Technical monuments Považie

Slovenský betlehem is a masterpiece by the woodcarver Jozef Pekar. You can admire it in the Žilina district, in Rajecká Lesná, more precisely in the House of God's Mercy (sometimes referred to as the House of the Nativity of Christ). Its name is not accidental; in addition to the commonly depicted birth of Christ, it also portrays the history of the Slovak nation. Besides the best-known sceneries that are inextricably linked with Slovakia, master Pekar also captured the everyday life of Slovaks in the past.

What is fascinating is that the betlehem is not static, but the figures move, thereby adding to the overall authenticity of the masterpiece. This also enables people who do not like reading about history and customs to absorb this interesting part of our history. Because just as children stand in awe and with open mouths in front of Slovenský betlehem, adults often stand there with bated breath as well.

Jozef Pekar began working on this woodcarving masterpiece after his retirement in 1980. It took him a long 15 years to complete it. The work was ceremonially opened to the public on November 26, 1995, back then still without the Eastern Slovak and Western Slovak regions. However, those were carved and added to the work in subsequent years. Every Slovak location is blessed. The dimensions of the betlehem are 8.5 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 3 m in height. Altogether, there are about 300 figures on the area, of which approximately half are static and the other half move. Some are working, others are having fun. If you look closely, you will even see a bear running by.

Rajecký betlehem, as locals sometimes call it, is a rarity towards which people from all over our country head daily. However, the work is so well known that it is nothing unusual to hear another national language around it. It ranks among the largest wooden carved betlehems in all of Europe. The building where Slovenský betlehem is located also exhibits woodcarvings by other Rajecká Dolina woodcarvers, be sure to check those out as well. They are located on the first floor.

If the wooden betlehem has caught your interest, we recommend planning a multi-day trip right away and combining it with a visit to other attractions. You can easily find accommodation near Slovenský betlehem on our portal. The accommodation in Rajecká Lesná subpage has a truly diverse offer, and everyone is sure to find something. Finally, we will give you a small tip: visit the Frivaldská kalvária, beneath which a healing spring flows.

Kolonádový most v Piešťanoch is among the longest covered bridges in Slovakia. It is also nicknamed the Sklený most because one of its sections is completely glazed. When visiting the spa town of Piešťany, do not miss a walk across the bridge. You might just meet someone interesting there.

Spanning the Váh river, this masterpiece was designed by the architect Emil Belluš. The bridge ranks among functionalist structures in Slovakia. It replaced the original wooden bridge that connects the town center with the spa island. It is a fantastic pedestrian bridge that is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. A walk across it will leave you with a wonderful experience, as this is precisely where you can connect with other people, for instance while admiring the exhibited works.

Not only on the bridge but also in its surroundings, you can meditate and enjoy peaceful days in Piešťany. At its entrance on the town side stands the bronze statue of the barlolámač, the symbol of the spa town. In the year of its completion, namely in 1933, glass etchings entitled Detvy piesne and Na salaši were placed on the bridge. They were crafted by Martin Benka, and each consists of four panels. Today, these are classified among the movable cultural landmarks of the town. During World War II, the head of the spa protected them with his own body, and subsequently, to prevent the originals from being destroyed by vandals, they were replaced with replicas.

After walking across the bridge, you will certainly notice the facade carved with Latin inscriptions. On the town side, the loose translation reads Najuzdravujúcejšie piešťanské kúpele, and on the other side of the island it reads Vstaň a choď, which symbolizes the biblical scene where Jesus heals a paralytic.

So that you can walk across this bridge every day and perhaps enjoy the atmosphere of the town, which features various age groups, book your accommodation near Kolonádový most v Piešťanoch. You will not regret coming in spring when everything is blooming, nor in summer when a sightseeing boat cruises the Váh. In autumn, you can simply enjoy all the colors that the local nature bursts with, and in winter, you can relax your body in the spa.

Piešťany is popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. Thanks to its excellent location, seniors who prefer hotels in Piešťany will find what they are looking for here. Their range of services is truly extensive and provided at a high standard. If you come as a family with children, we recommend apartments instead. Of course, the choice of accommodation is entirely up to you! We will gladly help you.