SLOVAKIA
​I visited Slovakia in the summer of 2019.

Bratislava doesn't provoke admiring swoons, it intrigues.  In the midst of Slovakia's capital a flying saucer hovers above forest-fringed riverbanks.  Its castle presides over a pastel-hued old town, but a concrete jungle looms behind.*​

Many of the musical greats have connections with Bratislava; either living here for a period of time, studying at one the prestigious academies or giving a concert performance at one of several beautiful music halls.+

Communism stifled modern music in the second half of the 20th century, although there was a significant jazz movement...+

For visual arts, a trip to the Slovak National Gallery reveals the wealth of early religious painting from the region.+

In the 18th century, Slovaks wanted to redefine their folk-music heritage and composers used folk motifs in classical ​compositions.+

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Bratislava celebrates Japanese culture.
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Nowadays, Bratislava is bulging with private galleries, many of which have artwork for sale.*


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Perhaps because of diversity of influences on the land...Slovakia has a remarkably varied folksong and dance heritage.+

​*This caption is from Eastern Europe - Lonely Planet's travel guide.
​+ These captions are from the Bradt City Guide Bratislava by Lucy Mallows.