Nitra One-Day Trip 🌧️

A Spontaneous Journey to Slovakia’s Fourth City A last-minute decision led me to Nitra, Slovakia’s fourth-largest city—just a rainy 1-hour bus ride from Bratislava. The moment I stepped off the bus, a sleek mall greeted me, followed by the old town’s cobblestones. A short walk past the info center revealed Nitra Castle, a 10-minute climb from the base. I practically had the place to myself—entry to the castle and museum cost just €3. ⛪ St. Emmeram’s Cathedral: A Serendipitous Mass I wandered into St. Emmeram’s Cathedral at 10:30 AM, stumbling into a solemn mass. Boys in white and black chanted hymns while cardinals delivered passionate sermons in Slovak. A camera crew filmed the service—maybe for a local show? I sneaked videos from the doorway, only to realize the church was packed when it ended. Nuns emerged to tidy up afterward—I’d always thought they stayed in monasteries! Even jaded by religious sites, I was awestruck. The cathedral’s art—stained glass, frescoes, gold altarpieces—summed up Europe’s artistic legacy. The museum housed biblical texts on vellum, jeweled chalices, and ornate scepters. No photos allowed, but seeing them up close was enough—ethics over Instagram, right? 🏰 Castle Views & Urban Quirks Perched on the castle’s edge, I overlooked the misty city. Damp air felt surprisingly refreshing. The old town’s compact layout led me to a synagogue mid-service, where I saw a nun helping a priest remove his vestments—my religious stereotypes crumbled! Near the bus station, a pink-painted "Chimney House" towered like a giant soft-serve ice cream 🍦. That’s Europe for you: even weathered buildings burst with color and character, each angle a photo op. Rainy day or not, Nitra’s charm was impossible to miss. #Slovakia #Nitra #NitraCastle #StEmmeramsCathedral #ReligiousHeritage #NitraOldTown #ChimneyHouse