What is Piestani and why “I have been”

Newsit.gr tourist returns to Bratislava but not to stay. This time, it follows the footsteps of Empress Sissy to the idyllic Piestani! What’s a Piestani? An area outside Bratislava. And it also has a spa island (yes, yet), which Empress Sissy loved (and not unjustly). It is Slovakia’s largest bath and now that Aegean has two direct flights a week to Bratislava, it is a pity and unfair thing not to know it. Piestani is the ultimate wellness destination, Slovakia’s largest and most important thermal bath! 45 minutes away from Bratislava, in Trnava Province, Piestani and Spa deserve your time! The city has a long history in the tradition of healing baths and has been internationally known since the 19th century. Spa Island is located on the left bank of the Va River and features thermal baths, spa and wellness hotels, as well as parks. It is essentially a large spa complex with ten different healing sources. The island is connected to the city centre of Piestani with a pedestrian bridge. And there, when you go and walk her, you will meet two statues. But we’ll talk about it later. We are talking about a diamond in the heart of Slovakia. The country is also famous for its healing wounds and baths, some of which are the oldest in central Europe. The most famous of all, however, is Piestani and its history begins in the distant 16th century after it has become known worldwide for its healing sources. Piestani was named after the word piesok, meaning sand (p.p. from the banks of the Va River). The river crosses Piestani and thus creates the small island, the so-called spa island, an earthly paradise. The footbridge “screams” that you should take as many photos as you can. The unobstructed view of the river, the idyllic landscape and of course, the statues. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr At the entrance of the pedestrian bridge to the spa island you will meet the man who breaks his cane because the treatment in the baths cured him and no longer needs it. As you go, there’s another statue. That’s of Ľudovít Winter, which could be considered the man who reborn, the Piestani. Thanks to his business idea, the small bath town acquired the famous spa and became a point of reference. Winter (his bronze statue actually) is sitting on a bench waiting for tourists to sit next to for a photo… Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr After you finish a pedestrian bridge and find yourself on the island you need to know two things: there are no cars and there you will find the imposing Pieš At Pieš It’s not just whatever you look at there’s green. It’s not peace and quiet. It’s that you can do mud baths, swim in the outdoor heated swimming pool even when it’s 3 degrees outside, do hot tubs, saunas. You can find from a five-star hotel to a two-star hotel. Wherever you book to stay, the treatments are the same. The mud to mud baths gathers from the river and “turns” to it! How? When you finish your mud bath, you will hand over the sheet to the staff. The sheet will be washed in special washing machines and the mud will return to the river and after a long, nearly a year, it will be collected again for the mud baths! Tip : For every mud therapy you need 65 kg of mud! The Ensana Health Spa Hotels chain features six hotels in Piestani. For all the suitcases: from the most affordable economics to the ultimate luxury. Everything gives the visitor a chance to spoil himself. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr The five-star Thermia Palace was built in 1912 and each corner exudes something from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A palace, with the imposing marble staircase leading to the corridors and rooms. You think somewhere… Empress Cece and the ladies of the court will show up. But no… The Thermia Palace is divided into the modern place and the most classic. Each room is different, as if it has its own personality, with spacious balconies offering wonderful views. It is connected to a corridor, which means you do not have to go out in the cold, to the Irma Health Spa, where you can do 60 (!) different medical and therapeutic treatments. To do some of the treatments there is a… ritual. Before the mud bath, enter the indoor pool with hot water to relax for 10 minutes. Men and women treat mud in different places. Then drive to the pool with the mud, where you cover all your face and body. And after the stay time is up and you shower, the staff will wrap you up with sheets and lead you to special beds for 10 to 15 minutes to enjoy the absolute quietness and quietness. The ultimate wellness can continue in the outdoor pool or indoors with the comfortable sun beds around – around, in the sauna, massage or gym. From Beethoven to Sissy From… the world’s creation, thermal baths were always a reference point. And Piestani’s spa island has “acquainted” too many aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian era but also great personalities of the time. Ludwig van Beethoven, artists from the Czech Republic, Russia and Hungary, blue blood, maharajas, has gone. In 1917, William II of Germany, Charles I of Austria-Hungary and Ferdinand I of Bulgaria met at the Hotel Thermia Palace and decided on their strategy. One of the most important personalities who passed (and loved as few) Piestani was the Empress Sissi of Austria-Hungary. He often enjoyed the thermal geothermal water and mud baths with therapeutic properties and anti-inflammatory actions. Cece had tuberculosis and the hot water of the healing baths relieved her. In one of the island’s parks, there is also its bust. