ČIČMANY & BETHLEHEM

You don't have to go to Jerusalem to see Bethlehem.

I was first introduced to Slovensky Betlehem (Slovak Bethlehem) by my two dear friends from Trenčín. They wanted to take us on a výlet and show us some of the hidden gems in Slovakia. This one didn't disappoint.

Slovak Bethlehem is in the village Rajecká Lesná and is an impressive wood carving depicting traditional Slovak culture, trade, crafts, folklore, and Christianity. Jozef Pekara spent 15 years creating this original woodwork. There are more than 300 figures, approximately 200 of which are moving figures. You truly won't see another work of art like it. Plus, Slovak Bethlehem is free to visit.

Other's experiences at Bethlehem

• Alice & Roman's experience

• Slovak Nation

• Kaplan Girls

Here's Jozef talking about carving this masterpiece (English Subtitles)

Sestra plašilova prišla pre nás a sme išli na výlet s ňou a Milanom. Krásne luky majú tu na Slovensku! Sme išli k slovenskému bethleheme. Zaujímavé to bolo. Cítila som taký pokoj v kostole tam. Neviem či to bolo duch svätý ale kľud bol. Uvedomila som si ako hlboká je katolícka viera. Nie je len cirkev ale kultúra. (4/20/2015)

As we drove through the mountains and the Slovak countryside I just felt so much peace. This place is my home. I love Slovaks so much. After we were done at Slovak Bethlehem we went to a little village called Čičmany. We met a shepherd there and I bought a journal from him. All of the cottages in this little village are painted with traditional Slovak patterns. I didn't actually take good photos, but I would love to visit here again because it is truly a unique, picturesque village.

Čičmany

Location: Žilinský kraj, okres Žilina, Čičmany

GPS: N48°57'24'' E18°31'1''

This village is surrounded by the mountains Strážovské vrchy and Malá Fatra in the southern part of the valley. It is famous for the log houses with white, geometric painted patterns on them. The painters of these log houses (136 in the village) were typically when who painted the logs to protect them from the sun's rays. The geometric patterns became used in embroidery, pictures, and tablecloths.

Two of the best preserved homes in the village are the Radenov dom and the Gregorov dom, where you can learn about Slovak folklore.