At the foot of Zobor Mountain lies Slovakia's fifth-largest city, with an 11th-century cathedral, art nouveau synagogue, and cobblestone streets leading to wine taverns.
Nitra, Slovakia's fifth-largest city, stretches along the Nitra River at the foot of Zobor Mountain. In the Upper Town, you'll find the massive castle complex with its 11th-century St. Emmeram's Cathedral. The city's streets contain the art nouveau Neolog Synagogue, designed by Lipót Baumhorn, and the Late-Baroque Piarist Church. You can explore the cobblestone streets, stop at traditional wine taverns, or hike up Zobor Mountain for valley views.
Getting to Nitra
Nitra lies 95 kilometers east of Bratislava. You can take frequent buses from Bratislava, with a journey time of about one hour. Trains require a connection and take approximately two hours. From Budapest, take a train with a change in Nove Zamky - the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Exploring the Castle Complex
To reach the castle, cross a stone bridge and walk through a 17th-century Renaissance gate. St. Emmeram's Cathedral forms the heart of the complex, with three connected churches from different periods. The Upper Church dates from the 14th century, the Lower Church from the 17th century, and between them sits an 11th-century Romanesque church. Visit the Diocese Museum in the castle courtyard to see illuminated manuscripts and liturgical artifacts.
Walking Through Upper Town
The Upper Town's winding cobblestone streets spread below the castle walls, lined with Baroque and Classical buildings. You'll pass the Great Seminary and Franciscan Monastery while exploring the area. Look for the Corgoň statue - an Atlas figure on the corner of an 1820s palatial house. In the main square, a golden Virgin Mary statue tops the Plague Column, built to commemorate epidemic victims.
Lower Town Architecture
In the Lower Town, you'll find the Late-Baroque Piarist Church complex with its monastic buildings and school. The Neo-Baroque County House marks the former location of the main medieval city gate. The Neolog Synagogue, built in 1911, now functions as a cultural center. The concrete and glass Agricultural University building represents brutalist architecture from the communist era.
Zobor Mountain and Surroundings
Climb the 587-meter Zobor Mountain north of the city center for views across the Nitra valley. The hill contains stone crosses depicting Jesus and two criminals. On the western slope, you can visit an 11th-century Romanesque church. Walking paths lead through a landscape park, and local wine taverns serve regional wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Cultural Life and Events
The city comes alive during the Theatre of Nitra festival and Musical Spring of Nitra. Visit the Museum of the Nitra Region to explore collections ranging from archaeology to zoology. The Nitra Gallery and The Foyer Gallery in the Old Theatre display contemporary and classical art. Each year, farmers and agricultural companies gather at the International Agricultural Fair Agrokomplex in the Chrenová district.