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr Near there is the historical stone tap, from which hot thermal water flows, whose temperature reaches 60 degrees. After Piestani And if you did not follow the previous advice of the tourist of newsit.gr to see Bratislava, returning from Piestani is a first-rate opportunity to meet the capital of Slovakia. Slovakia is famous for its special cuisine, essential ingredients of which are milk, potatoes and cabbage. Bratislava is known for its traditional cuisine “Presporok”, a combination of Slovak, Austrian and Hungarian dishes. In Bratislava you can enjoy traditional Slovak dishes, such as brindzové halušky and grilled goose, local beer in brewery restaurants, the most famous local dessert, the Bratislava rolls made of butter dough with nuts or poppy filling. In addition, you can visit modern restaurants with international cuisine in the historic city centre, as well as restaurants with traditional cuisines such as Zylinder, Bratislavská restaurant, Hradná hviezda, Modrá hviezda, Savoy and others. Those who wish to combine delicious food with the panoramic view of the city must not miss the opportunity to visit restaurants such as UFO.watch.taste groove, Altitude Restaurant or Sky bar. Bratislava also has a great musical heritage and is famous for the artists who lived and were inspired there, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Anton Grigorievič Rubinstein and Franz Lisz t. It is worth seeing Bratislava, a city that you can turn on foot (eds. no subway, no need for it). But even if you get bored, there are the little red buses that take you wherever you need to be! Slavín: The largest war monument in Central Europe is, thanks to the height of 52 meters, one of the dominant characteristics of the city’s horizon. This is the tomb of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II. The square is decorated with the sculpture of victory, while in the surrounding area there are statues and photographs of the time. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr Bratislava Castle: The castle built above the old town, at the top of the hill of Little Carpathians, holds a strategic position and overlooks the entire Danube. The hill of the castle was already inhabited by the late Stone Age – its first known inhabitants were the Celtes, who established a fortified settlement there called “Oppidum”. His architectural style, imposing towers and Renaissance halls of the castle were the elements that made it Maria Theresa’s favorite residence. Hlavne & Hviezdoslav’s Square: Surrounded by colorful buildings, embassies (among them the Greek) and the old town hall, Hlavné námestie Square is the heart of Bratislava, but also the point where the most important roads begin and end. It is one of the smallest central squares of the capital in Europe. At night dressed in the mysterious yellow light invites you to explore it. Hviezdoslav’s námestie is located a few meters below the main square and is suitable for walking and relaxing. Primate’s Palace : It is one of Slovakia’s most beautiful classic buildings built in the 18th century. The halls are adorned by huge chandeliers, portraits of Hungarian rulers and paintings of the Habsburg dynasty. But what steals the show is the historic Mirror Room and the 17th century English wallpapers. In the inner courtyard you will find the well-known fountain with the stone statue of St George that kills the dragon. Devín Castle : The western part of Bratislava is one of the most popular destinations. Just 10 km west of the city center, Devín Castle is located in a beautiful natural landscape. Devin Castle was blown up in 1809 by Napoleon and is currently a national cultural monument of Slovakia. It is located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers, climbed on a 212m high hill and offers excellent panoramic views. Visitors, in addition to the castle, have the opportunity to walk into the small forest, descend to the banks of the river, but also to see across Austria. UFO observation deck : Imaging building, symbol of Bratislava. At the height of 95 metres (near 104 meters), with a visual contact at a distance of 100 kilometres (62 mi) with a magnificent view of the city. This original building enables visitors to admire from above some of the most important sights of the city, such as Castle, Danube, Slavin monument, Parliament, St. Martinu, the new town and the old town. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr Michael’s Tower : Due to its tall roof in the shape of an onion, the gate tower is one of the landmarks of the Old Town. The balcony offers panoramic views of the hill of the castle, the roofs and towers of the city, as well as the district of the villas on the hills. It is a small museum, which hosts armor, swords, weapons, shields and uniforms. On the narrow balcony of the last floor, at a height of 51 meters, visitors have the opportunity to observe the world passing through Michalska Street, to embroider the endless red roofs and admire important attractions such as the castle, UFO and St Martin’s Cathedral. Bratislava Statues : Bratislava is filled with interesting statues, reflecting Slovak humor and offering opportunities for photography. They are scattered in the historic center of the old city. Bratislava’s protagonist is Čumil observer. Exploring more, you will find Napoleon’s soldier, Hubert, Schone Naci, Alchemist etc.Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr Photo © Mary Kaloutsakis / newsit.gr St. Martin‘s Cathedral : A three-aisled Gothic church of the 15th century and the former church of the coronation. A gold-plated copy of the crown of coronation that is fixed at the top of the cathedral tower of 85 meters tall and 150 kg weight reminds this glorious era. Blue Church : St. Elizabeth’s church, built in Art Nouveau style in the early 20th century, is notable for the blue color of its facade, which is built with attention to detail and with frequent use of mosaic. It is a popular temple for weddings and baptisms. Photo © Mary Kaloutsaki / newsit.gr To get to know Piestani and the wellness experience it offers and walk Bratislava, one of the historic capitals of central Europe, Aegean has taken care of its direct flights to and from the capital of Slovakia. The flights are made every Monday and Thursday to and from the airport “M. R. Štefánik” (departure from Athens 16:30, departure from Bratislava 18:25), while the flight takes about 2 hours. Now, there is no… excuse not to add Batislava to the list “I’ve been”!