Where to go on a trip Nová Kelča

Vodná nádrž Veľká Domaša is rightfully considered the green pearl of eastern Slovakia. It reaches into two districts, Vranov nad Topľou and Stropkov. It extends across the charming Ondavská vrchovina over an impressive 1,422 ha. It ranks as the 4th largest water reservoir in Slovakia. The purpose of its construction was water flow regulation, industrial use, as well as a supply of utility and drinking water. Among other things, it is a very popular and sought-after place for recreation and water sports.

The construction of the water reservoir took 6 years, from February 1962 to December 1967. The creation of Veľká Domaša led to the flooding of 6 villages. Dobrá nad Ondavou, Kelča, Petejovce, Trepec, Veľká Domaša, and Valkov. While diving, you can come across the remaining foundations, walls, and cellars of individual flooded dwellings. Churches were demolished using pyrotechnics, while rare churches in Kelča and Bžany were protected by constructing protective dykes.

The Vodné dielo Veľká Domaša water reservoir is an attractive summer destination. Located at an altitude of 162.4 m above sea level, its water reaches temperatures of up to 23 °C, ranking it among the warmest reservoirs in Slovakia. In addition to its blue-green water with self-cleaning capabilities virtually inviting you for a swim, you can also try various water sports or a cruise on a sightseeing boat.

In total, Domaša features five recreational resorts: Valkov-Tíšava, Dobrá, Poľany, Holčíkovce, and Nová Keľča. Their shores offer playgrounds, sports fields, well-maintained beaches, and dining options. One of the most popular beaches is in Nová Keľča. Anglers will also find plenty to enjoy here, as 23 species of fish thrive in Domaša. Rich catch opportunities are also provided by the adjacent Malá Domaša reservoir, which serves a balancing function.

Summer at Domaša traditionally means great entertainment, night discos, and various musical and cultural events. The regularly organized Miss Domaša event is always a big success. Become a part of one of these popular events and take a holiday right here with us in Slovakia. Those who know the beauty of our country swear by it. Plan your stay, contact accommodation providers on the page accommodation okres Vranov nad Topľou or accommodation okres Stropkov, and come explore the beauty and attractions of Prešovský kraj.

In the picturesque village of Tokajík in the Stropkov district, you will find the Pamätná izba Tokajíckej tragédie museum room. The Múzeum SNP exhibition titled "Fašistické represálie na východnom Slovensku" commemorates a tragic event from 1944. Recall the courage and resilience of the local residents of that time, who sought to help the partisans during this sad tragedy.

The tragedy occurred in November 1944 when fascist troops invaded the village to seek revenge and exact retaliation for the support given to partisans by local residents. During this violent action, 32 innocent men tragically lost their lives. Two others managed to survive the event. The fascists returned to the small village, burned it down, and scattered the surviving women and children.

Opposite the museum stands a monument dedicated to the victims who perished. Both the museum and the monument are part of the well-known Cesta vojnových hrdinov route. The exhibition is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; however, the museum can also be visited outside opening hours by telephone appointment.

If you visit the village of Tokajík, take the opportunity to head to the nearby Vodná nádrž Veľká Domaša water reservoir. The green pearl of eastern Slovakia features five recreational areas where you can enjoy the sunshine, water sports, or a sightseeing boat cruise. In the winter months, you can visit the Lyžiarske stredisko Stropkov ski resort and showcase your sports skills or simply enjoy sledding with your children.

So do not hesitate and come to explore Horný Zemplín. Book your accommodation near the Pamätná izba Tokajíckej tragédie museum and choose the best from our offer. Do not miss this beautiful corner of Slovakia and experience something new.

If you visit the town of Stropkov and are a fan of skiing, the Lyžiarske stredisko Stropkov ski resort is one of your options for sports activities. The ski resort is located just a few hundred metres from the edge of town.

