Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Prosiek

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.

Drevený artikulárny evanjelický kostol in Svätý Kríž belongs among the largest wooden structures in Central Europe. It is located in Liptov, on the border of the cadastral areas of the villages of Svätý Kríž and Lazisko, in the district of Liptovský Mikuláš. Thanks to its capacity of almost 6,000 visitors, it ranks among frequently visited monuments. Divine services are held here regularly.

The church has an interesting 43 m long cross-shaped floor plan. It was originally built in 1693 in Paludza, but between 1974 and 1982 it was relocated to Svätý Kríž, where a ceremonial consecration subsequently took place in August 1982. The church in Svätý Kríž is the final artistic expression of Slovak wooden architecture, and it is no exaggeration to write that it is likely also the most significant. In the interior, you will be immediately captivated by the wooden Baroque altar dating from 1693, featuring a painting of the Transfiguration of Christ. The pulpit is also considered unique, standing on a log base right next to a Baroque angel that appears to support it. Both of these gems, the altar and the pulpit, are the work of the Kežmarok woodcarver J. Lerch.

The extraordinary atmosphere of the place is complemented by the ceiling. Two-story choir galleries decorated with biblical paintings, along with a Venetian glass chandelier, create perfect harmony and fit flawlessly into the church's interior. The organ and a stone baptismal font are additional indispensable parts of the interior. In the exterior, an inseparable pair with the church is formed by the belfry, consisting of a freestanding wooden tower. It was added only later, in 1781. New bells were installed in the tower between 1921 and 1922.

You do not have to be a believer to have something to be thankful for. Believe us, giving thanks for your family, health, food, a roof over your head, work, or anything else that comes to mind assumes a completely different dimension when spoken in this church. And if the rays of the setting sun caress the beautiful Baroque furnishings inside at that moment, you will believe in miracles. The swell of emotion meeting at such a moment feels like magic.

You simply have to experience that feeling for yourself. Book accommodation near Drevený artikulárny kostol Svätý Kríž, for instance on the accommodation in Svätý Kríž or accommodation in Liptovský Mikuláš page, and come discover Liptov from a different angle. This picturesque region offers numerous sacral monuments and hiking opportunities; their advantage is also that they are available almost year-round and in most cases completely free of charge. A holiday in Slovakia does not have to be expensive at all, and yet you might experience the adventure of your life right here.