Holiday Apartment in Smilno: Culture, Nature and Customs

The oldest building in Smilno is the Late Gothic Church of St. Stephen the King, dating from the end of the 13th century.

Culture

The Church of St. Stephen the King in Smilno was remodeled in the Baroque style after a fire. Elements of the original church that have been preserved include a Gothic window from the 15th century on the eastern side of the chancel, historic furnishings such as a bell and an altar, and a bricked-up Gothic mascaron.

In the forest on Smilniansky vrch is Stolček Panny Márie, an important pilgrimage site for the residents of Smilno. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Smilno is a Neoclassical, rustic structure dating from 1885, located in an isolated spot behind the village. Once a year, on June 29, Holy Mass is celebrated at the chapel. A custom that continues to this day is for the residents of Smilno to come to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, where services are held.

Landscape

The landscape around Smilno is characterized by arable land, permanent grassland and forest communities. In the direction of Zborov, near Smilno, there are foxtail floodplain meadows as well as mesic pastures and grazed meadows, which are considered habitats of national importance. Smilno lies on a bird migration corridor that runs from Vranov nad Topľou through Smilno and Zborov to Poland.

Paths and Activities

From the cemetery side, a field path initially leads to the hill where Stolček Panny Márie is located, followed by a forest path. Bicycle signs and information boards have been installed in Smilno for cyclists. The Bardejovský okruh offers a route option from Zborov in the direction of Smilno. The cycling route through Zverník Forest includes a gentle ascent described as not difficult.

From a certain point at Stolček Panny Márie, the Tatra Mountains can be visible in clear weather. There are two relatively large ponds in Smilno suitable for fishing. Residents of Smilno have several opportunities to take walks through the surrounding meadows and forests. Seasonal foraging in the area around Smilno includes mushrooms, forest fruits, other fruits and herbs.

Customs

Smilno has a symbolic cemetery for soldiers who fell in the First World War. Traditional Easter customs in Smilno included wax-decorated eggs dyed with natural colorants made from onion-skin and parsley decoctions. Traditional Christmas dishes in Smilno included beans, cabbage with potatoes, plum-filled pierogi and “fučky”, seasoned with water and honey.

Accommodation

A guesthouse in Smilno offers accommodation for approximately 20 people.

More destinations

More destinations: Fričkovce, Bardejov, Malcov, Bardejovské Kúpele, Stebnícka Huta, Bartošovce, Zborov, Regetovka.

To the overarching travel overview: Bardejov.