Zilina - Żylina

Zilina
Zilina SVK Square01.JPG
Arms
Coat of Arms of Žilina.svg
Map
Map slovakia zilina.png
Information
CountrySlovakia
RegionŽilina region
Surface80.03 km²
Population86 211
Postal Code010 01
website
Žilina - the main square

Zilina (Slovak Žilina, in Hungarian Solnaand in German Sillein) - a city in the north Slovakia, the seat of the authorities Žilina country and the district of Žilina.

Information

Žilina is the fourth largest city in Slovakia. Kia Motors has a large plant in Žilina. In 2017, Kia Motors Slovakia produced 336,600 passenger vehicles for customers from over 80 countries. Many Kia employees from Korea have moved to Žilina, so you can find specialized Korean food sections in supermarkets and some Korean restaurants.

Žilina is an important communication junction connecting the south (Bratislava, Vienna) with midnight (Cracow, Warsaw) and east (Kosice, Ukraine) with the west (Ostrava, Prague).

Geography

Žilina is situated at the mouth of the Rajčanka and Kysuca to the Vah, on the north-western border of the Žilina Valley. From the south, it is surrounded by the Strażowskie Mountains and Mala Fatra, and from the north - by the Kysuce Mountains and Jaworniki.

History

The first mention of the area of ​​today's Žilina dates back to 1208 and the town is mentioned as "terra de Selinan" (land of Žilina). In 1321, King Charles Robert of Anjou granted the city economic privileges and rights.

One of the most valuable monuments of the national history of Slovaks is the document "Privilegium pro Slavis Solnensis" issued by King Ludwig I the Great in 1381. The aforementioned document - a privilege, was to ensure that Žilina townspeople of Slovak nationality had equal participation (the so-called parity) in the City Council of Žilina. Slovak townspeople had a long dispute with the German part of Žilina about equal and unhindered participation in the meetings of the Town Council.

Also the Žilina City Book is a particularly important document in terms of archival, legal and linguistic aspects and is one of the documents of pan-European significance. The beginnings of the Žilina City Book date back to 1378. Historians consider this unique book to be an extremely valuable monument of literature. It contains the oldest written Slovak inscription in the territory of Slovakia.

The economic development of the town took place at the end of the 19th century as a result of the construction of the Košice-Bohumín (Košice-Bohumín) railway, the Žilina-Bratislava (Žilina - Bratislava) and the Žilina-Rajec (Žilina - Rajec) lines. The city then became an important communication junction, gaining a significant impulse for industrial development and for the rapid increase in the number of inhabitants. Further development of the city took place after 1990.

Drive

The interior of the station hall

By rail

Žilina is on the main line Bratislava-Kosice and has frequent connections in both directions and with Czechs. Direct overnight train Prague - Kiev (one way) also passes through Žilina early in the morning, providing a direct and convenient (albeit slow) connection to Ukrainian cities such as Lviv and Vineyard.

WITH Bratislava trains can be caught from the main train station (Bratislava Hlavna Stanica) approximately every hour and a half. Prices from € 9.

WITH Czech there are almost hourly connections operated by Slovak national railways, RegioJet and LeoExpress. Ticket prices from Prague start at € 8, 5-6 hours.

WITH Polish and points further north it is necessary to change to Bohumín or Ostrava.

WITH Hungarian change in Bratislava (Budapest) or Kosice (Miskolc-Debrecen).

Žilina is the connection point for many places in the region. Look Cestovné Poriadkyfor detailed information on all rail and bus connections. Private rail companies can offer very competitive prices if you book online in advance.

By bus

From some cities in the Czech Republic, Poland or Slovakia, they might find it easier to catch a bus than a train or add an extra connection. Look [1] (also available in English) for information on train and bus connections in Slovakia and other countries. 2 main bus station located next to the train station.

By car

There are 3 European roads in Žilina. Road E75 from Bratislava to Žilina as the D1 motorway. Road E50 z Brno leads to Košice as the D1 motorway. Road E442 z Olomouc.

By plane

Žilina has an airport but is only used for private aviation and occasional charter flights, so any trip to Žilina will be by train, bus or taxi lasting at least two hours. Nearby airports with cheap flights are, for convenience, Poprad (seasonally), Bratislava, Brno i Katowice.

Communication

On foot

The center is pedestrianized and small enough to explore on foot. Many places have been adapted for people in wheelchairs.

Public transport

The city serves 8 trolleybus lines and 9 normal bus lines in Žilina, its suburbs and surrounding villages. Check dpmz.skto see the route map and timetables.

