Sabinov: City History, Film and Nature

Sabinov offers a rich cultural and historical experience: Gothic architecture, former town fortifications, film history and regional folklore sit alongside opportunities for walks and active recreation. When looking for a hotel in Sabinov, you can plan your trip around whether you are most interested in the historic town, its film connections or a stay surrounded by greenery. The following places bring the town’s different sides to life and help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Historic Town Centre and Architecture

The Gothic Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist defines Sabinov’s historic centre. Its main altar is considered the church’s most valuable feature. As you walk through the historic centre, across Námestie slobody and along the adjoining romantic lanes, you can see the bastions and walls of the former town fortifications. Dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, the fortifications are among the town’s most important monuments. Several burgher houses stand in the square, originally built in Renaissance and Baroque styles. Sabinov’s sights also include the Piarist Grammar School and a Renaissance bell tower. The burgher houses offer a different perspective on the town from the fortifications: their original styles represent the Renaissance and Baroque periods, while the walls and bastions reveal how the town was once defended.

Film History and Cultural Themes

Film history is also firmly rooted in Sabinov: the Czechoslovak film “The Shop on Main Street” (“Obchod na korze”) was filmed in the town and won the 1966 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Cultural Information Centre has a permanent exhibition about the film. The centre is housed in a former burgher house at Námestie slobody 62 and provides visitors with information and promotional materials. If you need a particular material, check its availability in advance. Also enquire about the exhibition’s visiting arrangements before your visit.

The exhibition “V PAMÄTI NAPÍSANÉ” (“Written in Memory”) is dedicated to treasures from the historic libraries and archives of the former Free Royal Town of Sabinov. The Sabinov Municipal Cultural Centre develops regional folklore traditions through folk groups, performances and showcases. Cultural interests here range from a specific film to written heritage and regional folklore traditions.

Walks and Nature

Lesopark Švabľovka is a municipal woodland and recreation area for walks and active enjoyment of nature. A wooden observation tower stands at Šanca in the forest park, offering lovely views of Sabinov and the surrounding area. If you would also like to include nature and exercise in your trip plans, this offers a different focus from historic architecture: a woodland setting and views from the tower.

The revitalisation of Hradobná ulička was officially completed in May 2026. The lane is intended to provide a place for walks, cycling and recreation alongside the historic town walls. This also sets out a future use that connects the town’s history with a range of leisure activities.

Seasonal Leisure and Events

Mestské kúpalisko Sabinov is a seasonal facility. For the 2026 season, it includes a children’s pool, a 25-metre leisure pool and a 50-metre swimming pool. It also has a beach volleyball court, badminton courts, an area with a table tennis table and a children’s playground. The different pool types and lengths cater to different preferences. Check seasonal opening dates and operating conditions before visiting.

Sabinov Town Days, which include the Market of Sabinov, take place every June; the programme may vary from year to year. These options differ considerably for trip planning: the swimming pool is seasonal, while the town event is held in June. Check the seasonal conditions or the dates for the relevant year if either is a deciding factor for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Drienica, Lipany.

For the broader travel overview: Sabinov District.