldest potters called

Habanas. Darting the 17th century they

developed their pottering to the one

which has been known currently.

Some decades later Slovak national

pottering integrated the Habaner

technique and developed a valued

peculiar folk art form in itself.

A repertoire of decorations was gradually exceeded from the pictures of simple natural motives

(flora, fauna) to more complicated expressions of rural daily routine (figures, architecture, tools,

implements). Modra as free royal city belonged to the most important and the largest cities in Slovakia during the 16th and 17th centuries. The crafts were well organized in guilds and highly developed.

Trip on Thursday

Carnuntum

The name Carnuntum" doesn′t just sound

Latin, it is: This community was once

the most important Roman

settlement in the province of Pannonia

Antique Carnuntum was founded as

an army base for the XV legion around 40

AD. Carnuntum developed rapidly, since

the soldiers attracted other settlers and

traders discovered the strategic location of

Carnuntum.

It controlled both the Eastern border of the

Imperium Romanum and had access to

the "Amber Road".

Only a few decades after the foundation of

Carnuntum, the town became the capital of

Upper Pannonia and reached a population

of 50,000, which by far exceeds the town′s

current number of residents.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius took advantage

of Carnuntum′s location in his wars against

the Germanic tribes of Marcomanni and

Quadi between 171 and 173 AD. Even

more importantly, he wrote his

book "Meditationes" here. Panonnia was

finally abandoned by the Romans around 400 AD. It was conquered by the Goths in the

early 5th century. Carnuntum soon fell under disrepair as thousands of the town′s

residents left.

Today, the modern village of Petronell-Carnuntum has grown around the Antique ruins.

Vienna

Some basic information about Vienna:

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is

Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.8 million (2.6 million within the metropolitan

area, nearly one third of Austria's population), and its cultural, economic, and political centre. It is

the 7th-largest city by population within city limits in the European Union. Until the beginning of the

20th century it was the largest German-speaking city in the world, and before the splitting of

the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I the city had 2 million inhabitants. Today it has the

second most number of German speakers after Berlin. In March 2015 was Vienna awarded as the

most liveable city in the world.

To be even more informed, there is a bit of Vienna’s history:

The history of Vienna has been long and varied, beginning when the Roman Empire created a

military camp in the area covered by Vienna's city centre. From that humble beginning, Vienna grew

from the Roman settlement known as “Vindobona” to be an important trading site in the 11th

century. It became the capital of the Babenberg dynasty and subsequently of

the Austrian Habsburgs, under whom it became one of Europe's cultural hubs. During the 19th

century as the capital of the Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary, it temporarily became one of

Europe's biggest cities. Since World War I, Vienna has been the capital of the Republic of Austria.

Because Vienna is not just about getting informed all the time, we’ve prepared some MUST SEE

attractions that will show you the beauty of today’s city:

St. Stephan’s Cathedral – It’s actually the symbol of Vienna. It is located in the heart of that vibrant

city. Its construction commenced in the 12th century.

Imperial Palace, Hofburg – For more than seven centuries, the

great empire of the Habsburgs was ruled from the Imperial

Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace – Visit Empress Sisi’s former summer

residence. This baroque complex contains an enchanting park, the

Palm House , the Gloriette and a zoo, which is the oldest in Europe.

The Parliament Vienna – It’s an important splendour building with

the Pallas Athene statue at the front constructed in Greek-Roman

style. It is located at the Wiener

Ringstraße and the seat for the

Austrian National and Federal

Council.

The Rathaus Vienna – with its Rathausplatz and Rathauspark is

located directly at the Ringstrasse opposite the Burgtheater.

There are nearly the whole year some events, but the highlight is

during the advent season – wonderful Christmas markets.

The Graben Vienna – It is an exclusive shopping street and

pedestrian area with coffee houses in the heart of the inner city.

There are a lot of noble stores located in historical buildings and

palaces. You can find here the impressive plague column and some

fountains.

Maria - Hilfer Street – Visiting for more shopping, for better prices in comparison to the Graben and

for even more coffee houses.

The Prater – It is not only interesting for nostalgia

lovers and fans of hearty food. Also action junkies

have loads of opportunities in this amusement park.

Beside the famous Giant Ferris Wheel and many

roller coasters, you can spot there a gigantic chain

carousel, which lets you fly around in circles, in

about 100 m above the ground. Another thrilling

attraction is Black Mamba, no doubt about it.

Too starved to walk a step further:

Austrian cuisine is a style of cuisine native to Austria and composed of influences from throughout

the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Regional influences from Italy, Hungary, Bohemia, Germany and the Balkans have had an effect on

Austrian cooking, and in turn this fusion of styles was influential throughout the Empire. The most

popular dishes are Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel or Sacher Torte.