Veľký Šariš: Castle, City History and Nature

Veľký Šariš offers several distinct reasons to visit: Šariš Castle, historic churches and chapels, and the natural area around the castle hill. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you are most interested in the castle and its exhibitions, the town’s architectural history, or the educational trail and landscape.

Šariš Castle: History and Exhibitions

Šariš Castle was first mentioned in a written record in 1245. It houses a historical exhibition. The “Alžbetka” bastion tower also contains an exhibition about alchemy and brewing. The first museum exhibition about the castle featured 350 archaeological finds dating from the 12th to the 17th century. This span of time gives an impression of just how long the history associated with the castle stretches back.

A guided tour of the Donjon lookout tower lasts about 25 to 35 minutes. The approximate duration helps you plan this activity; check the latest tour information before your visit. This makes it possible to distinguish a guided tour from the other topics on the castle hill without assuming a specific visit duration for those.

Nature on the Castle Hill

Šariš Castle Hill is a national nature reserve of volcanic origin, located within the cadastral area of Veľký Šariš. An educational trail with eleven stops runs across the castle hill. Alongside the castle, nature is a central theme here: rare plants such as the grass-leaved iris and the Turk’s cap lily grow on the hill. Opportunities for observing them may vary by season.

The castle and nature reserve offer different points of interest on the same named hill: the castle represents history and exhibitions, while the educational trail and plants represent the natural environment.

Churches and Chapels

The Church of St. James was originally a single-nave Romanesque-Gothic church and is now a three-nave church. Medieval wall paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries were discovered inside. The church’s structure and wall paintings offer two distinct historical perspectives: the church’s development and the medieval art discovered within it.

The Chapel of St. Elizabeth is an early Baroque religious building dating from the last third of the 17th century. It formerly served as a burial chapel. Pilgrimages were held there on her feast day in the past; this historical use does not imply that they take place today.

The Chapel of St. Kunigunde was built sometime after 1544 on the site of an Augustinian monastery. Its dedication to St. Kunigunde is the only one of its kind in Slovakia. Here, the unique dedication is the main point of interest, while the Church of St. James is notable for its structure and the wall paintings discovered inside.

Technology and City History

The “Mlinská džurka” steam locomotive is located on the grounds of Veľký Šariš railway station. Built in 1882, it is no longer operational and is considered the oldest surviving steam locomotive in Slovakia. This technical monument complements the town’s religious and archaeological themes. The Veľký Šariš City Museum and Gallery have 200 square metres of museum and gallery space; check current access information if you are planning a visit.

Getting Around and Routes

The Veľký Šariš Tourist Information Centre provides an overview of cultural, sporting and tourist activities in the town and at Šariš Castle. You can buy castle-related souvenirs and products by local artists there. The Veľký Šariš Archaeopark is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. Check its opening hours again before travelling.

The walking route from Veľký Šariš railway station to Šariš Castle follows a yellow-marked hiking trail. For travel planning, the named starting point is particularly useful if you are considering walking to the castle.

An Announced Event

The New Year’s Eve ascent to Šariš Castle has been announced for 31 December 2026 as its 39th edition. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the event details again beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Hermanovce, Fričovce, Trnkov, Ľubotice, Prešov, Kapušany.

Go to the main travel overview: Prešov.