A Village Like from a Fairy Tale: What to See and Experience in Čičmany?

Čičmany is located in the Žilina Region, within the district of Žilina. This small village is situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Strážov Mountains, which adds to its charm. It is famous for its traditional ornaments, found not only on preserved wooden houses but also on folk costumes. How to spend a day in Čičmany? Join us for a stroll and learn more.

From a tourism perspective, Čičmany is significant primarily due to its unique folk culture and white ornamental patterns painted directly on the dark wood of houses. Because of these, the lower part of the village was declared a folk architecture monument reserve in 1977. It includes 115 buildings, 36 of which are national cultural monuments.

In addition to architecture, Čičmany is also known for its folklore traditions, including folk songs, dances, and crafts. As it is not an open-air museum but a living village, it offers visitors an authentic experience that differs from common commercial tourist attractions.

 

A Village Surrounded by Nature

Čičmany is surrounded by beautiful nature, providing further opportunities for tourism and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing in the nearby Javorinka ski resort during winter months. In the summer, you can also go mushroom and herb picking, hike to the Strážov Waterfalls, Pružina Cave, Mojtín Cave, Strážov Peak, or Temeš Rock. The nearby Rajecká Valley is also accessible, and more skilled hikers can venture to Kľak.

 

Original Handmade Souvenirs

When visiting, make sure to stop by the local souvenir shop, embroidery store, and small refreshment stand at Humno Ondreja Gregora near the museum. Here, you can purchase products from Slovak craftsmen and artists, such as wool and linen items from the PEKNE brand, ceramics, wood carvings, rag dolls, Easter eggs, corn husk dolls, and many other beautiful handmade items.

 

Local Delicacies

In the same yard as Humno, there is also a restaurant. During the summer season, you can enjoy pastries, cakes, coffee, draft beer, tea made from Strážov herbs, or lemonade. Starting Wednesday, traditional dishes such as homemade dumplings with bryndza, sauerkraut soup, or sweet potato dumplings are served. If you wish to dine elsewhere, you can choose from Pension Katka, Čičmany Manor, or Pension Javorina, where you can enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine.

 

Raden’s House and House No. 42

In the distinctive village of Čičmany, which is declared a monument reserve, the Považské Museum manages two wooden houses – Raden’s House and House No. 42. Raden’s House is the heart of the village and is one of the most significant and well-preserved examples of traditional Čičmany architecture.

The interior of Raden’s House offers visitors an authentic experience of traditional Slovak rural life. The furniture and household items are arranged to illustrate the daily activities and crafts practiced in this area. The furniture and objects are often handmade from local materials and decorated with folk motifs. Inside, you can also see Čičmany costumes and textiles adorned with typical ornaments.

House No. 42 hosts a permanent exhibition that presents living in the form of an extended family, typical for Čičmany until the early 20th century. The modern exhibition is created as a diorama – when visitors enter the house, it appears as if life inside has just stopped.

 

Museum “Painted on Wood”

You might not know, but in the space of the old Čičmany pub, there is another museum. Here you can admire a collection of painted wedding chests, embroidered costumes, and other folk items. During your visit, you will learn what these beautiful chests were used for and what colors were used to paint them. Some specimens are up to 300 years old.

 

The Famous Čičmany Pattern

The Čičmany pattern is a specific type of ornamental decoration traditionally used to adorn the exteriors and interiors of wooden houses in the village of Čičmany, Slovakia. These patterns are characterized by their geometric and floral motifs, which are painted white on the dark wooden surfaces of houses. The patterns have roots in Slovak folk embroidery and symbolism, with each pattern often carrying a specific meaning or reference to protect the house from evil forces or attract luck and prosperity. Painting with lime or clay wash also had practical significance, as the material was applied to the joints to prevent heat loss.

Čičmany ornaments often appear on souvenirs, and they have been adopted by Slovak Olympians, banks, and the well-known jeweler Petra Toth.

 

Giant Bench in Čičmany

Finally, here’s a tip for a scenic resting spot. It is a giant bench in Čičmany, decorated with ornaments, of course. Just walk about five minutes from the parking lot at Javorinka. You’ll see the bench from below, so you can’t miss it. The creators are masters from the company GARDEON, who also made the bench in Kláštor pod Znievom.