Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
Time Zone |
Europe/Bratislava |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+2 |
Ames is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Iowa, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the capital city of Des Moines, and is one of the county seats of Boyd and Story counties, as well as the state's most important educational and livable city. As the home of Iowa State University (ISU), Ames has been deeply tied to the university since its founding in 1888, and the university is nationally renowned for its agricultural engineering, veterinary medicine, materials science and other disciplines, infusing the city with a strong academic and innovative atmosphere. With the university's resources, Ames has developed into a center for biotechnology, high-end manufacturing and aerospace research, with leading research institutions such as the National Advanced Driving Simulator Laboratory. With a population of approximately 66,000 (2020 data), the city has been repeatedly recognized as one of the safest and most livable areas in the nation, combining urban convenience with a small-town friendliness that attracts numerous academic conferences and tourists each year.
Holič is an old town in the Trenčín region of western Slovakia, located on the banks of the Váh River, near the Czech border. The town is famous for its well-preserved Holic Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Slovakia, built in the 13th century in a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
Holič has a rich historical heritage and the castle houses a branch of the Slovak National Museum, which displays a collection of medieval weapons, art and folklore. The town hosts traditional annual festivals, such as the Summer Castle Music Festival, which attracts visitors to experience the local culture. Surrounded by vineyards and hills, it is part of the wine region.
Holić is about 120 kilometers from the capital Bratislava and can be easily reached by rail or road. Visitors can visit the castle, Old Town Square and St. Martin's Church, as well as go hiking in the nearby White Carpathians. The town is an ideal destination for cultural travelers with its peaceful atmosphere and rustic Slovak charm.