Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Kalná Roztoka

In one of the easternmost villages in Slovakia hides a unique open-air Mini-gallery of Wooden Churches. Visit the village of Ulič and view perfect replicas of rare Eastern Rite sacred buildings. Did you know that wooden churches (cerkvy) were made in the past without using even a single nail? You will find the museum in a popular tourist area in front of the so-called Gateway to the Poloniny National Park.

The mini-gallery consists of twelve detailed scale models of existing as well as vanished churches from the Eastern Slovakia region. The churches are made of oak and pine wood, as well as pressed materials, on a 1:10 scale. Artists from a local sheltered workshop participated in their crafting. The open-air museum (skanzen) was created in 2015, and among the models you will find the church from Kalná Roztoka, Jalová, Stakčín, Ruský Potok, Zboj, Uličské Krivé, Nová Sedlica, as well as churches from the villages of Príslop, Topoľa, Ulič, and Zboj. The area is continuously updated, and wooden statues of mystical figures that, according to ancient legends, lived in the forests of Poloniny are gradually being added.

The village of Ulič is located in the Uličská dolina valley in the easternmost tip of Slovakia. After exploring the park, you can go hiking and walk along the Miroslav Poliščuk Educational Trail. If you want to see the Goodnight Bedtime Story Grandpa's house, take a detour to the village of Nová Sedlica. You will find the reconstructed iconic cottage, which once inspired the creators of the bedtime story intro, in the middle of the village. After a wonderful day spent in the fresh air, a rest in a cozy room of a family guesthouse will surely feel good.

You can find more accommodation near the Minigaléria drevených kostolíkov in Ulič on our subpage accommodation Ulič. You can spend the following day taking a walk to the Holica Lookout Tower. If you are an adventurer at heart and are drawn to outer space, head to the nearby village of Ladomirov and look at the stars through the largest telescope in Slovakia. The Astronomical Observatory at Kolonické sedlo will take care of this unforgettable experience.

The tiny village of Hrabová Roztoka in the Snina district can boast a national cultural monument. Within its small area, it hides a wooden Greek Catholic church dedicated to one of the most significant Eastern saints. Chrám sv. Bazila Veľkého was built in 1750 and ranks among the best-preserved wooden sacral buildings in Slovakia. Come and see the magnificent iconostasis with icons depicting important church figures for yourself as well.

The church was built as a three-space, two-tower structure with two crosses. Its construction is log-framed and covered with shingles arranged vertically in horizontal bands. Turrets with three-armed crosses sit on both ends. Three bells are placed in the tower on the facade. The interior of the cerkev (wooden church) is mostly Baroque and dates from the mid-18th century. Its dominant feature is the aforementioned iconostasis consisting of four tiers. The first, main tier is formed by icons of St. Nicholas, the Mother of God Hodegetria, Christ the Teacher, and St. Basil the Great. The second tier of feast days is divided by an icon depicting the Last Supper. The third, apostolic tier features the icon of Christ the High Priest in its center. The final tier of prophets consists of six medallions with pairs of figures. The top of the iconostasis is formed by an inclined cross.

An interesting feature of this church is that it has been preserved in its original form up to the present day. In 2000, its exterior underwent extensive repairs, during which the entire roof was replaced, floors were cleaned, and the paint on the outer wooden cladding of the church was restored. The entrance doors, the altar table (prestol), two processional crosses, and a chest were repaired as well.

Since services are no longer held in the church, please announce your visit in advance by phone. You can combine the trip with hiking in the surrounding Vihorlatské vrchy mountains. If you feel like exploring further, set off to the village of Podhoroď and uncover the secrets of the easternmost castle ruin in Slovakia, Hrad Tibava.

If you are an adventurous type, head to the village of Ladomírov and gaze into the infinite universe through the largest astronomical telescope in Slovakia. Such an amazing experience will be brought to you by a visit to Astronomické observatórium na Kolonickom sedle.

Since we have already mentioned two "TOP" attractions of the Snina district, it is time to consider suitable accommodation. You can find a varied offer of accommodation near Drevený gréckokatolícky kostol sv. Bazila Veľkého v Hrabovej Roztoke on our page accommodation in Hrabová Roztoka. We wish you a wonderful stay full of interesting experiences.