Highlights of the 20th Century

Have you been curious about life behind the Iron Curtain? Would you like to discover more about the last 100 years in this region? This period covers the reign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the first-ever Czechoslovak Republic, the Slovak state, the Czechoslovak reunion, and the Slovak Republic. During these years, there were many changes, as the country has sampled a variety of political systems (you’d need at least two hands to count these for sure) and had gone through countless scandals. Caught your attention? Then keep reading to find out more.

What can you expect?

Our aim is to enable you to vicariously experience what it was like to have lived here for the past 100 years, to go through the everyday trials and tribulations of those dwelling in this area for the past century.  The main focus will be on The Slovak state, which lasted from 1939-1945. During its short lifespan, Slovakia was considered a satellite state of Germany. Next, we’ll visit the period from 1945-1989,  the era of our reunion with the Czechs. Believe me, there is a multitude of topics we could discuss, all related to this turbulent era of our existence. To name a few: the assassination of Heydrich, Prague spring, Slovak cooperation with The Third Reich, the Jewish Codex, forced labour camps, and many more…

Of course, at the end of the tour, we’ll get to talk about the 90s in Slovakia, which I would, rather appropriately, call the Wild Wild West – to recall the movie of the same name with Will Smith. However, here it was real rather than staged, as many mafia members fought mercilessly for their place at the top, trying to steal the limelight.

How will we go about it?

The tour’s name actually gives it away –  we are going to discuss the 20th century on this territory, at the beginning of which the Old town had already been built. Hence, we shall meet here at the Fountain. Once we get through brief introductions and get to know each other, we’ll slowly leave Old Town behind and take a stroll further out. Our walk will take us through the former Hitler square, the former Stalin Square, the last standing synagogue in Bratislava, the square named after our first Czechoslovakian president ( no longer so ), all the way up to Slavin ( not really sure if to go up ). On the way, we‘ll also pass by a building that – according to the English Telegraph- is the 17th ugliest building in the world!
Our tour will culminate at the Church of St. Elizabeth, which is the lesser-known name for our Blue church! Yes, you are right, our fairy tale church!