Smižany: Hotels, Hiking Trails and Cultural Monument

Smižany offers nature and cultural experiences. Part of the cadastral area lies within Slovak Paradise National Park. The recreational areas of Košiarny briežok and Čingov–Hradisko make the village the eastern gateway to the national park. The section of the Hornád Gorge begins at the Čingov entrance; it lies within the park’s third protection zone.

Nature

Protected species such as the Slovak pasqueflower, leafless iris, golden eagle, capercaillie and otter occur in the area of Smižany and Slovak Paradise. Marked trails lead through the Hornád Gorge to Tomašovský výhľad, Letanovský mlyn, Ihrík and as far as Hrdlo Hornádu. The crossing of Sokolia dolina is secured with ladders, steps, chains and bridges. It is possible in only one direction, against the current.

Hiking and Trails

The Smižianska Maša–Čingov educational trail begins and ends in Smižany, Maša. It is 5 km long and takes approximately two hours. Nine stations cover local geology, botany and archaeology, as well as the history of Čingov, changes in the forest, nesting sites and riparian vegetation. In the immediate surroundings of Smižany, there is also a 5.9 km round-trip route from Smižianska Maša to the Sovia skala viewpoint and back; the walking time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The Sokolia dolina route begins and ends at the SAD bus stop and car park in Čingov. The circular route through Sokolia dolina also begins and ends in Čingov and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. Another way to explore the surroundings is the easy CY04 Čingov–Košiarny briežok–Spišská Nová Ves–Smižany–Čingov cycling route. It is 18 km long and passes through Smižany. The thematic Gotická cesta route also passes through the village.

Culture and History

The Parish Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a national cultural monument. It dates from the mid-13th century and acquired Gothic architectural elements in the 15th century. Archaeological research has been taking place in the church since 8 June.

The original furnishings, as well as letters and documents from Ján Nálepka’s student, teaching and military years, are exhibited in the Rodný dom kpt. Jána Nálepku. His activities in the anti-fascist resistance during the Second World War are also documented there. The exhibition in the Rodný dom kpt. Jána Nálepku is accessible on weekdays only by prior appointment; visits must be arranged at least one day in advance.

A permanent ethnographic exhibition in Smižany presents the folk culture of central and lower Spiš from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Textiles, clothing and their production are the main focus. Traditional events in Smižany include the Smižianske folklórne slávnosti. The programme of the 33rd Smižianske folklórne slávnosti included performances by children’s and adult folk groups, creative workshops, a craft market and an exhibition. Every year, the Smižančanka folk group also maintains the “fašengari” tradition and walks through the village singing, carrying a roasting spit and a wooden goat.

More places in the catalogue: Betlanovce, Rudnany, Arnutovce, Spišské Vlachy, Odorín, Letanovce, Hnilec, Spisska Nova Ves.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.