The Nitra region is considered to be the sunniest and most fertile part of Slovakia. Here is the oldest city of the country, Nitra, as well as the ruins of ancient fortresses and mysterious houses carved in the rocks in the town of Brhlovce.
The capital of the region, Nitra is a city whose history dates back to the 7th century. The city's dominant feature is the castle built in the 11th century on the site of a Slavic stronghold. Within it there is a cathedral in which the relics of St. Świerada, and below the castle extends the charming Old Town.
The whole region is known for interesting monuments. Among them are the pre-Romanesque church of St. George in Kostoľany pod Tribečom and a small Romanesque temple of St. Michael in Dražovce, as well as the ruins of the Gýmeš castle towering over Jelenec. In Topoľčianki you can visit the neoclassical palace surrounded by the English park.
A very interesting place on the map of the region is Brhlovce. In the 16th and 17th centuries, local people forged here in soft volcanic tuffs residential caves, some of which are still used for residential purposes today, while others serve as wine cellars.
You can take advantage of the thermal baths in the Nitra region. They are located in Podhájska, Szturowo, Komarno and Nowe Zamki. In Tesárské Mlyňany there is one of the largest arboretums in Central Europe with a huge collection of trees from Asia and America, while in Topoľčianki the only bison reserve in Slovakia.
