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Slovakia, while only small in size, is richly endowed with tourist attractions.
In its terrain and in the variety of its tourist attractions, Slovakia is similar to Switzerland and Austria. Slovakia offers tourists a wide range of different attractions.
The extensive karst regions make a unique whole. The karst areas totals perhaps 3000 km2 in size. 12 caves are open to the public. Slovakia is unusual in that it can boast of three different kinds of cave - stalagtites, icicles and aragonite. What makes the aragonite cave so unique is that it is one of only three in the world.
There are also a great number of lakes and other places that are suitable for yachting, surfing and other water sports. Slovakia has over 200 tourist centres in all that are suitable that are suitable for water sports.
Slovakia has a number of internationally known spa towns, whose curative mineral water is used in the treatment of illnesses of the motive system, digestive tracts and for post-operation recuperation. The best-known of these spas are in Piešťany, Trenčianske Teplice, Dudince and Bardejov. There are also a number of towns in the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) whose climate is ideal climate is used for the treatment of respiratory tracts (Štrbské Pleso, Nový Smokovec) and allergies of the respiratory tracts are also treated in caves, a treatment that is particularly effective for children (Bystrá Cave).
Given the great number of thermal springs in Southern Slovakia, recreational centres where you spend your holidays are being gradually springing up.
It should be noted, while on the subject of water, that Slovakia has more than 1300 mineral springs that can be drunk from and used for curative purposes.
Slovakia's traditional folk architecture and everyday life and customs can be seen in a series of museums (skanzens) located in individual regions. The skanzens in Jahodníky near Martin, in Zverovka na Orave, and in Pribylina na Liptove are very well preserved.
The many castles and châteaux in Slovakia underline just how long this region has been settled and how important its geographical position has always been. The most interesting castles are the castles in Devín, Bratislava, Trenčiansky, Spišský hrad and Zvolenský hrad.
Amongst the pearls of Slovak culture are the many ecclesiastical buildings throughout the country, and these house many priceless works of art. One example is the altarpiece made by Master Pavol in Levoča, which was put on display at EXPE in Montreal. Others include the cathdral complexes in Trnava and Nitra, as well as the many preserved and restored synagogues.
Among the rare buildings that Slovakia has are its characteristic priceless wooden churches and chapels. The architecture of these wooden Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches blends naturally into the character of the countryside. Some of them were built without any metal joints.
When one looks at the map of Europe, Slovakia's advantageous position is clear at first glance. It is a natural crossroads leading from West to East and from North to South. Slovakia is readily accessible, and the West European motorway system stretches from Austria to Bratislava. The motorway link between Bratislava and Prague is also valuable. Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest are suitable points of entry by plane. Slovakia's position makes it an ideal destination in an itinerary that includes its neighbours, and a visit to Slovakia can thus become an excellent way of getting to know the whole region of Central Europe.
  
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