Today, Slovakia is a quiet country, with excellent tourist attractions and an extraordinary cultural offer. However, this was not always the case, as difficulties have marked the history of this European nation. To learn more about the Slovak past, we must visit the Slavin Memorial, where heroes rest.
In the year 1945, it seemed that Europe was waking up from a terrible nightmare. The feared German army, weakened by defeats, was withdrawing from the occupied countries and surrendering to the Allies.
However, the end of the war was not easy, the Slovak capital being one of the last cities to be liberated. When it happened, after a long and fierce battle, at least seven thousand Russian soldiers had died for the liberation of Bratislava.
Fortunately, their sacrifice was not in vain, as they were victorious and the Germans left Slovak territory behind. Then came the post-war era, when the affected countries had to rise from the ruins left by the conflict.
Later, the construction of different monuments began to remember the bravery of the soldiers fallen in combat, including the Soviets who fought for Bratislava.
To honor them, the Slovak government created the Slavin Memorial, a place to remember and thank their struggle.
This memorial space is located on a beautiful hill, near the center of Bratislava. Originally, this place was an exclusive neighborhood, with several residences of ambassadors, but it was modified to adapt it to the monument.
Similarly, being on top of a hill, the Slavin Memorial offers one of the best views in the city, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. However, what stands out the most about this architectural complex is its main statue, which shows a soldier crushing a swastika, an ancient symbol of Nazi Germany.
Other sites of interest within the monument are its gardens, which remain clear and are open to the sky. Inside the building we find a memorial sarcophagus, as well as the royal tombs of numerous Russian soldiers, many of whom were buried in a mass grave near the monument.
In front of the entrance of the building, there is also a square, and near the gardens we find other statues, made in tribute to the Soviet troops and the resistance of the Slovak people.
Interestingly, the Slavin Memorial was designed in a Soviet architectural style, which was the most widely used in the Russian occupation zones.
When visiting a city, it is important to know its recent history, so we become familiar with the environment and understand many of its current characteristics. Of course, modern Bratislava is energetic and lively, but you have to stop for a moment and honor those who have fallen in battle, so the Slavin Memorial should be among your must-see stops.
The place is easily accessible and admission is free. You can walk through its corridors, its gardens, admire its sculptures and go through the military cemetery.
Be that as it may, the Slavin Memorial is a recreation space, where you can go with friends or family. However, it is also a place dedicated to the memory of the war, so visiting it will be very interesting.
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