Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Hruštín

The cultural and historical wealth of Orava is not just the dominant Oravský hrad castle and the popular Múzeum oravskej dediny. This magical paradise for tourists also hides lesser-known, yet all the more unique architectural gems. One of them is undoubtedly the Drevený artikulárny kostol (Wooden Articular Church) from the 17th century. It is situated in the small village of Leštiny, located 7 km from the district town of Dolný Kubín. The beautiful structure, built using spruce wood from the surrounding forests, attracts visitors with its exterior alone. However, the real treasures that delight the eye and pleasantly warm the soul can be found inside.

The wooden church was built between 1688 and 1689 by order of Jób Zmeškal, the first vice-ispán in Dolný Kubín and captain of the castle guard at Oravský hrad. The church complex also includes a rectory located in its immediate vicinity. The dominant hipped roof of the building is covered with wooden shingles. The interior of the small church stands out with its rich decoration featuring diverse motifs, shapes, and colors. A true gem is the Baroque altar with wood carvings from the late 17th century and the richly decorated pulpit.

The small church is built on a steep slope. The incline of the terrain was leveled during its construction with a stone foundation. Thanks to this, the beautiful wooden structure acts as a dominant feature of the entire village and invites visitors and passers-by from afar. Many of them have no idea that they are standing on the spot where one of the greatest Slovak poets, Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, was baptized. Evangelical church services are still held in the church every Sunday to this day.

If you find yourself near the village of Leštiny during your holiday in Orava, be sure not to miss a visit to the picturesque wooden church. And when you are touched by the place where the great Slovak man of letters was baptized, visit his nearby birthplace, Vyšný Kubín. In the building of Arpádovský kaštieľ, a permanent exhibition dedicated to Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav is open to visitors. And if this walk through time excites you, also visit the local archeopark Praveká osada Mokrý Kút. Orava is a true paradise of unique places tailor-made for original holiday experiences. If you decide to spend your next holiday in this region, book accommodation near Drevený artikulárny kostol Leštiny right now. Accommodation in Orava offers a wide range of private cottages and chalets, as well as comfortable guesthouses and apartments.

The wooden Kostol Všetkých svätých church in Tvrdošín is the oldest surviving architectural monument in the town. This church is the only one in Slovakia to boast the EUROPA NOSTRA award from 1995 and, at the same time, an inscription on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List from 2008.

The history of the church dates back to the 15th century. Later, in the 17th century, specifically between 1650 and 1653–1654, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Rare is the Baroque altar, which originates from the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries and replaced a smaller Gothic altar. Some of its fragments are housed in the Oravská galéria in Dolný Kubín, as well as in the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Behind the Baroque altar is a painted church curtain that symbolically divides the depiction of the sky.

Other gems in the interior of the church include a Late Renaissance pulpit featuring figures of the Evangelists (1654), a painted stallum (1654), a painting of St. George, and paintings of the Apostles. The incredible and at the same time mysterious atmosphere is sensitively enhanced by vaulted paintings depicting a starry sky and angels. Visitors will be captivated by the coffered ceiling consisting of 49 ornamental rosettes. The entire noble design of the church is underlined by heavy entrance doors with forged iron handles. These were originally painted with ornaments as well, just like the door to the sacristy. The church underwent extensive reconstruction and restoration work in 1993.

The church is located in a pleasant, quiet spot slightly above the town of Tvrdošín, near the cemetery. Even just sitting for a moment and immersing yourself in your own thoughts acts almost like a balm for the soul. It is advisable to arrange a tour in advance.

Find quality accommodation near the wooden Kostol Všetkých svätých church and combine your visit with other attractions in the area. Take a multi-day trip to the attractions in Tvrdošín and you will experience a truly wonderful holiday. Beautiful nature, rich history, and above all, a breathtaking wooden church that has no equal. These are the main draws of the area that you will experience when you book a stay on the accommodation Tvrdošín page.