This year, Slovnaft is commemorating 130 years since the first oil processing in Slovakia

Construction of the Apollo refinery began in April 1895 in Mlynská záhrada by the River Danube, at a time when Europe was on the threshold of the automotive revolution. The refinery's main product was kerosene, which was gradually supplemented by lubricants, oils, petrol, paraffin wax, diesel, candles and even artificial ice. Apollo became a technological leader at the time, gradually building the first network of filling stations under the APOLLO – NAFTA brand.

After the refinery was destroyed during the Second World War, Slovnaft continued the tradition of oil processing in the 1950s and continues to develop and innovate this industry to this day.

“The historical legacy of the Apollo refinery is an integral part of our identity. We build on the heritage of 6 generations whose determination and innovations helped shape the oil industry in Slovakia. This milestone is not only a celebration of the past, but also a strong commitment to the future – a future in which we will continue to provide reliable solutions for our customers, partners and community. We are currently a member of the MOL Group, thanks to which Slovnaft's total investments since 2000 have reached 3.1 billion euros. We made our largest-ever investments in 2024, amounting to 330 million euros,” said Marek Senkovič, CEO of Slovnaft.

Exhibition - The Journey from Apollo to Slovnaft, documenting key milestones in the development of the oil industry from the founding of the Apollo refinery to its present-day successor, Slovnaft

To mark the celebrations of the 130th anniversary of the oil industry in Slovakia, an exhibition is being held in the Exhibition Hall of the University Library in Bratislava, documenting key moments from the founding of the Apollo refinery to its current successor, Slovnaft. The exhibition is open to the public every day from 10:00 h. to 18:00 h., and admission is free.

In recognition of the importance of this historical milestone and its connection to Slovakia's capital, Slovnaft is taking part in Bratislava City Days, which will take place on 26–27 April 2025. During that weekend, the refinery's gates will open to the general public for the first time in its history.

Slovnaft's programme will also include a guided tour of the surviving remains of the Apollo refinery entitled Industrial Walk around Apollka, as well as a Cycle Trip across 5 Bridges on Slovnaft BAjk bicycles.

On Sunday, 27 April, Slovnaft will take part in a series of lectures and discussions in the Eco Tent in Janko Kráľ Park, with its presentation at 16:00 opening the topic of what life in the refinery is like and what the refinery offers its city. All activities organised by Slovnaft will be available free of charge during Bratislava City Days.

The detailed programme with registration options will be available on this page.