There are other ways to explore castles besides the traditional guided tour. This product is based precisely on this idea Experience castles in a different way, which is being organised by the Šariš Regional Office of the Office for the Co-ordination of the Environment (OOCR) as part of the project strand Šariš Castle Route. After trips to the castles Kamenica a Kapusany The third instalment took place on Sunday 27 September and this time took us to the castle Šebeš, into the woods The Slanské Hills and meet the animals and try your hand at traditional crafts at Cipísek’s Farm.
At Šebeš behind its history and the stories of its restoration
The third and final outing of the year set off from the village of Podhradík, from where we set off together towards Šebeš Castle. The walk from the foot of the castle to the castle itself takes just a few minutes, but we were accompanied by a guide throughout the walk, thanks to whom we learnt more about the history of this site and its surroundings.
Waiting for us right at the castle was a castle expert who has long been involved in the restoration of castles in the Šariš region. It was from him that we were able to learn a great deal of information that visitors often fail to notice during a normal stroll through the ruins. He told us what remains of the original castle, which parts have been successfully restored or secured in recent years, and what might still be hidden beneath the ground.
And then came the reward for the short climb. From the ruins themselves, magnificent autumnal views opened up before us. In the landscape, we could make out the nearby Kapušian Castle Also Šariš Castle, the surrounding mountain ranges and the city of Prešov. In the distance, we could even make out the snow-capped peaks of the High Tatras.
It is moments like these that prove that the castles of Šariš are not merely historical sites, but also excellent vantage points from which to explore the region from a completely different perspective.
Wild nature through a photographer’s lens
After coming down from the castle, another guest was waiting for us – photographer Richard Varga, who specialises in photographing wildlife. He introduced the participants to the photographic equipment he uses in his work and also organised a small exhibition of his photographs. This gave us the chance to see the natural landscapes of Šariš and Slovakia through the eyes of a man who often spends long hours in the field to capture a single shot.
After the history and photography, it was time for a classic hiking activity: a fire was already burning in the fireplace, so we grilled sausages, bacon and other treats. The participants treated each other to a meal, had a rest and recharged their batteries before the next part of the programme, as our trip was far from over once we’d visited the castle.
Through the woods The Slanské Hills behind the enchanted Džad
Another destination was the Džad rock formation, hidden away in the woods The Slanské Hills. We set off along a forest path through the local oak woods, past stone cairns and mounds. After 2 kilometres, we reached the massive Džad rock.
This place, too, has its own story. According to local legend, the rock is said to be a petrified, enchanted old man (known as a ‘džado’ in the Šariš region), and it is precisely this link between the natural formation and the folk tale that gives it such a distinctive atmosphere. We also took a look at the surrounding boulders and then made our way back through the forest. The entire walking route was about five kilometres long, so it was a pleasant way to round off the day and, at the same time, a demonstration of just how many interesting places are hidden in the immediate vicinity of the Šariš castles.
Cipísek’s Farm: animals, sheep’s milk cheese and traditional crafts
On our return from Džad, the final part of our trip awaited us – a visit to Cipísek’s Farm. After our hike, it was particularly lovely to meet the animals. Visitors were able to stroke the ponies and donkeys and see the llamas, goats and poultry.
However, you can’t really get to know a region just by looking at it. You have to taste it too. That’s why a tasting of traditional Šariš-style mačanka was waiting for us at the farm, prepared for the participants by our colleague Runa. This was accompanied by bread with „pork jam“ – that is, lard and onion. After a few hours spent in the fresh air, these simple, traditional flavours were exactly what we needed.
The programme concluded with a visit to a local workshop. Jozef Karahuta specialises in sewing traditional costumes and making traditional footwear for Slovak and international folk ensembles. The participants were thus able to gain an insight into the world of craftsmanship, which involves a great deal of precise handiwork, experience and the preservation of traditions. We marvelled at the colourful traditional costumes, bonnets, boots and slippers. Men’s hats and leather belts were also on display – at Cipísek’s you’ll find everything our ancestors used to wear.
‘Experience Castles Differently’ is back again next year
The trip to Šebeš brought this year’s ‘Experience Castles Differently’ series to a close. After Kamenice a Kapušiansky Castle This time, we were getting to know Šebeš and its surroundings. Every trip was different, but they all shared the idea that castles are the starting point for an adventure that reveals the stories, legends, natural beauty and traditions of the Šariš region.
We would like to thank all the participants, guides, guests and partners who took part in this year’s trips.
This year’s journey is coming to an end, but Šariš Castle Route It still has plenty to offer. We look forward to exploring it together again next year!
The event was organised with financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
