http://www.slovak-jewish-heritage.org

The time and origin of Jewish settlements in Slovakia isn't totally clear. The first traces of the Jewish settlements in Slovakia, as it is generally supposed, date back to the end of the 1st century, when a part of the victorious XV. legion was sent to strenghten the northern fortifications of Limes Romanus. The fortresses Gerualta (near Rusovce) and Carnuntum (near Hainburg), situated nearby the present Bratislava, were also component parts of the defensive line. It is more than probable, that the soldiers came to the area together with the Jewish slaves and merchants.

The Jewish culture in Slovakia is represented especially by the folk art. From the ideas of simple people the work of their hands was created. The oldest synagogues were made of wood. According to the historical documents, the walls of several synagogues in Slovakia were built up by the Jews. At the end of the 18th century the synagogues were projected in accordance with the Polish model consisting of 4 columns and 9 vaults. The maur, neogorizian and classical styles are styles that can be most often found. The Jewish art concerning cemeteries is various. In northern parts of Slovakia, bordering on Poland, we can find extensive plasticity. In southern parts of Slovakia, that border on Hungary, the tombstones have only a simple ornamentation. One of the most beautiful pictures provide the cemeteries, situated on mountain seclusions and sheer hill-sides, that increases their abandonment and fragmentation. The Jewish cemeteries together with the preserved synagogues are the last material evidence on the significant religious and social life of the Jewish communities in Slovakia.

The mausoleum of Chatam Sofer in Bratislava is a unique monument in Slovakia. The mausoleum is a component part of the former Jewish cemetery from 1670 - 1847. 23 graves and 43 separate tombstones are located on the original area. Every year many visitors from the whole world come to see the mausoleum of Chatam Sofer. They want to pay reverence and thank to one of the greatest Jewish scholars of the former century.

The old Jewish circle cemetery in Senica (in western Slovakia) is an interesting demonstration of the presence of the Jewish ethnic in Slovakia. It is a Slovak, even European curiosity. The diameter of the circle is 150 m. The cemetery is surrounded by a wall. The CIDUK HIDAN (the house of pain) is located on the hill and the burial-grounds were probably situated in several layers. Even the graves of men and women are arranged in circle. The inscriptions on the graves, in baroque and empire styles, are written in Hebrew, Slovak, Hungarian and German languages. Among the old tombstones from the 18th century, we can even find the new ones from the 20th century, made of Swedish granite.

The synagogue in Vŕbové near Piešťany is a large and impressive building that was built up in 1882-1883. The measures are 25 x 15 m. The synagogue has 4 floors, which lead to the balcony for women and is supported on three sides of the synagogue by four iron columns. The size of the interior space acts magnificent. The facade is decorated by turrets in form of minarets and maur architectural motifs. The synagogue in Trenčín, the beautiful, fragmented and well-preserved building was built in 1913. It is situated at the place of an older synagogue that was in operation for 125 years. From the period of the 2nd World War it doesn't serve to its original purpose anymore (except the smaller synagogue of prayer in the building). Nowadays there is a local gallery residence. The tombstones in Vŕbové from the beginning of the 19th century are characterized by the rich plastic ornamentation.

Among the most stylish and beautiful synagogues in Slovakia belongs the synagogue in Liptovský Mikuláš. It was built in 1906 according to projects of architect Leopold Baumhorn. Its measures are 22 x 40 m and the synagogue is built in classical style. The columns in Roman-ionic style at the entrance are very significant and support the tympanum. Nowadays the synagogue's rooms are used for cultural purposes, concerts and other public acts. The synagogue in Liptovský Mikuláš is reconstructed in the framework of a unique activity called Mosty (Bridges). The Christian and Jewish youth work together and repair the synagogue and churches. The project Mosty contains also public performances of several musicians. The synagogue in Žilina was built in 1932 and is one of the newest synagogues in Slovakia.

The synagogue in Lučenec belongs to the jewels of Jewish synagogues. It was also projected by builder L. Baumhorn and his company, which built up 22 synagogues in the area of former Hungary. Its monumental design and style reminds the Hagia Sofia. The main and adjacent towering domes charm the city's visitors even today, although the building is neglected. Košice was the greatest centre of eastern Slovakia after the 1st World War.