Bicycle

The city has quite a few hills, potholes in the road and fast drivers, which makes cycling a fun occasion at times. However, in some areas, the city has also recently invested in creating cycle-friendly streets and cycle paths, and there is little traffic during off-peak hours, so you can have the streets to yourself.

Cyclodielna Recykel repairs and sells used bicycles.

Worth seeing

Žilina - the main square
Cathedral of Holy Trinity

Take a stroll through the historic city center and admire the old churches.

  • From the stairs in front of Farsky kostel (church upstream from Hlinkovo ​​namestie) you can see beautiful mountains around - Mala Fatra.
  • 1 Mariánske námestie It used to be a market square, today it is a bustling central square with arcades.
  • 2 Považská galéria umenia, Ul. Štefánikova č.2 Regularly changing exhibitions in various forms, sometimes modern, sometimes more traditional. Worth a visit.
  • 3 Holy Trinity Cathedral, Horný Val 1 Roman Catholic church from the 15th century, one of the most important monuments in the city
  • 4 Budatin Castle, Topoľová 1 A beautiful 13th century castle with a nice park at the confluence of two rivers.
  • 5 Galéria plusminusnula, J. M. Hurbana 220/11 (next to the Nova Synagoga). An exhibition space for contemporary art, with a new exhibition every month

make

  • The Žilina dam (Vodne Dielo) (approximately 2 km east of the center). Do jogging, walking, roller skating, cycling, beach volleyball
  • Lesopark Žilina, Veľký diel (between the accommodation units Solinky and Vlcince). Walking, jogging, barbecue, rope park
  • Stanica's cultural node (Zariecie railway station). In the building of the old and still operating Žilina-Zariecie railway station. Concerts, theater performances, movies (often in English or with English subtitles), festivals, exhibitions, discussions, bar.
  • House umenia Fatra (concert hall), Jozefa Vuruma 139, 421 412451111. Weekly classic performances of the State Chamber Orchestra Žilina. Tickets for navstevnik.sk from € 5.

work

Ipesoft spol.s.r.o. office building

There are many workplaces based on the so-called new technologies in this city. Among other things, Siemens has its factory here, which produces components for controllers. Unfortunately, the number of specialists in Slovakia is quite limited as the country is not very big. This situation shows that work in Slovakia is offered to Poles quite often. It is good because this country is our neighbor, therefore the distance between home and work can sometimes mean that some people could commute to the place of work every day. In addition, the earnings are higher than in Poland, and seasonal work is not a problem (prices per night, etc.), despite the current currency (euro).

Science

  • University of Žilina (abbreviation: UNIZA) - Univerzitná 8215/1 010 26 Žilina
  • To dance: Tanečná škola Plešinger, Závodská cesta 6, 00421 41 7003 173, 00421 903 804 051, [2]
  • Paragliding: Žilina is a popular starting point (hill Guardian), [3], [4]

Shopping

There are several shopping malls in the city (eg Europalace Shopping Center, Mirage Mall), a Tesco hypermarket, 2 Tesco supermarkets, Kaufland, 3 Lidl stores and an old city market (at J. Gerometta and Na priekope streets). In addition to grocery stores in Žilina you will find dozens of other supermarkets, such as Merkury Market and OBI.

  • Dubeň shopping center, Vysokoškolákov 52. A large shopping center south of the city center with a wide selection of shops.
  • cheese - get local cheese from cheese shops, much better and fresher than from supermarkets, e.g. Syrmix on Narodna street or Kuzmanyho, shops near the market
  • Fruit and vegetable market - in the season a good source of vegetables and fruits, sometimes you can find locals here only with their belongings (not from large stores). Around the corner of Kuzmanyho and Halkova Streets.

Gastronomy

Apart from cultural and natural monuments, the development of tourist traffic also requires a base of accommodation and catering services. As a rule, eating is possible in the place of accommodation. The most demanding guests, expecting dishes made of always fresh and top-quality ingredients, can take advantage of the offer of four-star hotels in Žilina, as their restaurants focus on top-quality gastronomy. When purchasing raw materials, they often use the supply of seasonal products from regional producers. Many other Žilina restaurants also take advantage of this offer. Catering services are also offered in other hotels and guesthouses in Žilina and Rajecké Teplice. In these cities and in their vicinity, we can find a wide selection of establishments focused mainly on catering services. After numerous changes, their network is now stabilizing, some of them rely on the already established long-standing tradition and specificity of services. The largest number of catering establishments are located in the city of Žilina, followed by the Rajecké Teplice spa. Of course, you can also eat tasty in other places around Žilina.

