Martin City

.. The eighth largest city in Slovakia, Martin!

Situated at an altitude of 395 metres (1,296 ft), Martin is located in the northern region of Slovakia, in the Turiec Basin. Its location makes Martin (population 60,000) an important access point to travel in much of central Slovakia, and a centre of classic Slovak folk culture.

History

From the second half of the 10th century until 1918, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The first recorded reference to Martin in written sources is dated to 1284 under the name of Vila Sancti Martini.

In the turbulent 15th century, Martin suffered from many disasters, for example from the attack of the Hussites in 1433, when the town was burned down. Just 10 years later, it was destroyed again by an earthquake and Martin started to be slowly degraded from royal to the privileged town and under direct influence of the Révay family.

Since the 18th century, Martin became centre of the Turóc county.

The town became the foremost Slovak cultural center in the 19th century. Several cultural institutions (including Slovak Matica and Slovak National Museum) were founded there. Most political activities leading to the Slovak national emancipation in the 19th and early 20th centuries were organized in or from Martin. The town was also industrialized at this time. The first printing works were established in 1869, the furniture factory Tatra nábytok in 1890, and so on.

The town lost some of its importance after Pressburg (today's Bratislava) became the capital of Slovakia in 1919. Today, it is the seat of the Slovak National Library and Slovak Matica.

National Council of the Slovak Republic declared the City of Martin the center of national culture of the Slovaks on August 24, 1994.

City of Martin won the United Nations Public Service Award in 2011 in category: Preventing and Combating Corruption in the Public Service

How to get there?

By train, it is easiest to get to Martin by stopping at the station in its suburb of Vrutky, which is on the main train line to Bratislava, Kosice, Prague and Zvolen. Roads to Martin, though scheduled for upgrade to express highway in coming years, are at present somewhat slow

What to do?

Aside from the stunning views, there is plenty to do in Martin! Like visiting the Slovak National Museum, High Tatra Mountain, Cicmany, Justice Palace and many more! And don’t forget the nightlife!: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/slovakia/shopping-nightlife

Want to know more?

Visit: http://www.martin.sk/