Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Rojkov

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.

This specific Calvary, Kalvária v Terchovej, ranks among the non-traditional calvaries in Slovakia. It is located in a typical scattered settlement village in northern Slovakia, in the Žilinský kraj. The village of Terchová is one of the important tourist centers of Malá Fatra, but it is also sought after as a pilgrimage site. Take a day off work or plan a sun-drenched weekend spiritually at every single architecturally designed station of the Way of the Cross up to Oravcové hill.

The famous legend of Jánošík is tied to the village as such. However, it is also sought after for other popular attractions in Terchová. This interesting calvary is unique precisely for its stylized crosses. Instead of traditional chapels, you will find stone crosses with glass details laid on the ground, along with statues.

You can start your journey above Ďurkovský laz near the local agricultural cooperative. Following the yellow hiking trail, you can easily reach Oravcové hill. A walk to the top takes about 35 minutes, where a massive stone altar is located. You will also be captivated by unique views of the surrounding pristine nature.

The author of the Terchovská kalvária site is local academic sculptor and native Milan Opalka. This man was the first to contribute to the founding of Cyrilo-metodské dni, which have been held here for over a decade. Based on this need, a project was realized by the village, and in 2006, the calvary received a blessing from a spiritual father.

Should this easy hike combined with spiritual enrichment not be enough for you, we recommend one of the three sections of Jánošíkove diery. You will make full use of your hiking boots, and after such an active day, a rest in one of the accommodations will come in handy. It is best to choose accommodation near Kalvária v Terchovej. Nearby, there are mostly cottages and chalets preferred by families with children or larger groups. If you arrive as a couple and also have wellness at Relaxačné centrum Terchovec on your trip itinerary, stay in a room at a guesthouse Terchová.