Vysoké Tatry, 16 November 2023 The most popular winter attraction of the High Tatras - the Tatra Ice Dome - opens its gates for the 11th time. After ice structures inspired by architecture from different parts of the world, this year the ice dome is inspired by a rare personality and has a British touch.
As early as 17 November, visitors from the public can enter the dome at Hrebienok, which hides an ice structure with the motif of Westminster Abbey from London. Since 1066, it has been a symbol of British identity, the monarchy and, here in the High Tatras, special moments.
"It was 24th October 2008, when Hrebienok was visited by the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. In 2023, exactly 15 years have passed since that moment and that is why the Tatra Ice Dome inspired by Westminster Abbey was built on Hrebienok as a tribute to her excellency and at the same time as a tribute to her successor, King Charles III. The temple, which is not only the place of coronations but also the last farewells of British kings," said Lukáš Brodanský, manager of the Tatra Ice Dome.
The amazing tribute to the British monarch in the High Tatras was also appreciated by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Nigel Baker.
"It's beautiful! I think the artists did a fantastic job. It is very emotional for me to see the abbey here in the Tatras, which our Queen visited 15 years ago. Queen Elizabeth II had a special relationship with the High Tatras and Westminster Abbey has a special relationship with the Royal Family. I never thought I would have the opportunity to see Westminster Abbey from the ice. It's special to me and I think it will be the same for all visitors. It's something that brings us together. We will certainly see a lot of British tourists here, and I believe it will inspire a lot of Slovaks to visit the UK as well. Our countries are very close and tourism and culture will be like a human bridge between us." The ambassador also unveiled a commemorative plaque commemorating the visit of Elizabeth II to the High Tatras, which will find its new place on Hrebienok after the closure of the ice dome.
The opening of the Tatra Ice Dome is traditionally the symbolic opening of the winter season in the High Tatras.
"Let's wish that the winter season will be the best and visitors will find everything they are looking for in the Tatras. Wonderful nature, sports activities, great relaxation and rest. We hope that the British dominance, also in the wake of the strengthened air connection between the Tatra Mountains and London, will bring more guests from Great Britain who will discover the Tatras as an exceptional tourist destination.," said Lucia Blašková, director of the OOCR Región Vysoké Tatry.
The main builder of the Tatra Ice Dome was traditionally Adam Bakoš, under whose direction carvers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany worked. On entering the dome, the first view is of the west side of the abbey, the central part is a view of the north side of this world-famous building. The ice structure is complemented by a coronation chair made of ice as a stylish photo point. In front of the entrance to the dome, visitors will find an exhibition of photographs commemorating Elizabeth II's visit to the High Tatras.
The Tatra Ice Dome also includes an exhibition of scaled-down replicas of coronation objects dedicated directly to Westminster Abbey. The glass royal crown by the artistic glassmaker and designer Achilleas Sdoukos, who is also exhibiting a number of attractive works in the dome, will also be a wonderful addition. An interesting feature of the construction will be the ice groove mechanism, which will release one signed glass ball every day at one of the three locations as an exceptional souvenir and a souvenir of the visit to the Tatra Ice Dome. The time of the ball release will vary during the season and will be published on the website and social networks of the High Tatras - Mountains of Experience (www.vt.sk).
Text Source: OOCR Región Vysoké Tatry
2021/2022 Cathedral of St. James, Santiago de Compostela
2020/2021 Church of the Resurrection of Christ, St. Petersburg
2019/2020 Notre Dame Church of Our Lady of Paris, Notre Dame
2018/2019 St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
2017/2018 Sagrada Familia, Spain
2016/2017 Spišská Gotika
2015/2016 Baroque
2014/2015 Forever sing Forests
2013/2014 Prague Gothic
