Slovakia

[9988 428]

The Slovakia - Recreation

Author's note: At first, turn music on, and play the Slovak national anthem below, if you want. We are beginning.

So, I decided to stop for a while(about one month) with Optimia Magna, and try something different. Something quite less historical and roadless. Of course, I needed to clean my old plugin set, and download about three gigabytes of modern civic stuff. It took me days to find the right files, I checked anything on LEX and most of STEX, to find things what suit to the recreation of Slovakia. Of course, many buildings in Slovakia are not there, so I used Sketchup models rendered and exported in BAT, like Saint's Martin Dome, what can be seen on the image below. This is a

recreation of Slovakia, small country in the center of Europe, where the Carpathian mountain range meets Pannonian Basin, surrounded by Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria and Poland. But why Slovakia? Because I live there, I know it, and so I can recreate it much easier(like recreating view from your window). Of course, I am not going to recreate whole country, because:

1.The Map would be rendered weeks

2.The Map would be covered by trees weeks

3.There are about 5000 villages and 200 cities in Slovakia, and making them would take months.

4.Most of it will be unusable and not interesting, and most tiles of that map will be only hills with trees.

5.For that it is almost impossible.

6.And it can be made much easier and better way.

So, I will recreate only parts of Slovakia that will be used there, like most interesting parts of cities, nature, and similar things. I will also use much more photoediting than in The Optimia Magna. Like original Slovak Billboards, and similar.

Author's note: Over 25% of American people think that there is still Czechoslovakia. If you are in this 25%, you should know that Czechoslovakia split in year 1993. Not talking about billions of these who even don't know that there is something like Slovakia, or even Europe.

The Slovakia is located in the center of the Europe, this map shows where exactly:

Slovakia is divided to four main parts, western region, northern, southern and eastern region. The western part is most known, because of capital city Bratislava, also with Northern, for the High Tatras, highest mountains in the Central Europe. For that, I will concentrate mainly on these two parts, but the remaining two are also worth visiting. Slovakia has also more than 20 major officially visitable caves, one of them being aragonite - world rarity, and about 1000 another caves. It has also very rich thermal water reservoirs, mostly on the south.

Some things that you probably don't knew about Slovakia:

1.Andy Warhol's parents born in Slovakia.

2.Eugen Cernan, last man on the Moon is also Slovak emmigrant.

3.On the south of Slovakia is the most quality water in whole Europe.

4.We have been part of more than 14 different nations through the history(from roman empire and pribina's principality to slovak national socialist state and socialist czechoslovakia).

5.We once declared war to USA.

We now are beginning our journey to the Slovakia.

The Capital of the Slovakia is Bratislava, located just near the Vienna, on the far southwest of Slovakia. It is very old city, just near can be found ancient roman forts and settlements. It has been usually most important city in the Slovakia, and very important city in Greater Hungary, where even the empress Maria Theresia was crowned. The most known buildings in the city is the Castle of Bratislava, the New bridge through Danube built in 1960, but with surprisingly futuristic design, or the Cathedral of Saint Martin, what can be also seen on the image below, what has been teaser in previous entry, along with the part of historical city just near the Danube and Castle hill.

Another popular part of Slovakia, as said before, is The High Tatras mountain range. It is very small, only about 200 square kilometers, but it contain hundreds of beautiful sharp mountains and peaks, with endemic fauna and flora, and well known popular ski resorts.

Although the Slovakia is modern country, one of the most modern in central Europe, the sheeps are still traditionally grazed by shepherds in many places on the north of Slovakia, not talking about many traditional craftsmen.

The nature of Slovakia is also beautiful at many places, with many waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes, and rare flora and fauna.

But, as every state, Slovakia has also its darker sides. Dirty industries are polluting villages and nature, criminality is also quite high there, and numerous Roma community lives in cardboard slums or devastated tenements, with ground covered with garbage. Lunik 9 is most known example of this, and it is located only about one mile from ice hockey stadium where the part of world cup was recently held.