Cheap cheese typical of the region:

  • "Bryndza" - soft cheese (great for fresh bread)
  • "Korbáčiky", "nite" - a great snack
  • "Parenica"
  • "Oštiepok" - smoked sheep's cheese, similar to the Polish "oscypek"

Typical dishes:

  • "Kapustnica" - sauerkraut and sausage soup
  • "Bryndzové halušky" - pasta dumplings with sheep cheese (soft sheep's cheese)
  • "Strapačky" - pasta dumplings with sauerkraut

Each restaurant has a non-smoking area (by law).

Cheaply

During lunch hours (12.00-14.00) most restaurants offer a 'bottom menu' with several set meal options for € 3-5. Expect a typical Slovak plate; potatoes, cabbage and a piece of meat, or a plate of macaroni and cheese. Soup will always be included, possibly chicken broth (vyvar) or garlic soup.

  • Cosmo Asian Restaurant, Kuzmányho 100. 11: 00-23: 00 daily. Nice restaurant. They have a daily menu all day long for around € 4 including soup.
  • Slovenska Koliba, Kuzmanyho. A typical Slovak building with typical Slovak dishes
  • Trattoria Pepe, Jozefa Vuruma 5 (near Marianske Namestie). Pork or chicken escalopes (wiener schnitzel), chicken and pasta dish, meat and rice dish, served with potatoes and vegetables and a drink, all for a very reasonable price of € 4. Nice little place.
  • On the bráne, Bottova 10. Mon-Sat 08: 30–23: 00. Cheap restaurant with typical Slovak food. Very popular with locals for lunch and dinner, and probably the cheapest Aperol Spritz in all of Slovakia. Set meals only, no a la carte dishes. Covered terrace in summer. € 4 daily menu including soup and Kofola.

Moderate

  • Korzo, Mariánske námestie 13, 421904554455, ✉ [email protected]. Sun-Thu 08: 00-22: 00, Fri Sat 08: 00-0: 00. A modern, slightly upscale restaurant and terrace in the central square. Good food, excellent lemonades.
  • Reštaurácia Vix, Sládkovičová 3 (at the corner of the square "Marianske namestie"), ☏ 421 41 562 6401, fax: 421 41 562 6431, ✉ [email protected]. Every day 10: 00–23: 00. Stylish and modern. Video games, casino and pool table upstairs. € 3-13.
  • Voyage Voyage, Mariánske námestie 191/14. It's very nice in the second square.

Expensive

  • Manzo Steak & Burger, Antona Bernoláka 44, 421948855338, ✉ [email protected]. Mon Tue and Thu 11: 00-22: 00, Wed 08: 00-22: 00, Fri 08: 00-23: 00, Sat 12: 00-23: 00. A relatively new restaurant that is rapidly gaining ground. Variety of steaks with different pieces and burgers, carefully served. They also have several vegetarian options.
  • Vulcano, Behind plavárňou 8121/1. Daily menu for € 5.5. Permanent ice cream around the corner

Nightlife

There are many pubs, restaurants and tea rooms in the city. Beer is especially cheap at just over € 1 per pint.

There are several pubs and bars in the main square. There is an Irish bar, aptly named "Guinness", and there is also a disco-style bar called Royales.

A typical Slovak (and Czech) non-alcoholic drink is Kofola. Kind of cola drink, not so sweet.

  • Troika pub, Horný val 8/17. A good place to meet, drink and eat. They also have an English menu card.
  • Beervan, Kuzmányho 104/8, ☏ 421 902696156, ✉ [email protected]. Mon-Thu 16: 00-00: 00, Fri Sat 16: 00-02: 00. Twelve different beers on tap, changing regularly. Also other drinks, snacks and pizza on the menu. A bit pricey by local standards but worth it for the assortment and atmosphere. English speaking staff and menu. Good for groups.
  • 7.schode, Antona Bernolaka 2, toll-free number: 421901708984, ✉ [email protected]. Mon-SB 16: 00-00: 00, Fri until 01:00. A small pub with a good atmosphere and good level of music for chatting with friends or strangers. The offer includes very good specialty beers. Only cash.

Parties

Fireworks in the Žilina market on New Year's Day

The city of Žilina alone or in cooperation with its partners organizes many sports and cultural events in Žilina every year. Some of them even have their own history and tradition, which are still being developed (Carneval Slovakia Žilina, Old Town Celebrations, Žilina Cultural Summer, North against South ...). Other events are just starting to gain supporters (Medieval Day, Medzinárodný jazzový festival "Jazz Contest", Fest Ancza ....).

