Krajské múzeum - Rákocziho palác
The city of Prešov, which is the metropolis of Šariš, ranks among the largest and most beautiful cities in Slovakia. In it, you will find a number of unique attractions. When visiting it, you should definitely not bypass the Krajské múzeum, which is housed in the historic city center in Rákocziho palác. The building itself attracts visitors with its charm and beauty. It is not for nothing that it is described as the most beautiful town palace of Upper Hungary.
This Renaissance building was built in the 16th century on the most lucrative municipal land. Its elegant architecture and rich, yet subtle decoration will be appreciated by every expert. It is the most valuable example of Renaissance architecture in Slovakia that has been preserved to this day. The palace was created by converting two burgher houses commissioned by Žigmund Rákoczi. Among the most interesting architectural elements is the 17th-century Renaissance attic, which gives the building its specific character. The palace is also connected with various important historical events, such as the signing of the Peace of Prešov in 1663, or the anti-Habsburg uprisings in 1701.
Nowadays, it houses the Krajské múzeum. It attracts its visitors with a quantity of interesting exhibits. Among the museum's permanent exhibitions is the one capturing the history of firefighting in Slovakia. With its comprehensive character, it belongs to the most interesting ones in Slovakia. It captures firefighting equipment and tools in detail from as early as the Middle Ages, as well as the founding of voluntary fire brigades after the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak Republic post-1918. You will certainly be interested in the firefighting equipment, pumps, fire trucks, gear, and armament, including both working and ceremonial uniforms. Many a young visitor is amazed and unable to tear their eyes away from these exhibits, while their fathers enthusiastically help them delve into the world of brave fighters against the "red rooster" (fire).
It might be the historical exhibition that excites the ladies. Rare pieces of furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries, works of art, tapestries, historical weapons and ammunition, luxury clocks, or period currencies will carry you away into the past and present you with more than a millennium of Prešov's history. This "family silver" hides our social memory and pride. Rare chests of drawers, armchairs, marquetry-inlaid tables, and candlesticks will bring you closer to the former life of the Hungarian nobility. Perhaps you too will be enchanted by the view into richly decorated mirrors and at faithful portraits of the Rákoczi family.
The ethnographic exhibition, on the other hand, will bring you closer to the life and work of ordinary people. In your imagination, many crafts and folk arts will come alive. Will you be appealed to by the unique production method of bobbin lace or blueprint making? Or will you nostalgically recall the old farmyard and its tool equipment? The historical equipment of the pharmacy also deserves your admiration. A unique musical instrument of shepherds will not escape the attentive eye of a visitor either. It is a world unique, inscribed on the Slovak national list of cultural heritage, the gajdica.
Did you know that Slovakia was among the most significant extractors of rare precious opal? You can learn about that as well in the exhibition entitled Neživá príroda. Exhibits of minerals, rocks, or fossils will intrigue even the most demanding researchers. You will also find precious opal here, whose only deposit in Europe is located in the nearby Slanské vrchy. It has been mined here since 1597. However, the magnificent gem playing with all colors is not the only thing that might intrigue you. At the museum, you will also learn about the most valuable mineral in the world. No, it is not gold, but salt, which was mined and processed for long centuries in the Prešov city district of Solivar. One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition is also the one documenting the unique locality of Zlatá Baňa, where up to 173 different types of minerals were found. If you add fossils and prehistoric fossils to these points of interest, you will not want to leave the museum.
Enriched with new knowledge from the past, you can head out to meet adventure in the present. You will discover the infinite universe along with its mysteries in the Hvezdáreň a planetárium. After this activity, you will regenerate your mind and body in a salt cave. It has beneficial effects on your health. You can admire the beauty of artistic creation in the Krajská galéria v Prešove. If it is not too much for you and you thirst for further experiences, do not bypass the kalvária or some of the beautiful swimming pools in Prešov either.
Of course, after such an experience, it is good to rest in a soft bed. If you do not happen to have one at home and are open to new options, search for accomodation near Krajské múzeum - Rákocziho paláci closest to you. In the morning, it will be much easier for you to wake up to new days. Perhaps it will be cozy apartments, or you will choose private accommodation in Prešov. We will gladly help you with your choice.
