3-day for lovers of history and nature
The territory of Spiš belongs to the most beautiful regions not only in Slovakia, but also in Europe. Beautiful nature and many cultural-historical monuments enchant every visitor who chooses Spiš region as a destination.
1. day: Spišská Nová Ves and its close surroundings - in the embrace of Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo style and music...
The program begins in the town of Spišská Nová Ves where you will see the most beautiful places of interest of the town during the walk on the longest fusiform square in Europe. You will reveal the lure and historical value of buildings in the square – the Provincial House (at present, there is the Spiš Museum in the building), the magic of the Reduta, one of the most charming buildings in Spišská Nová Ves, the Spiš Artists’ Gallery with the most beautiful Renaissance court in the square, treasures can be also found in the Town Hall, theGreek-Catholic cathedral, Evangelical Church or Roman-Catholic Parish Church. Do not forget the ascent to the highest church tower in Slovakia.
The city tour ends at the memorial called the Place of Wishes - Tribute to Master Conrad, where you can express your wishes and by symbolically ringing a bell send it to the heaven. You will spend the afternoon in the Manor House in Markušovce and summer residence Dardanely. Renaissance-Baroque manor house hides the exhibition of historical furniture. The summer residence houses an exhibition of keyboard instruments and its wonderful hall is used as a concert hall.
2. day: To the heart of the Slovak Paradise ...
We offer you a tip for a trip to the National Park the Slovak Paradise, which is one of the most visited places in Slovakia.
The tour begins with a walk through the natural jewel at the north-eastern edge in the recreation centre Čingov. You will take the yellow route (a 45 minute slightly uphill walk) to the Tomášovský výhľad viewpoint, which offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the surroundings. The canyon below Tomášovský výhľad viewpoint offers the blue and green marked trails along the flowing Hornád river, through the narrow canyon called Prielom Hornádu. 12 km sections of long canyon is made accessible by steps and climbing irons.
The trail across Letanovský mlyn (60 min., red trail, uphill forest path) will bring you to the heart of Slovak Paradise, to the Kláštorisko plateau. The most significant intersection of hiking trails attracts visitors thanks to the spiritual dimension of the gradually restored Monastery of the Carthusians and symbolic cemetery.
After a brief pause for refreshment you will return through Čertova sihoť (60 min., blue trail, downhill forest path). The trail leads to the mouth of Biely potok. From there you will return to Čingov down the Hornád river (blue trail, 30 min.).
or ... Captured by ice in the middle of summer
We are inviting you to an expedition to an ice kingdom hidden in the heart of the Slovak Paradise.
The trip begins in the village of Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, which is situated near the cave with unique ornamentation. Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa cave is one of the largest ice caves in Europe and it was also the first cave with electric lighting in the world. It was included into the UNESCO world heritage list in 2000. On the way back, visit the village Dedinky, where the amazing surroundings of the Palcmanská Maša recreational area offers the possibility to spend one´s free time with activities such as sunbathing or boating.
3. day: In the past footsteps... or following monuments of UNESCO
...through the streets of the free royal town of Levoča to the walls of greatest medieval castle in Central Europe ...
The return to the past begins in the historical center of the town of Levoča (UNESCO monument), in the city which is often considered “the brightest jewel in the crown of Spiš”. There are two churches in the center of the square of Master Pavol. The first one you will visit is the Roman-Catholic St. Jakub’s church. The church, with the biggest main altar made of lime wood, is the most precious jewel of Levoča. The church neighbours with the arcaded building of the former town hall. It is one of the finest buildings of secular Renaissance architecture in Slovakia. You will not miss the cage of opprobrium, which is an iconic fixture in the city, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The 19th century Evangelical church, the Renaissance Thurzo’s house, the Mariássy House, the monastery of the Minorites and Master Pavol´s House also deserves your attention.
Visit the Marian Hill in Levoča, which towers high above the town. It is dominated by the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the gracious sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which is still the main symbol of Marian pilgrimages to Levoča.
Then you will continue to visit the so-called “Slovak Vatican”. The ecclesiastic town of Spišská Kapitula has been the residence of Spiš bishop for several centuries. You will also see the Late-Romanesque St Martins Cathedral, the most important building of Spišská Kapitula. Spiš Castle (UNESCO) is just a stone´s throw from the cathedral. It is one of the largest castle compounds in Central Europe. The trip continues to the village Hodkovce, where you will visit the Baroque-classical Manor House of the Csakys with a French park.
The trip ends in Žehra, where you can see another historic gem, the Church of the Holy Spirit (UNESCO). In the interior of the church are preserved unique wall paintings depicting various Biblical stories.
