The territory of Turiec lies in Turčianska kotlina (The Valley of Turiec) surrounded by the mountain ranges of Malá and Veľká Fatra  in the west and east, Kremnické vrchy (The Hills of Kremnica ) in the south and Žiar Mts. in the south- west. The border, which separates the region from other territories, runs along the peaks of the ranges. The axis of the valley is The River of Turiec.

The Valley of Turiec belongs to one of the high- situated  valleys in Slovakia. Altitude above the sea level moves between 500 to 700 metres in the south up to 400 metres in the north.

the City of Martin belongs under Žilina municipality county and it is the 8. largest city in Slovakia

altitude: 390 m above the sea

area: 6 744 ha

population: 60 thousand inhabitants

unemployment rate: 14%

the City of Martin is placed into the region, which is called Turiec.

Year 1918: In the City of Martin the free will of the Slovaks was declared; they wished to share a state with the Czechs by establishing Czechoslovak republic (lasted till 1993)

Year 1919 ment development of Martin - it became central-administrative district of north-western Slovakia. Reopening of the Slovak National Foundation, activities of organizations and renascence of cultural organizations developed its cultural life. Many of painters, sculptors and writers found muse here. 

The City of Martin: Coat - of - arms:

Legenda: There is a silver horse and silver knight (St. Martin) on blue shield. He is holding his red coat and golden sword. A silver pauper kneels in front of him.

Origin: According to the historians, Martin de Tours was one of the most impressive characters from the period of early Christianity. He was real knight of mercy. The coat-of-arms of the City of Martin shows the story, when Martin - as a Roman officer - helped to shivering and freezing pauper. Martin cut his coat into two halves and one of them passed to the pauper to cover himself and get warm. 

The City of Martin is named after him. The origin of name Martin is Martinus - the name of war god Marta.