This Slovakian town has a distinct six-pointed star fortress layout from the 16th century, a neo-Renaissance town hall, and one of Slovakia's largest thermal pools.
Nové Zámky, a city in southwestern Slovakia, still follows its original 16th-century star fortress street pattern. Walk through the main square to see the baroque Holy Trinity statue, explore paintings by European masters at the Ernest Zmeták Art Gallery, or time your visit for the October Jazz Festival when music fills the city center.
Getting Around Nové Zámky
You can reach Nové Zámky by train from Bratislava (100 km away) or from the Hungarian border (25 km away). Direct trains also run to Vienna and Budapest. The city's hexagonal street layout comes from its fortress origins - once you understand the pattern, you'll find it easy to navigate the center.
Year-Round Events
Classical music concerts echo through venues across the city during the Musical Spring of Nové Zámky from March to May. In September, performers take over the streets during the International Festival of Alternative Arts. The October Jazz Festival brings both traditional and modern jazz musicians from Central Europe to perform in the city center's venues.
Religious Buildings and Monuments
The baroque Franciscan church and monastery, built in the mid-17th century, show modifications from renovations in the 18th and late 19th centuries. After restoration in 1992, the 1880 orthodox synagogue became a national historic landmark. In the main square, you'll find the Roman Catholic Church of Holy Cross from 1584 and the baroque Holy Trinity statue group from 1749, built to commemorate those who died in the 1740 plague.
Recreation at Berek
At Berek, you can walk among oak trees that are over 200 years old. The area includes the Štrand thermal pool complex with several swimming pools surrounded by grass areas. In summer, when temperatures reach 20°C (68°F), you can swim in the pools or rest in the shade of the ancient oaks.
