My family and I visit museums of folk architecture very often. I remember that my grandma used to live in a similar house, and therefore I enjoy learning more about this kind of architecture and how people lived in these houses. Today, I'd like to take you with me to one of these museums in Bardejov.
Bardejov is very well known for its spa resort built close to the city. It is situated in the forest and part of it belongs to the Open air museum of folk architecture. I have visited this place so many times. It's a perfect spot to learn about the history, folk architecture and traditions in the region of Šariš.
This museum is the oldest facility of its kind in Slovakia. It was opened to public in 1965 and it includes 24 historical buildings. The houses were built in the 19th and 20th century and belong to the regions of Upper Šariš and Northern Zemplín.
The main material of these buildings is wood which was the typical building material in the past.
Let me show you around...
The name of the museum in Slovak is Múzeum ľudovej architektúry. It's hidden behind this gate.
On the right side, right behind the gate is the ticket office. You can choose to go on your own or with a tour guide. We decided to go on our own and at our own pace.
Here we are! It looks like an old village and not like a museum.
The museum consists of residential houses, various agricultural buildings, technical constructions and sacral buildings. The buildings are equipped with tools from the period when they were built.
There are various fruits trees in the complex.
Let's have a look inside!
Here we have the historical oven. I remember that my grandma had one too! My grandpa used to bake potato flat bread on it. It was delicious!
The rooms in the past were used very efficiently. This room was used as a living room, a bedroom and a children room all together.
This house was used as a residential building together with the workshop.
In the back is the wooden church from the village of Zboj which was built in 1766.
And here is the part of the workshop which was used to store various carriages.
And here is the wooden Church from the village of Mikulasova which was built in 1730.
Beautiful iconostas inside of the church. My grandpa passed away when I was a little girl and I remember that the funeral was held in a similar church as he took part in the orthodox church. It was my first time inside and I was amazed by its beauty. It is so different to Catholic churches.
Let's continue our tour outside!
The well was very important in the past as there was no tap for water. And here is one of them.
This wheel was used to mill the grains...
I found this house particularly cute. It is so small with such a huge roof.
Would you be able to pick the equipment that was used to do the laundry?
This is the oldest beehive in Slovakia. It dates back to 1691.
And this is why we came here - the healing water! It taste somehow sour and it's great for digestion. I wouldn't dare to say that it's delicious though 😊
I hope that you have enjoyed our tour.
Thank you for visiting!
Cheers!