Hope you enjoyed it. If you enjoyed it, please comment! More coming soon.

[kakado_to_save 514]

That looks great

Keep it up

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Very nice. I visited Slovakia twice and enjoyed myself greatly. My favorite towns were Bratislava and Kosice. Definitely looking forward to more.

[Meg 368]

Interesting. One of my great-grandparents was born in Bratislava. Three others were born in the Carpathian mountains in the eastern part of the country. They were told, if anyone asked, they should say they were Slovak but they were actually Carpatho-Rusyn. Apparently Carpatho-Rusyns were being ethnically cleansed or something so they were hiding in plain sight by pretending to be Slovak.

[nathanthemayor 1,263]

Good luck on the recreation!

[DazzaDazza 29]

WOW the pic look grate, I love that snow pic, cant wait to see more of that

[9988 428]

Slovakia, as most of states in the Europe has quite rich history. From first Celtic tribes, to roman villages, Great Morave, Greater Hungary,

Two world wars... Changed Slovakia greatly. Let's take a short tour to the history of Slovakia.

First great territory on the lands of Slovakia was Principality of Great Morave, also known as Svatopluk's Empire. It covered major part of central

Europe, and was one of the most important early medieval European states.

As time fled, Slovakia joined The Greater Hungary, for more than 900 years. The Medieval age, Reinassance fled, and many cities were built. The

Bratislava was this time very important city, one of the most important in whole Kingdom.

After the World War I, when Greater Hungary split to many other states, Slovakia joined state Czechoslovakia, with Czech nation. But, the

second world war after that split the state again to two, Czech part was occupied by Germany, and Slovakia became puppet state. But, Slovakia

was almost unaffected by war in this state, and its inhabitants lived safe and happy lives.

Soon, the Germany was defeated and Socialists took over newly formed Czechoslovakia. But, in year 1968. Slovakia revolted against Communist totality.

The Soviet army marched to the Slovak territories, and occupied them, to ensure safety. After that, they left, but it is very discussed moment in

Slovak history, considered very inadequate and unfair.

To the year 1989, Slovakia was part of Socialist Czechoslovakia, greatly influenced by the Soviet Union.

After that, the Socialism fell, and Czechoslovakia soon split. The Slovakia was becoming more economically and technologically advanced afterwards, and finally in year 2004 it joined European Union and the present ages begun. Our journey to the history ended, hope you enjoyed it.

Next Coming - Bratislava, Little Big city.

[StreetxROBLOX 22]

wow. amazing work 9988! i'll be following this closely!

  Edited May 23, 2011 by StreetxROBLOX  

[Skimbo 304]

Oh, that's veeeeery nice!

Are you going to show us a trip to Petrzalka as well? =)

[9988 428]

So, after introductions, we can finally start. At first, we will look on Bratislava, mostly on historical part.

Bratislava is the largest city in The Slovakia, with about 500.000 inhabitants. It is generally most visited destination in whole country.

The most known dominant of the city is The Castle of Bratislava, its historical look can be seen on the image below. Now it is completely rebuilt and

renovated, its current look can be seen on the "newspaper on update before.

The Old city of Bratislava is beautiful at many places, like this near Hviezdoslav's square.

Or the square itself, one of the largest squares in Bratislava, also known for its markets.

Finally, I present picture of southeastern historical Bratislava.

The Slovak Parliament is also located in Bratislava, along with supreme court and presidential palace. It is located just near the castle.

Another major dominant of Bratislava is famous New Bridge, largest bridge in Slovakia.

As a bonus, I present the mosaic of river Danube, what flows through the city, and separates Petrzalka from the rest of Bratislava.

Next Coming: The Modern faces of Bratislava

  Edited May 24, 2011 by 9988  

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Great pics. I remember taking pictures of those sites when I was there. And I remember some very nice pastries I had too. YUM!

[9988 428]

So, let's continue with Bratislava. One of the most popular and important streets in the city is the "Shopping street", located close to the castle and

another main parts of the city.