In the peaceful locality of Pod vlekom in the town of Stropkov, you can give your skis a full workout during the winter season. The winter skiing season is heavily influenced by the weather and lasts for a relatively short time—usually only during December and January. This is because the resort relies solely on natural snow. Children and beginner skiers in particular will enjoy the 400 m long small ski lift. Here, you can learn to ski perfectly and enjoy all the winter fun.

Unfortunately, you will look in vain for services such as equipment rental, a ski service shop, or a ski school. However, as long as you bring your own equipment, there is a good chance you will enjoy your skiing experience to the fullest. Neither the slopes nor the ski lift tend to be crowded, which is a great advantage for skiers seeking a tranquil environment.

For several years now, however, the ski resort has also been operating during the summer season. Young athletes and members of the local sports club in particular use the grass-covered and well-maintained slopes for their training sessions on special grass skis (caterpillar skis). Perhaps this style of skiing will catch on among regular visitors to the resort in the future as well.

Pleasantly tired from skiing, you can relax in the Vodný svet Aquaruthenia Svidník water park. Your little ones will certainly be captivated by a tour of the animals at Zoo park Stropkov. And if you are an admirer of naive art and want to learn more about the history of the town, be sure to include Kaštieľ v Stropkove manor house in your itinerary.

Perhaps thanks to the offer from our accommodation providers, you will experience wonderful moments full of sports activities and unforgettable memories with your family or friends. For such get-togethers, it is advisable to book accommodation near Lyžiarske stredisko Stropkov. Will you choose from the selection of cottages and chalets in Stropkov, or are you more interested in family-run guesthouses? The choice is entirely yours.

Since ancient times, he has been the pride of kings and conquerors alike. He was the pillar of civilization, and history was built beneath the strikes of his hooves. He gives us speed, endurance, and strength, yet a wild spirit burns within him. His name is the horse. If you are a horse enthusiast, we invite you to Ranč Sahiba, located in the village of Komárany, in a beautiful part of Eastern Slovakia called Horný Zemplín.

The ranch welcomes every horse lover in its area who is interested in getting to know these noble animals. You can ride Arabian and English Thoroughbreds, Slovak Warmbloods, as well as Furioso and American Quarter Horse breeds.

The equestrian center offers horse riding for beginners and advanced riders alike. If you already have some riding experience under your belt, take advantage of the nice weather and set out for a ride in nature. Just you, the horse, and a blooming meadow. Your little ones can take a ride in the enclosure under the supervision of experienced trainers. If you have never sat on a horse before but would like to learn how to ride, you can sign up for a riding course.

In addition to traditional courses, the riding hall also offers a horsemanship course focused on building a strong and harmonious partnership between human and horse. It is based on observing horse behavior in their natural environment—in the wild. It will teach you patience, through which you will feel their rhythm, balance, and perfection.

If you are planning a western-style wedding, surprise your significant other and book a wedding photo shoot at the ranch. Have yourselves immortalized with your partner in the saddle. A magnificent photograph of the bride on a galloping horse will forever remind you of your special day.

The Horný Zemplín region is full of interesting attractions that are worth not only seeing, but also experiencing. After visiting the equestrian area, you can move to Vranov nad Topľou and spend the rest of a hot summer day in the pools of the summer Kúpalisko Vranov nad Topľou. In the evening, simply sink into the comfortable bed of a stylish apartment. The full selection of accommodation near Ranč Sahiba can be found on our page accommodation in Komárany. The following day, you can try an adrenaline ride on the T1 Ring go-kart track or take a trip to the more distant village of Červenica, home to the extraordinary Slovenské opálové bane.

Almost every inhabitant of Stropkov knows where the manor house is located. However, few people know that Kaštieľ v Stropkove is also a remnant of a 15th-century castle. Come inspect this interesting place for yourself and learn about its history.

