The charming town of Veľký Šariš, with its royal history and captivating nature, shrouded in legends.

Veľký Šariš is a picturesque town in the Prešov Region, distinguished by its beautiful surrounding nature and rich history. This is exemplified not only by the enchanting Šariš Castle but also by the Municipal Museum and Gallery, which house houses a permanent exhibition featuring 350 archaeological artifacts dating from the 12th to the 17th century.

Undoubtedly, the most interesting place in Veľký Šariš is the castle itself, a popular destination for both locals and foreign visitors throughout the year. The main tower of the castle offers a magnificent view of the Spiš and High Tatras regions, and on clear days, one can even see Hungary and Poland. Children and adults alike will be entertained by activities such as painting, archery, wooden toys, and authentic medieval skittles.

Veľký Šariš is also proud of its local brewery, the largest in terms of production volume in Slovakia. The town caters to sports enthusiasts as well. In 2021, Veľký Šariš was designated became the European Town of Sport, signifying a high interest in sports activities among the locals. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant and undemanding 11.6-kilometer cycling route that starts in Prešov, passes through Veľký Šariš, and ends in Šarišské Michaľany.

What we recommend to see and experience

Šariš Castle

Šariš Castle is one of the largest medieval castles in Slovakia. It includes a 15-meter-high lookout tower that offers views of several other castles in the surrounding area. The castle can be reached via a paved educational trail, and sports enthusiasts can also access it by bicycle, combining sports with a cultural experience. Šariš Castle offers guided tours at the lookout tower, where visitors can learn many interesting facts about the castle’s history, life in the Middle Ages, and the construction techniques used in medieval architecture.

The Church James

The Church of St. James is the historical landmark of Veľký Šariš square. It was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style and was likely constructed simultaneously with Šariš Castle. The church has a cross-shaped floor plan, and the uncovered medieval wall paintings from the 13th-14th centuries with Byzantine motifs are particularly interesting.

Municipal Museum and Gallery Veľký Šariš

The Municipal Museum and Gallery in Veľký Šariš is a cultural institution where visitors can see a permanent exhibition consisting of interesting archaeological findings from the 12th to 17th century. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the history of Šariš Castle and the town of Veľký Šariš, with a focus on Šariš brewing, religious history, and Jewish history. The gallery section displays works of visual art, mainly by local artists.

Mlinská Džurka

Mlinská Džurka is the Šariš name for a steam locomotive located at the memorial site in the area of the Veľký Šariš railway station. It is the oldest preserved steam locomotive in Slovakia.

Infopoint