Technical monuments Dolný Kubín

Františkova huta is located in Orava, in the Tvrdošín district. Although cadastrally it belongs to the village of Nižná, the entire building is owned by the village of Podbiel. It is the ruin of a factory hall of a former ironworks. The ironworks (huta) is among the most significant industrial revolution monuments in Orava. The fact that Juraj Jakubisko's films The Millennial Bee (Tisícročná včela) and An Ambiguous Report about the End of the World (Nejasná správa o konci sveta) were filmed here certainly adds to its attractiveness.

The establishment of Františkova huta dates back to 1836, when its construction began under the supervision of the builder, the Briton Newbuild. Permission for its construction was granted as early as 1819, 16 years after the opening of three iron ore mines in Podbiel. Construction lasted 19 years and was never finished. The ironworks was in operation until 1862, when it ceased to exist due to changing social conditions. Mines belonging to the Orava estate took care of the ore supply, delivering it from Zuberec, Habovka, Malatiná, and Juráňova dolina.

From the complex, which in its time was quite extensive, a blast furnace with an original height of approximately 12 meters has been preserved. In addition to it, visitors will also see the foundations of a hammer mill (skujňovacia huta), the remains of a water raceway, a blower chamber, and the perimeter walls of the hall made of fired brick in which the aforementioned blast furnace was located.

It is assumed that Františkova huta was among the most significant attractions of upper Orava. It featured top-tier processing at a level that competed even with ironworks abroad. It carries a message as well as a powerful story from the times of the industrial revolution, about the industrial development of the entire region, manufacture, and production. In 1963, it was declared a national cultural monument.

Every year, both tourists and locals are drawn here by the music festival Orava Alternative. It is always organized on the first weekend of August. At the end of August, a medieval and Old Slavic day takes place here, where you can come to watch demonstrations of original iron processing. The advantage of the site is mainly the fact that it is accessible via a few minutes' walk along the main road from Podbiel towards Oravský Biely Potok.

Although it is a ruin, visually it is very handsome and fits seamlessly into the beautiful surrounding environment. Children can play conquerors, knights, and princesses here, because that is exactly the impression the ironworks evokes. It is simply a majestic work that, thanks to activists and the promise of the village of Podbiel, is not falling into decay, but is maintaining at least its current form.

To be as close to Františkova huta as possible, book a stay on the pages accommodation Podbiel, accommodation Zuberec, or accommodation Nižná and set out on a trip. It is not time-consuming at all, so during your stay you will also manage to visit other attractions in Orava; Františkova huta, however, definitely belongs among those that are worth not missing out on.

In the center of the village of Terchová, which is known as the tourist center of Malá Fatra thanks to its geographical location, lies a unique attraction. The wooden moving nativity scene belongs among the unique treasures in Slovakia and is visited by numerous people every year. On your list of places that you can see among the attractions in Terchová, definitely do not miss this spot.

During opening hours, you can come and see the beauty of the woodcarving with your own eyes. Local folk masters paid great attention to detail and embellished the largest church in Slovakia dedicated to the Thessalonian brothers. In Kostol sv. Cyrila a Metoda, a nativity scene made of linden wood consisting of three parts is crafted.

The first part of the nativity scene focuses on depicting the traditional history of the village along with its typical crafts. Here you will find figures engaging in agriculture, metal production, and other manual work. In the second part, you can look at the place where Jesus Christ was born, namely a humble dwelling with a manger and farm animals. In the third part of the nativity scene, a contrast is visible. It consists in the depiction of Jerusalem as a city full of luxury and prosperity.

This breathtaking work was created by the hands of the Terchová folk woodcarver Štefan Hanuliak. He was assisted in his work by figure caster Jozef Holúb and movement mechanic Štefan Krištofík. The nativity scene as such is the second largest nativity scene in Slovakia and is enriched with something new every year. A keen eye will not miss that there are still plastic figures in the nativity scene. These are gradually being replaced with wooden ones.

If this masterpiece caught your interest and you have already viewed the nativity scene, be sure to plan trips to the surroundings. The village of Terchová is sought after mainly for its many points of interest. You can get closer to the legend of Jánošík directly at Socha Juraja Jánošíka, which towers over the village. It might be worth considering booking a typical wooden house in Terchová and enjoying views directly facing it as well. From a bird's-eye perspective, you will look at the beauty of Orava nature from the observation tower Terchovské srdce. Together with your children, plan an excellent ski trip during winter from a guesthouse in Terchová in Vrátna dolina at the resort Vrátna Free Time Zone. We will gladly recommend the best accommodation near Drevený betlehem Terchová.