The original castle was built by the Balick family, and later taken over by the Perényi family. However, its flourishment and development were brought about by the Pethő family of Gerse, who also lived in the castle. The first written mentions are found in the donation deeds of King Sigismund of Luxembourg from 1408. The original structure was shaped like a pentagon with five corner towers. The complex contained a palace and a parish church. The castle walls were built in the 16th century as a defense against Turkish raids. In 1814, a fire broke out in a blacksmith workshop, nearly destroying the castle completely. At the end of the 18th century, the castle walls ceased to serve their defensive function, and were therefore dismantled and used by local residents as building material. Over time, only the church and the manor house remained in the open space, undergoing several structural modifications over the centuries. Probably the most valuable part of this grand building is the Renaissance knights' hall, which was preserved thanks to the last reconstruction in 2006.

You will find the Gothic-Renaissance manor house on Zámocká ulica near the church. It is currently owned by the town. Directly in front of the manor house is a small parking lot for visitors, who can visit the museum and gallery exhibitions located on the ground floor and in the attic. In the aforementioned knights' hall, there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the town and its surroundings. The gallery in the attic presents several dozen artworks by local native and painter František Veselý. Paintings with themes of ecology and physiology are as yet undiscovered, but artistically very valuable.

Your little ones will certainly be thrilled by the doll exhibition as well, and you will fondly remember the old days of childhood. Here you will find dolls dressed in various outfits from different places all over the world. Can you imagine a geography or literature lesson in such an exhibition? You say no? Visit this unique place and see the resourcefulness of the local guides for yourself.

After touring the manor house, we recommend continuing your trip to Zoo park Stropkov. Marked by fatigue, a refreshment at Letné kúpalisko Stropkov might come in handy. And then go see the unique Drevený kostolík sv. Paraskievy in the village of Potoky. History lovers will appreciate a visit to Múzeum Tokajíckej tragédie, while admirers of traditional architecture will gladly visit Skanzen ukrajinskej dediny in Svidník.

When visiting Stropkov, we recommend using the services of our accommodation providers. Feel free to book accommodation near Kaštieľ v Stropkove and enjoy the atmosphere of this town. A wide spectrum of accommodation facilities guarantees that you will be able to choose the exact stay that suits you. For one day it can easily be a room in a guesthouse Stropkov, and for longer stays, for instance, private accommodation. Do not hesitate to choose from our offer.

Almost every child is thrilled if you take them to the zoo. It is a joy to watch their enthusiasm and beaming eyes as they explore domestic as well as exotic animals. If you find yourself in Stropkov, take them to the local ZOO Park. Alongside the children, their parents and grandparents will also be happy to refresh their knowledge of fauna. It is interesting to watch inquisitive monkeys, brightly colored parrots, or the mesmerizing gaze of exotic reptiles.

ZOO park Stropkov is located in the town center. Its origins date back to 1984, when parents and children began building the Stanica mladých prírodovedcov station at the Dom pionierov a mládeže. After 1990, the zoo transformed into Park zvierat n. o., established by the Mesto Stropkov. A relatively large number of animals is housed in 40 aviaries and enclosures. Even though the zoo is small, with its area and number of animals, it also fulfills an important function of saving the gene pool of our planet's animals. The grounds are complemented by plantings of various shrubs and trees that make the environment pleasant and enhance its appeal. Visitors feel very comfortable here.

The park is ideal for trips with children, who will find many fun attractions here, as well as the popular bufet Červená čiapočka snack bar. A major draw is also the petting zoo area, where children can enter the enclosure to feed or pet their favorite animals. Cute little goats or a donkey enjoy their affection and attention. Barrier-free access allows visits for mothers with strollers and physically impaired visitors reliant on a wheelchair.

Come and see the porcupine, guenons, nutria, or meerkats for yourself. Your children will be delighted by a small hedgehog and a resilient Shetland pony. The Indian peafowl and exotic parrots will charm you with their colorful plumage. From behind the glass of the terrarium, you can admire a cold python, a dangerous crocodile, and a colorful iguana. The ZOO park is open year-round seven days a week. In addition to admission fees, its operation is supported by nearly a hundred sponsors. By purchasing suitable feed at the ticket office, you too can contribute to its prosperity.

