Liptov News – reports and interviews from Liptov region

Top 6 Liptov museums for families with children

Top 6 Liptov museums for families with children

The Liptov region is the perfect destination for family outings. Every parent wants to offer their children not just fun, but also a chance to learn and explore through play.

1. Slovak
Museum of Conservation and Caving, Liptovský Mikuláš

This museum is ideal for all inquisitive children interested in nature, caves, and conservation. During the interactive tour, you can peek into a bear’s den, listen to the sounds of nature and wildlife, or try crawling through a cave. Finish your visit at the museum’s observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of Liptovský Mikuláš. The museum is divided into two exhibitions: Karst and Caves of Slovakia, and Slovakia’s Protected Nature, which presents geological and biological diversity and shows how they are protected.

TIP: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Liptovský Mikuláš! The museum’s observation tower offers a unique perspective of the town.

2. Liptov Village Museum in Pribylina

An open-air museum that captivates children with its displays of traditional Liptov buildings and the way of life of their ancestors. They can explore original wooden houses, craft workshops, and old agricultural tools. The museum even features interactive elements: kids can take part in various crafts, like weaving and spinning. Creative workshops are regularly held, and during the summer season, themed days with extensive programmes bring the past to life.

Young explorers will love the unique exhibition of the Považská Forest Railway, which showcases historic rail vehicles and part of the original track. A ride on a vintage train is an unmissable highlight of the visit. Between the village and the railway depot, there’s a rest area connected to a nature trail. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, the museum also has farm animals, such as goats, sheep, and cows – an essential part of traditional village life, past and present.  

3. Liptov muzeum, Ružomberok

Situated in the heart of the town, Liptov Museum is divided into multiple sections, ensuring something for everyone. Its permanent exhibitions bring the natural and cultural history of Liptov and the entire region to life in an immersive way. In the natural science section, visitors can discover the region’s flora and fauna.

The new archaeology exhibition, which has been praised by the Slovak Archaeological Society, presents exceptional artefacts from the Liptov region, including rare bronze swords of the distinctive Liptov type. Meanwhile, the guilds and crafts exhibition highlights the finest tools and creations by shoemakers, butchers, tailors, gingerbread makers, and locksmiths. The museum also hosts creative workshops and activities for children.

TIP: Be sure to check out two standout exhibits – the 3D model of a firearm and the talking portrait of Prince John Corvinus.

4. Mincovníčkovo – The Underground World of Coins, Liptovský Ján

This attraction gives children a fascinating insight into how a coin is made, from its birth in the mint to its origins deep within the earth. They can experience the transformation of metal through fire and water, descend underground in search of gold-bearing ore, and even take part in a live auction, where a coin starts its journey into the hands of collectors.

TIP: Nearby, you’ll find an exhibition on the noble Sentiváni family and Jánska kaďa, a natural spring where you can take a dip or sample its beneficial waters.

5. Museum of Ethnography, Liptovský Hrádok

This fascinating museum presents sheep farming and pastoral culture, offering an insight into traditions that extend beyond the region. Explore wooden shepherds’ huts, practical tools for processing sheep’s milk, and traditional clothing with distinctive accessories worn by shepherds from various parts of Slovakia. The blueprint textile exhibition features traditional folk clothing and home textiles, along with a display of blueprint blocks. The museum is also home to a gallery dedicated to bobbin lace, displaying Liptov’s distinctive lacework, intricate bonnet lace patterns, and lace used in folk dress and interior textiles. There is also a presentation of the Lace Maker’s Trail project.

TIP: After your museum visit, take a walk to the Skalka viewpoint. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.

6. Miners’ Muster Point, Dúbrava

In September 2023, the Dúbrava Mining Guild opened the Miners’ Muster Point (Banícka Faleska) in the former office building of the mining depot. The Slovak term faleska refers to a place where miners would meet before descending into the mines. Although the Dúbrava mines are no longer operational, this faleska offers a glimpse into the history of mining, along with various artefacts used in ore extraction.  

You can reach the site by car and park in the free car park in front of the old mining buildings. It’s a little over five kilometres from the end of the village. From the faleska, you can continue on foot for about two kilometres along a paved road to the Guardian of the Forest statue.

These museums are both entertaining and highly educational, offering children a chance to discover something that sparks their curiosity. Experiences like these bring history to life, allowing visitors to step back in time.

More interesting attractions in Liptov

Save on attractions for children in Liptov with Liptov Region Card

You can save in these 3 stores with the Liptov Region Card

You can save in these 3 stores with the Liptov Region Card

Liptov je známy svojou krásnou prírodou a možnosťami pre aktívny oddych. Či už ste nadšený turista, lyžiar alebo len hľadáte kvalitné oblečenie a vybavenie, Liptov má pre vás skvelé obchody. A čo je ešte lepšie, s Liptov Region Card môžete nakupovať so zľavami!

Intersport: Váš partner pre športové vybavenie

Intersport v Liptovskom Mikuláši je známy obchod s širokým sortimentom športového vybavenia. Či už potrebujete nové lyže, bežecké topánky alebo turistický batoh, v Intersporte nájdete všetko, čo potrebujete. S Liptov Region Card získate 20% zľavu na druhý lacnejší kus tovaru a 10% zľavu na servis a požičovňu športových potrieb, čo vám umožní ušetriť pri nákupe kvalitného vybavenia.

