Liptovský Mikuláš

Liptovský Mikuláš is a small town in Northern Slovakia, just next to the Chopok mountain. It has something around thirty thousand inhabitants and is a perfect location for a short stroll on a winter night.

The history of Liptovský Mikuláš dates back a thousand years. In the Middle Ages it was granted several privileges, coming into force through parchments and great seals made of red wax.

Have you noticed something special? Yes, the name of the town is different there. In fact, the original name of the town was until 1952 Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš which means "Saint Nicolas of Liptau", where Liptau is the region in which it is located. So where is the Saint Nicolas? In the church of course.

The gothic church of St. Nicolas is one of the landmarks of the town. Inside you will immediately recognise the high arches on the ceiling.

The small organ is decorated with pictures of the twelve apostles.

The gothic altar is covered with gold and includes tall and pale figures. Am I the only one to see here a whole team of Maries?

Outside the church you will notice a monument. It is the monument of Janko Kráľ, a romantic poet, one of the first ones to write in modern Slovak language. He was also a patriotic activist in times where Slovakia did not exist as a country but was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

Because Liptovský Mikuláš is an important place for the Slovak identity. Just look at this building.

Between 1713 and 1793 it was the capital of the Liptov region and this was the first County House.

But do not think that Liptovský Mikuláš is only living its past. They have public wifi all around the Town Hall.

The Town Hall is located, not surprisingly, on the Market Square.

As you can see, the building is nicely lit up with Christmas lights. So are the streets around it.

The only dark place is directly behind the Town Hall. This is a monument commemorating the soldiers of the Red Army. Soviet heritage is not valued high these days in Eastern Europe.

The snow has invaded the town.

So I propose that we stop here and order a good warm burger.