When you have admired all the beauty in the ZOO park, you can continue with your little ones to view the doll exhibition in Kaštieľ v Stropkove or, on hot summer days, visit the popular Letné kúpalisko Stropkov. Eastern Slovakia is famous for rare wooden sacred monuments. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to see Drevený kostolík sv. Paraskievy. Very interesting and valuable is the Vojenské historické múzeum in nearby Svidník, which is particularly favored by lovers of history, weapons, and military equipment.

Have we caught your interest at least a little with this offer? If so, we are very pleased. Furthermore, we can recommend accommodation provided by our accommodation partners. Families with young children and other visitors alike love finding accommodation near ZOO Park Stropkov. Our hosts are open to welcoming you into their properties and offering you a place to stay for one or more nights. A friendly approach is offered especially by private accommodation units in Stropkov, where you can enjoy shared dining together with the owners. Or would you rather have peace and quiet after such a demanding day? Choose apartments in Stropkov.

In terms of the number of medieval castles, Slovakia ranks among the leading countries in Europe. One such castle is Hrad Čičva (also known as Čičava) in the village of Sedliská. It is located on Mernícka pahorkatina, which is part of Beskydské predhorie, above the local area of Podčičva. The castle is now just a ruin, but it is well worth planning a trip to visit it.

You can reach Hrad Čičva, which stands at an altitude of 205 m above sea level, directly from the village. The walk from the bus stop to the castle hill takes approximately 10 minutes. Motorized visitors have a parking lot available right below the castle. Due to the easy nature of the route, this attraction in Sedliská is accessible to all age groups. Wandering through the castle ruins, the romantic setting, and the beautiful views will be appreciated not only by history enthusiasts, but also by younger generations.

The castle is first mentioned in a deed of donation from King Stephen V dating back to 1270, which the monarch granted to the nobleman Raynold along with the surrounding estate. The castle protected an important trade route above the pass known as Porta Polonica (Polish Gate), leading from south to north. The core of the castle consisted of a trapezoid-shaped inner area on the castle hill, which was built in the 15th century by the owners at the time, the Rozgonyi family. The complex was surrounded by a stone wall. Opposite the core, near the entrance gate, stood a palace. The most remarkable feature of the castle is the bergfried. This tongue-twister of a term was used to describe the main round castle tower, which mostly served as the last refuge for the castle's defenders. It is rarely found in the architecture of Slovak castles.

The castle was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. During its history, an outer bailey was added, followed later by an artillery bastion. An interesting fact is that in 1523, the castle became the property of the "bloody countess" Elizabeth Báthory, who married her husband Ferenc Nádasdy in 1573 in nearby Vranov. In 1610, their daughter Catherine received the castle as a dowry. In 1711, the castle fell into the hands of Imperial General János Pálffy without a fight. His successor, General Lanken, ordered its demolition. It has been a ruin ever since.

After visiting this fascinating place, it is worth moving on to nearby Vranov nad Topľou, where the remarkable sacred monument Bazilika narodenia Panny Márie is well worth your attention. On hot summer days, a refreshing dip at Kúpalisko Vranov nad Topľou will surely hit the spot. If you are one of those who enjoy viewing the world from horseback, you can visit Ranč Sahiba. Adrenaline enthusiasts might enjoy driving fast go-karts at the T1 Ring go-kart track in Vranov nad Topľou.

The region offers a wide array of attractions and options for unique day trips. You will surely fall in love with it and get to know it better if you stay here for a few days. In that case, you will be happy to relax with our hosts, who offer various types of accommodation facilities. Right in Sedliská, you can book perfect accommodation near Hrad Čičva. Or perhaps apartments in the village center will charm you more? You might be intrigued by castle legends told by our hosts during dinner at private accommodation in Sedliská. You can find the offer of our accommodation facilities on the portal MegaUbytovanie.sk.