Accommodation

Cheaply

  • Technician's house, Vysokoškolákov 3151/70, ☏ 421 911802008, ✉ [email protected]. Good cheap option although quite far from the train and bus stations. Private rooms with sinks from € 20 per night, on the 9th and 10th floors. No internet, but a nearby restaurant has free Wi-Fi.
  • Ubytovňa Žilina - hostel, Pri Celulózke 28 (bus number 24, 26, 31), ☏ 421 415254868, ✉ [email protected]. Free Wi-Fi, single bedroom € 11.50 per person per night, discounts for more nights.
  • Ubytovňa Dunaqua, Bratislavská 2, ☏ 421 415 621 263, ✉ [email protected]. Check-out: 10:00. Ubytovňa is a traditional Slovak workers' hotel. Only basic service but good quality is expected. Breakfast and tourist tax are not included in the price. Located just a short walk from the old center. € 8 dorm, guest room € 12, suite € 27.

Moderate

  • Econohotel garni, V. Spanyola 43 (red building on the hill), ☏ 421 41 565 0747, ✉ [email protected]. Continuously. From € 35 single / € 50 double.
  • Hotel Slovakia, U.S. Ľudovíta Štúra 2 (next to Aupark). Very nice ex-communist hotel with over 100 rooms, centrally located with parking. From € 25 single / € 39 double.
  • Penzión *** Anton, Sv. Cyrila a metod 830, ☏ 421 415094499, fax: 421 415094451, ✉ [email protected]. Check-in: non-stop. Comfortable accommodation 3 km from Žilina in beautiful surroundings. 27-43 EUR.

Expensive

contact

  • Free open wifi at Námestie A. Hlinek (lower square) and Marianské námestie (upper square), as well as in Aupark and Mirage shopping centers.
  • Amazing photo gallery of everything in Žilina [5]including pictures of hotels, shops, parks, hills, neighborhoods, transportation, schools, churches, industry, health centers.
  • Pošta Žilina 1 (main post office), Sládkovičova 14 (opposite the Nova Synagogue and Rosenfeld Palace), ☏ 421 415126210. Mon-Fri 07: 00-19: 00, Sat 08: 00-12: 00. Send letters and parcels, SIM cards and credit, point of sale on ticketportal.sk
  • Tourist Information Office, Námestie A. Hlinku 9 (free-standing kiosk, look for a large green information sign), 4 421 417233186, ✉ [email protected]. Mon-Fri 09: 00-17: 00, June-September also on Sundays 09: 00-14: 00. Run by enthusiastic staff who know everything about the city. They can tell you about all the events and current exhibitions.

Security

The level of security in Žilina does not differ from the level of security in other cities. However, be careful about contacts with Gypsies, leaving the car in secluded places or carrying a lot of money in your wallet.

Tourist information

City Tourist Information Center (Address: Námestie Andreja Hlinku 9, 010 01 Žilina, phone: 421 907 845 567)

Where next

There are many wonderful places near Zilina.

Castles and ruins

  • Ruin of Starhrad (11 km) [6] - on a hill in the middle of the forest with a beautiful view of the meandering river. Go on a day trip: take the train to Strecno, go to the Strecno castle, cross the river and go to Starhrad and back.
  • Strecno Castle (11 km) - a large castle right on the road to Liptovský Mikuláš, paid entrance, open daily 09: 00-18: 00 (last entrance 17:15). By train or bus to Strecno.
  • Ruins of Lietava (10 km) - nice looking, on the way to Rajecke Teplice
  • Ruins of Sulov Castle (28 km) - on the top of the rock in Sulowskie Rocks (Sulowski Rocks)
  • Ruins of Hricova (13 km) - a pleasant walk from the village of Hričovske Podhradie

Mountains and hills

  • Little Fatra - with the resort in Vratna (beginning of hiking trails, ski lift, ski center) and Terchova (a large wooden nursery in the church). Possible tours:
    • Janosikove horne a dolne diery: start in Stefanova
    • To Chleb and go to the edge of the mountain
    • Jánošíkove Diery: Buses depart in Žilina from the main bus station to Terchová. From Terchova, you can then walk 2 km to the entrance to Jánošíkove Diery.
  • Sulowskie rocks (Sulovske skaly) - start from the village of Sulov-Hradna. You can circle around and visit the ruins of Sulov Castle.
  • Guardian - popular for paragliding, great view of Žilina, the river Vah and the surrounding mountains. Take the bus no. 27 to the last stop.

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