10 – 20 % zľava na nákup a servis

Alpine Pro Liptovský Mikuláš: Kvalitné oblečenie pre každé počasie

Alpine Pro je obľúbená značka outdoorového oblečenia. Či už hľadáte teplú bundu na lyžovanie, pohodlné tričko na turistiku alebo štýlové oblečenie na voľný čas, v Alpine Pro nájdete široký výber kvalitného oblečenia. S Liptov Region Card získate 20% zľavu na nákup nezľavneného sortimentu a 10% na zľavnený sortiment, čo vám umožní doplniť svoj šatník o kvalitné kúsky za výhodné ceny.

10 – 20 % zľava na nákup

St. Nicolaus Liptovský Mikuláš: Tradičné liptovské špeciality

St. Nicolaus je známy výrobca tradičných liptovských destilátov. Ak hľadáte originálny suvenír z Liptova alebo chcete ochutnať miestne špeciality, navštívte predajňu St. Nicolaus. S Liptov Region Card získate 10% zľavu na produkty, ktoré vyrába a distribuuje spološnosť St. Nicolaus a 20% zľavu na nákup likéru Demänovka, čo vám umožní vychutnať si tradičné liptovské chute za výhodné ceny.

10 – 20 % zľava na nákup

Ako využiť Liptov Region Card pri nakupovaní?

• Pri pokladni predložte svoju Liptov Region Card.
• Uplatnite si zľavu na nákup.
• Ušetrite peniaze a užite si výhodné nakupovanie.

Tipy na výhodné nakupovanie s Liptov Region Card:

• Sledujte aktuálne ponuky a zľavy v partnerských obchodoch.
• Nakupujte mimo sezóny, keď sú ceny zvyčajne nižšie.
• Využite zľavy na nákup darčekov pre svojich blízkych.

Ušetrite aj na iných miestach s Liptov Region Card

Who’s the fourteenth figure at the Last Supper?

Who’s the fourteenth figure at the Last Supper?

Medieval murals in the Gothic All Saints’ Church in Ludrová – Kút will captivate you and offer a fresh perspective on the Bible.

It’s well known that, according to the Bible, Christ had twelve followers – his disciples. The evening before the crucifixion, these apostles gathered for the Last Supper, where Christ shared bread and wine. Jesus and the twelve disciples – a total of thirteen. Simple, right? But what if that number doesn’t quite add up?

Just outside Ružomberok, in the middle of fields near the village of Ludrová, lies an early Gothic church dedicated to All Saints. It was most likely built in the last third of the 13th century as a “colonisation church”, consisting of a sanctuary, a nave, and a small sacristy. Over time, however, the church became too small, and several additions and renovations followed. Starting in the mid-15th century, a side aisle, tower, and defensive wall were added. The church as we see it today actually took shape in the 19th century. Inside, you’ll find elements of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Classicist styles, but Gothic architecture still reigns supreme.

The church’s ancient exterior and remote location are striking, but it’s the interior that holds the real surprises – its walls are adorned with murals. The oldest of these are the “consecration crosses”. These are often the first decorations in a church because they signify that it has been consecrated by a bishop. They tended to be painted on small plaster sections, while the rest of the walls remained unplastered – as we can see in the church in Ludrová – Kút.

At the beginning of the 15th century, a triptych was painted on the northern wall of the main nave. The left panel depicts Our Lady of Protection, the central panel shows the Sorrowful Christ, and the right panel portrays John the Baptist with saints. What makes the central painting stand out is that Christ’s halo is not flat, but three-dimensional.

The sanctuary, almost entirely covered in murals dating back to around 1420, is perhaps the most remarkable part of the church. These paintings form a “Christological cycle” – a visual narrative of Christ’s life. On the northern, eastern, and southern walls, there are 34 New Testament scenes, from the Annunciation to the Descent of the Holy Spirit.The first scene is painted in the upper left corner of the northern wall. The cycle continues across the eastern wall and onto the southern wall. It then “turns” into a middle and, finally, a lower row, where the cycle ends. The sequence of the scenes follows the events of the Holy Scripture, which is why this cycle is referred to as the “Bible of the Poor”, as it made the content of the Bible accessible to illiterate believers.

Obviously, the artists took their inspiration from the Bible. A central motif is depicted in each scene, often accompanied by additional details, while also reflecting the historical interpretation and an attempt to make it relatable to churchgoers. For instance, the Roman soldiers accompanying Jesus as he bears the cross are shown wearing medieval helmets. The devil is depicted with a royal crown, indicating that he is the ruler of hell. The crown of thorns, usually a small and intricate detail, is simplified with a thick green line, symbolising its plant origin. In the painting of the Ascension, only Christ’s feet and part of his garment are visible, reflecting the fact that he is in the air and rising to heaven.

To make the Biblical content understandable through imagery, some non-standard and unique solutions were also used. The best example is the painting of the Last Supper. One might expect thirteen figures here – Christ and the twelve apostles – as this would be both understandable and accurate. However, in this case, fourteen figures are painted, meaning someone extra is present. But who? Identifying this person may seem difficult at first, as only three disciples are readily identifiable. Judas, the only one without a halo, has a pouch at his waist. Saint Peter, with a bald spot, sits at the edge of the table as Christ washes his feet. Saint John is seated in the middle of the top row, embracing Christ. Hang on, Christ is washing Saint Peter’s feet and embracing Saint John at the same time? Exactly. Christ is depicted twice, which is why there are fourteen figures. This is the only instance in Slovakia where two Christs are shown in a painting of the Last Supper.

The Church of All Saints in Ludrová – Kút hides even more in its paintings – Judas hanging, a three-armed figure, and even the name of a rock band. All this and more can be found in this picturesque little church. The building is managed by Liptov Museum and is open to visitors during the summer season. Those who don’t believe should go and see for themselves.

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Source: FB Liptov Museum