Back Up Top

hidden europe 24

Slovakia's new currency

by hidden europe

Summary

Slovakia adopts the euro and along the way reshapes its identity. Icons of western and secular modernity replace a more eastern demeanour.

hidden europe 24 / Snippet  / By hidden europe

For Ireland, it is the harp. For Germany the Brandenburg Gate, and for Greece an ancient Athenian ship. Coins are an opportunity to evoke a few national stereotypes. The only real surprise is that the Eiffel Tower has not yet featured on any of France's euro coins.

So it is always interesting when a new country adopts the euro. Slovakia joins the euro club on 1 January 2009, and since early December starter packs of the country's new euro coins have been available for collection from all Slovakian post offices. The national images that feature on the country's new euro coins say a lot about how Slovakia nowadays perceives itself.

As member with online access, you can sign in to read the rest of this article online.
hidden europe 43: Feature
Related articleFull text online

Simply wood: a journey into the hills

by Nicky Gardner
Feature

The humblest homes in many villages in the Carpathians are built of wood. So, too, are the grandest buildings - almost invariably the church. Wood has its own benign beauty, and it is the carrier of tradition. We explore the wooden architecture of that part of the Carpathian region which lies to the east of the High Tatras.

Read now →