The Slavin Monument can be perfectly seen from the street, it was built as a memorial for fallen Soviet soldiers what liberated Slovakia from Germany.

About one mile to the northeast is located The Blumental church, one of the many churches in the city. It is one of the most beautiful, and also well known church, located in the semi-modern part of the city.

The Petrzalka, part of city on further south is home to many modern and high buildings, corporations, and almost omnipresent tenements, being largest part of the city.

There are together five bridges what connect Petrzalka with rest of the city, largest and most important being the New Bridge, other are Old Bridge, Apollo, Lafranconi and Harbor bridge. The city has also very long riverside promenade, where are two major building complexes, River Park and Eurovea.

The riverside has about 8 kilometers.

Just near the Eurovea is located highest "skyscraper" in Slovakia, 115 meters high Tower 115, owned by J&T and Tv JOJ, one of the most popular Slovak private televisions.

We are now leaving The Bratislava. Hope you had great time there. The last picture what I will present is the pic of Old Bridge, the first modern bridge build on the Danube.

Next Coming: Across the Region of Bratislava

[Skimbo 304]

Veeery nice update =)

[kakado_to_save 514]

Very nice work painting those building! (Yeah... you know what i am talking about )

[Benedict 3,119]

What a great opening week for your new CJ - the city building is fascinating, particularly the contrast between old and late 20th C styles, and I love the photoediting. I do prefer the images without the frames, though...

[Girafe 1,729]

Really nice city,

the way you use of my trees is so nice

[9988 428]

Replies:

Skimbo: Thanks!

Kakado_to_save: Yes, few minutes of Photoshopping, also thanks!

Benedict: Also thank you! Hope I will be again in BTT next week!

Girafe: I personally think your trees are one of the most realistic trees ever made! Thanks!

Just few miles north from the Bratislava is located another very popular place, mostly among inhabitants of Bratislava. The Devin castle and Sandberg.

And just near them is located city of Devinska Nova ves. Most of buildings are new family houses and old socialist tenements. It is also known for

"Massacre in Devinska Nova Ves", when insane gunman killed eight people, in february. The Sandberg, what is just near the city is most famous Slovak archaelogical locality, where can be still found fossils of shells, monkeys and whales from early cenosoicum.

Near is also located famous Devin Castle, build in 8.th century and rebuilt many times, but now it is ruined. The small tower of Devin was before the Slovakia entered Eurozone on slovak "50 halier" coin.

Just near this castle river Morave joins Danube, in area known as "Devin Gate".

Devinska nova Ves is small city, often considered part or suburb of The Bratislava.

It is not very visited, but many inhabitants of Bratislava have gardens there, and most of people there travel everyday to work to Bratislava.

Finally, I present you the Mosaic of part of Devinska Nova Ves. Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this update, please comment!

Next coming: The Danubian Lowlands

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

Wow, very excellent work here. I love the added photos, and the editing makes it all blend together quite nicely.

[9988 428]

NMUSpidey: Thanks!

So, after leaving Bratislava, we may continue to the south. It is known for huge amount of gardens and family houses, owned mostly by inhabitants of

Bratislava and surrounding villages. Many highways pass this area.

Many gardens are also build near the Lakes, very popular are these near lake "Nove Kosariska", only about 25 miles from Bratislava.

The Pannonian, also called Danubian lowland is almost whole covered by farms and farming areas. Most of Slovak wheat is harvested there. It

is warm, quite dry, and at some places swampy. There are also many natural reservations, mostly swamp ones. It is not very popular for tourists.

Further north, between the Czech border and little Carpathia mountain range is located region of Zahorie, where grow many pines and it is also very sandy. Many farms are also there.

And, we can now leave the Bratislava region, and take a rest in the largest aquapark in the whole west Slovakia, what is located in Senec. Hope you liked this update!

If you enjoyed this entry, please comment. At the end of CJ, you will get beautiful certificate.

[Schulmanator 5,812]

A waterpark would be a great idea on a hot day like today!

