Holiday apartment in Sabinov: City History and Film Culture

Sabinov can be explored through its cultural history, film tradition and diverse places for exercise and relaxation. Between the historic town centre, exhibitions, fortification walls and Lesopark Švabľovka, a multifaceted picture of the city emerges.

Culture

The Czechoslovak film Obchod na korze was filmed in Sabinov and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966. A permanent exhibition at the Sabinov Cultural Information Centre is dedicated to this Oscar-winning film. The Cultural Information Centre is located in a former burgher house at Námestie slobody 62 and provides visitors with information and promotional materials.

The exhibition V PAMÄTI NAPÍSANÉ can also be seen in the museum. It is dedicated to the treasures of the historic libraries and archives of the former free royal town of Sabinov. Another permanent exhibition of the Krajské múzeum presents representative collection objects relating to the history of the city of Sabinov.

The Mestské kultúrne stredisko Sabinov develops regional folk traditions through folk groups, performances and showcases. Thus, alongside film and museum work, living cultural forms also form part of the cityscape.

The historical and cultural themes appear in different forms: film history is combined with its own exhibition at the Cultural Information Centre, while the museum and cultural centre provide further ways of accessing Sabinov’s past and regional traditions. These institutions therefore preserve not only individual objects or memories, but also show different sides of the city’s history and its cultural present.

Cityscape

The Gothic Roman Catholic church dedicated to St John the Baptist defines the historic centre of Sabinov. Its main altar is considered the church’s most valuable feature. Sabinov’s sights also include the Piarist grammar school and the Renaissance bell tower. Several burgher houses originally built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles stand on Sabinov’s square.

During a walk through Sabinov’s historic town centre, around Námestie slobody and through the adjoining romantic lanes, visitors can see bastions and walls of the former town fortifications. The town fortifications from the 15th and 16th centuries are among the city’s most significant monuments.

The historical motifs vary in character: the church represents sacred architecture, the bell tower and Piarist grammar school are among the named sights, while the burgher houses complement the square’s architecture with Renaissance and Baroque forms. The fortifications also make it clear that the town centre consists of more than individual buildings. Bastions, walls, the square and the lanes form the elements of the historic cityscape mentioned in the tour.

Nature and Exercise

Lesopark Švabľovka is an urban woodland and recreation area for walks and active recreation in nature. In this forest park, a wooden observation tower stands at Šanca, offering a beautiful view of Sabinov and the surrounding area. The revitalised Hradobná ulička is intended for walks, cycling tours and recreation along the historic fortification walls.

Mestské kúpalisko Sabinov also combines various leisure activities. The complex includes a children’s pool, a 25-metre leisure pool and a 50-metre swimming pool. There is also a beach volleyball court, badminton courts, an area with a table tennis table and a children’s playground.

Events and Culinary Delights

Sabinov Town Days with the Market of Sabinov take place every year in June. At the Sabinovský jarmok, langos, gyros, trdelník, mead and cheese are among the snacks and products offered for sale.

Other places: Lipany, Drienica

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Sabinov.