Holiday apartment in Zborov: Makovica Castle and historic churches

Culture and History

Above Zborov lies the Zborov Castle ruins, also known as Makovica. It was built in the 14th century to protect the trade route to Poland. In the Šerédyho Manor, the exhibition “History of the Makovica Estate” presents the history, ethnography, and natural features of the Makovica estate through exhibits as well as extensive visual and textual material. The information given for the opening of the permanent exhibition is 2023 and 29 August 2024.

Among the notable religious buildings is St Sophia Church. The 17th-century building was originally part of the extensive Rákoci Manor, was destroyed in the First World War, and was ceremonially reopened in March 2022 after reconstruction work. The church was already built in 1640 in a pure Renaissance style with two towers. During the 2026 summer tourist season, it is open from 1 May to 30 September on Thursdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 18:00.

St Margaret Church is dated to the first half of the 14th century. Its design is connected with the influence of Strasbourg Gothic that spread through the region around 1330. The south chapel has completely preserved stucco ornaments from 1663 and is considered one of the most valuable monuments in present-day Zborov. Directly next to St Margaret Church stands the octagonal St Anne's Chapel from the early 18th century, with a lantern dome. Inside is a rare Baroque altar with statues of John the Baptist and Paul the Hermit.

At the upper end of Zborov, the Chapel of the Crucified Savior was built in 1757 on the road to present-day Chmeľová. On the northern side of the town stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which was rebuilt in 1921 and consecrated on 24 May 1922. The chapel in the Roman Catholic cemetery is considered the oldest building in the built-up area and was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. On the western side of Zborov is the Batek Family Chapel, which also served the Malirsz family and bears a founder’s inscription dated 1875.

Memorial Sites

The Jewish Cemetery in Zborov was established at the beginning of the 18th century and used until the middle of the 20th century. Ignác Ansel, the last rabbi of Zborov, is buried there. The German Military Cemetery is divided into four burial fields; a total of 1,137 German soldiers are buried there.

The Czechoslovak Army Memorial was unveiled on 29 April 1928 on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic. It stands in a newly created triangular park next to the Alley of 100 Lime Trees. The Funeral Chapel in Zborov is an important national cultural monument; its roof was restored in 2024.

Trails and Nature

The fastest walking route to Zborov Castle begins in the Zborov-podhradie district. It follows the yellow trail marking, takes about 30 minutes, and includes a steep ascent. The hill of Zborov Castle has been protected since 1926 and was designated a state nature reserve in 1950. The protection focuses particularly on several centuries-old pedunculate oaks along the access path to the castle.

The Makovická cycle route also passes through Zborov and is 52.5 kilometers long. The Bardejov Spa–Zborov Castle Hill educational trail is designed as a five-hour circular route and runs via Zborov-podhradie and Zborov Castle. It is 8 kilometers long and has six information boards.

Music

The municipality of Zborov held the cultural music event “Zborovské hudobné leto” for the fifth time in 2026. The series of events takes place from mid-June to mid-September.

Other Places

Other linked places for the regional selection are Smilno, Bardejovské Kúpele, Regetovka, Stebnícka Huta, Malcov, Fričkovce, Bartfeld and Bartošovce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bardejov.