At a distance of 45 minutes from the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, it is located the “island of spas”where in the past centuries, it was an important resort for its aristocracy central Europe.
Today, on the river Vach, the Piešťany, has evolved into a modern European model of sustainable development and quality of life, ideal for all walks of life. It is a green area where the sound of vehicles is non-existent, ideal for a holiday of rejuvenation and well-being. A sanctuary for the spirit and the soul, which combines thermal tourism with activities in nature, while being an economical and very interesting alternative – an example for all spa towns.
Except of the thermal springs, the island offers hotels from five to two stars, wellness centers and beautiful parks. The visitor has the opportunity to enjoy nature by cycling, hiking, kayaking, and sports such as golf and tennis. While, with ten thermal springs and lush vegetation, it is a beautiful destination, which is connected to the city center by a picturesque pedestrian bridge, so that there is no shortage of options for restaurants, cafes and bars.
“Wellness tourism is the main force for its promotion sustainable development in the picturesque area of Piešťany, as it is the cornerstone of its economic, environmental and social progress”. This is what Tatiana Nevolna, responsible for Tourism Development of the Trnava Region, to which the island belongs, reports to APE-MBE.
As he states: “Approximately 150,000 tourists visit Piestany from all over Europe, but also America annually, while the trend is increasing with the creation of new jobs. At the same time, local businesses are fed, the demand for goods and services is strengthened, stimulating the local economy”.
The area hosts wide variety of plant species, while forests cover a significant part of the landscape, dominated by deciduous and coniferous trees, such as oak, beech, pine, fir. These forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife as the visitor may spot deer, wild boar, foxes, hares, the European otter, various small rodents and birds such as woodpeckers, owls and thrushes. It is worth noting that the visitor will enjoy his walks in beautiful gardens, while it is impossible not to be enchanted by the Water Lily Victoria Cruisiana and its exquisite flowering.
According to Mrs. Nevolna: “At the heart of our policies is the commitment to the preservation and protection of the environment. Through energy-efficient infrastructure, waste reduction programs, water conservation measures and the promotion of environmentally friendly transportation, the region strives to minimize its ecological footprint. Preserving the natural splendor and biodiversity of the area remains paramount, protecting the charm of our place.”
Yes, for her Trnava region, the establishment of protected areas, such as nature reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, serve as sanctuaries for flora and fauna. These areas require particularly careful management in order to minimize human disturbance and maintain ecological integrity.
Finally, “through synergies, information, education and public awareness actions are continuously carried out, as education is a key pillar for the preservation of this natural building for the next many generations”.
The history of Piestany and the Slovak spa town
The first Spa hotel in Europe opened in Piestany in 1912. Many wealthy families visited it from Europe and America. Writings from the 16th century refer to these healing springs of this little paradise called Piestany. Its reputation managed to cross the borders of Slovakia around the end of the 19th century, when it was taken over by the Witcher family.
The fascinating history of Piestany and the Slovak spa town has been unfolding since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings, including the famous “Venus of Moravany” sculpture. The name “Pescan” appears in writings in 1113, but the real heyday of the spa town took place in the 19th century. Emperor Leopold I protected Piestany as a Spa in 1682, a pioneering event in Europe. With a rich history, the town passed through the hands of various noble families and the Spa was renovated in 1820 in a neoclassical style, under the name ‘Napoleon spa’.
The Spa redeveloped following 1889, developing its reputation as a world-class establishment. Artists and aristocrats such as Beethoven visited the thermal baths, culminating in 1917 when three European monarchs met at the Thermia Palace Hotel for strategic discussions. There Empress Sissy gave herself moments of relaxation.
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