New publication offers a look at the architectural heritage of modern Nitra
05.08.2025
The university campus of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA), considered an architectural gem, is the focus of a new monograph titled "Architectural Heritage of Modern Nitra" by Professor Ján Novák.
Among Nitra’s most remarkable buildings is the SUA campus, designed in the 1960s by Vladimír Dedeček, one of Slovakia’s most renowned architects. The richly illustrated book, nearly 350 pages long, presents the campus as one of his key works, filled with archival and current photographs, project documents, studies, theories, and memories.
The Origins of SUA and Campus Construction
The book is divided into ten chapters. The opening sections describe the founding of the Agricultural University in Nitra and the complex preparation and construction of its campus, designed in 1959 by Dedeček and Rudolf Miňovský.
Several historical milestones shaped the university’s development. In 1941/42, forestry and agricultural sciences began to be taught at the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava. In 1946, a dedicated agricultural and forestry engineering school was established in Košice. A 1952 reorganization led to the creation of the Agricultural University in Nitra (renamed SUA in 1996) and the Forestry and Wood Sciences University in Zvolen.
The university had to be built from scratch — both physically and institutionally. As the book notes, “Even the best temporary solutions could not meet the needs of teaching, research, and academic life. The leadership began pushing for the creation of a modern university with ample space.” It was a long battle, but on November 16, 1959, the location for the campus was officially confirmed at the "Letisko" site in Nitra.
Architectural Legacy [&] Cultural Heritage Status
Built between 1961 and 1966, the SUA campus is one of the most important architectural achievements of its kind in Slovakia. With its modernist design and innovative construction methods, it ranks among Europe’s architectural landmarks.
"I’ve seen many European universities, but I dare say yours is the most charming. Of course, it wasn’t just my work — many people and events contributed. It’s a long and complex history…" — V. Dedeček
"I designed a main axis — a path through greenery for pedestrians — intersected by key faculty buildings: agriculture, animal sciences, and technology. The balance was created by combining unity with variety. The Aula Maxima served as the central element, with the entrance hall and library forming a shared space. The library was lit from an atrium side." — V. Dedeček
"The Aula didn’t have a final form at first. The version I proposed looked like a tilted UFO. This led to false comparisons with Niemeyer’s Brasilia. Some accused me of copying, but that’s not true — it was an original solution in both structure and concept." — V. Dedeček
In 2014, nine buildings from the SUA campus were declared national cultural monuments, including the Aula Maxima, swimming pool, and several pavilions. The book also documents the challenging renovation works and showcases the iconic Aula on art pieces and postage stamps.
Interviews with Dedeček [&] His Legacy
In the final chapters, the book includes conversations with architect Dedeček, offering insights into his thinking, designs, and personal reflections.
"Dedeček had a distinctive style. Even non-experts recognize his work. He described himself as just a technician — 'a carpenter of modern architecture built not from wood, but from concrete.' Yet he created a striking, emotionally powerful visual language," the book states.
Published by SUA’s publishing house, the book aims to raise public interest — especially among the younger generation — in the university's architectural and historical legacy and the broader modern history of Nitra.
About the Author
Prof. Ing. Ján Novák, PhD. is a plant scientist and university professor. He is the author of numerous scientific, educational, and popular publications, including textbooks, monographs, and academic articles published in Slovakia and abroad. His works blend narrative and photography, expressing his deep personal connection to the subjects he writes about. In 2024, he also published From the History of Matriculations in Nitra.