[Benedict 3,119]

Great update. I really like the small houses and their gardens in Nove Kosariska.

[kakado_to_save 514]

Great rural areas!!!!!

I want more :>

[9988 428]

Replies:

Schulmanator: I also think so...

Benedict: Thanks!

Kakado_to_save: Thanks, you will get more!

To better understand where were some important places from previous updates, there is map of west Slovakia.

Now, let's stop for a while with Slovakia, and look on the Danube River. It is very important for Slovakia, because of transportation, natural fertile land gained, and also recreation, what Danube provides. Because it is Special update, I will not focus on Slovakia. The river Danube begins in Germany, in Schwarzwald as a small stream, and after that small river.

It flows as a small river through land of Germany, joining many other rivers, and growing in size.

Many important and big cities were built on Danube, including (of course!)Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, or Ulm.

After that, it comes through grand Vienna, beautiful historical city just near Bratislava.

Just near the Bratislava, there are many lowland swamp forests near the Danube, with many rare animals and plants present.

Last picture there will be city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, known for its massive, beautiful parliament. We will not go further, because, of course, we are going to return back to the Slovakia and continue on the further east.

If you enjoyed this update, please comment!

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Delightful! I am packing my bags!

[Benedict 3,119]

Another beautiful update - I love the image editing in this CJ. That cathedral looks incredible.

[9988 428]

Schulmanator: So Hurry up! We are now traveling further to the east.

Benedict: Thank you greatly!

So, now let's go further to the west, to look to another regions of Slovakia, and two major cities there, Nitra and Trnava.

Bratislava is connected with Nitra by highway D1, largest in Slovakia.

The Trnava is not large city, and not very interesting, so I will show you only this historical city picture, with Church of saint Mikulas.

After short visit, we transfer to Nitra, another regional city of Slovakia. There is also huge amount of old socialist tenements, with city parts

entirely composed of them.

Although they are very old now, most of them have been entirely renovated.

Before 30 years, concrete tenements were built in all cities of Slovakia, often after destroying many beautiful historical buildings.

But, there are also many family houses with gardens, mostly built on the Zobor hill where is television tower.

The tower itself is not very big, but it is major landmark of the city, what can be seen from 40 mile distance.

Nitra is also known for Agrocomplex, the place of showcases and exhibitions of Agriculture, and sometimes furniture and vehicles. It has capacity up to 15.000 people.

Hope you enjoyed this update!

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Woo hoo! Road trip! Say, what are we eating for lunch while we are out?

[Aaron Graham 4,417]

Wonderful city, and lovely pictures I can see your a master at fix up photos, keep it up.

[kakado_to_save 514]

Its sad to know so many beautiful old houses were destroyed just to create new ugly housings ....

but communism is communism

[9988 428]

Schulmanator:Of course Slovak national meal! Bryndzove Halusky!

Aaron Graham: Thank you very much!

Kakado_to_save: Yes. Communism is communism. But it was Socialism . Thanks!

So, now let's leave Nitra and go more to the southeast. To the city of Banska Stiavnica, and areas near it. It is one of the most famous slovak cities, and it is even in UNESCO. It was one of the most important Slovak cities in history, as a mining city. It has really beautiful historical center. But, I will show you only one picture:

Before centuries, there was heavily mined gold, silver, copper, and other valuable metals. But, currently all mines are tourist attractions. In the past, there was also very prominent mining academy.

The water what was found in the deeps was pumped to the special areas, and created very deep, but beautiful lakes called Tajchas.

Just near the city are located another famous Slovak places, for example Ochtina Aragonit cave, largest of the three aragonite caves in whole world.

In the whole Slovakia, there are also many ruined castles from the medieval age...

Near the city is also located The Sitno Peak, what is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in southern Slovakia. Near the top of peak are located huge forests, and also many sheep pastures.

And very close to Banska Stiavnica is also located Betliar Mansion, beautiful palace built by the Andrazsy family in 17.th century.

Hope you enjoyed this update!