The Roman Catholic Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie is the most valuable and oldest historical monument in the town of Vranov nad Topľou. Since 2008, the church has carried the designation "minor," making it one of thirteen basilicas in Slovakia with this significant honorary title, which comes directly from the Pope. This modestly looking historical monument came to the awareness of Christians worldwide thanks to a miraculous event that occurred in the region. A rare historical icon of the Virgin Mary by an unknown author shed bloody tears before the eyes of local people. This happened in 1708.

The miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary executed on canvas with oil colors was subsequently transferred to the church. On September 8, 1708, the church was dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and ever since, it has been drawing Marian pilgrims from all over Zemplín every year on September 8. Another miracle is the event from 1718 when a fire broke out in the church, but the painting remained undamaged. The church thus became an even more significant pilgrimage site, as evidenced by the Decree on the Establishment of the Pilgrimage Site dated June 29, 1999.

The church was originally built in 1441 by the Franciscans as a monastery church. After their departure from the town, the evangelicals took over the administration of the church from the Franciscans and managed it from 1540 to 1672. Subsequently, in 1672, the spiritual administration of the church was taken over by the monastic order of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, the so-called Paulines, with whom the basilica is associated to this day. The cult of the Mother of God is characteristic of the Paulines, as they managed many Marian shrines. In the territory of Slovakia, their administration also included, for example, the pilgrimage sites in Šaštín and Marianka near Bratislava. After almost a century of activity in Vranov, the Paulines had to leave the monastery by order of Joseph II, and their order moved from Slovakia to Poland. The monks returned back to Vranov only after more than 200 years.

From an architectural standpoint, the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie ranks among late Gothic monumental sacral structures. Although you wouldn't say so at a glance from the outside, the church interior is a magnificent Baroque work from the first half of the 18th century and appeals to every visitor. The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Vranov depicting the Mother of God holding the child on her right forearm is located in the center of the altar superstructure. The main altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are also other, smaller altars in the basilica. The side ones are dedicated to St. Paul the Hermit, after whom the Pauline Order is named, and St. Pope Clement I. The fourth altar, located on the northern side of the church, is dedicated to St. John Nepomuk, the martyr of the seal of confession. The great reverence of the Vranov Paulines for this saint is confirmed by the reliquary with his remains in the interior and the sculptural group in the exterior of the church, included in the state list of cultural monuments.

Also preserved in the Vranov basilica is a very valuable Baroque-Rococo collection of liturgical objects consisting of a monstrance, chalice, ciborium, and pectoral cross. This unique liturgical set is the work of the most famous personality of Baroque goldsmithing in Slovakia, Ján Silaši, and rightfully belongs on the list of national cultural monuments. A precious testimony to the existence of Baroque sculpture in Eastern Slovakia are the perfect woodcarving creations from the workshop of Jozef Hartman, which adorn the altars and the pulpit. The atmosphere of the distant past is complemented by wall paintings by the prominent Czech Baroque painter J. L. Kracker.

If the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie has caught your interest and you would like to find out more, a guided tour can be requested from the Rímskokatolícky farský úrad Sever, which is seated in the parish building of the former Pauline monastery. Although the monastery building is of a later date, originating from the 17th century, it is likewise a historical monument worth visiting. Right from a distance, you will be charmed by the entrance portal, which can boast the attribute of an architectural landmark of artistic significance.

Book your accommodation near the Bazilika Narodenia Panny Márie and come enjoy Vranov nad Topľou and its surroundings. After visiting the historical monuments in the town, whose name is derived from a crow (vrana), head out into nature and discover the Slanské vrchy. Set out on foot, by bike, or in winter comfortably on cross-country skis. You will be thrilled not only by the experiences the region offers, but also by the exceptional accommodation options in the Prešov Region.