The Múzeum Andreja Kmeťa is housed in the first SNM building, dating from 1908. Its permanent exhibitions offer two different perspectives: Kmetianum is devoted to the work of Andrej Kmeť, while Príroda Turca explores the nature of Turiec. The building itself also has protected status: on 16 August 1994, a regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic declared it a national cultural monument. The two dates mark different milestones: 1908 for the building and 1994 for its designation as a cultural monument. There are 274 registered monuments in the Martin District in total.
Museums and their distinctive settings
The Múzeum Martina Benku opened in 1972 in the house where the artist spent the last decade of his life. The museum includes a gallery, as well as the artist’s furnished study, studio and bedroom. The combination of the gallery and these named rooms gives the museum a clear biographical focus.
The settings of two other museums are also quite different: the Múzeum kultúry Čechov na Slovensku is located in the house of prominent figures Jiří Horák and Anna Horáková-Gašparíková. The Múzeum kultúry Rómov na Slovensku is situated within the grounds of the Múzeum slovenskej dediny in Jahodnícke háje.
In the centre of Martin, the Literárne múzeum SNK presents the history of Slovak literature and book culture in a permanent exhibition. It is located in the first historic building of Matica slovenská, which was declared a national cultural monument in 1961. Together, these museums offer different ways to explore cultural history: through nature and the work of Andrej Kmeť, artists’ biographies, named historical figures, and literature and book culture.
Valleys, peaks and trails
The Jasenská Valley is a year-round recreation centre on the Turiec side of the Veľká Fatra, beneath the northern slopes of Lysec. Lysec is 1,381 metres high; its main summit offers panoramic views over this part of the Veľká Fatra. The valley and the summit provide two different points of reference for exploring the region’s landscape.
Several trails offer practical information that is easy to compare. The via ferrata trail to Martinské hole is 4.8 kilometres long, climbs 780 metres and takes approximately three hours uphill. It starts at the terminus of the public transport service in Martin-Podstráne and ends at the blue-marked hiking trail in the Bazová area, near Martinské hole. Check access conditions and any seasonal closures before setting out.
The Martinské hole cycling route offers a different kind of route description: it runs via Chata na Martinských holiach from Vrútky to Martin and is 22 kilometres long. There is a bus stop, a railway station and a car park at both the starting point and the endpoint. The stated distance and the facilities at both ends are practical reference points, without specifying a journey time or difficulty level.
Castles and special experiences
You can reach Sklabiňa Castle on foot from the village of Sklabinský Podzámok in about 15 minutes. After 1320, the castle became the seat of the Turiec County administration. Events are held on the grounds, including a castle festival associated with the castle’s historic capture. As the event programme may change, it is worth checking the dates before your visit.
The trail to Blatnický Castle starts at the end of Blatnica and follows a yellow-marked nature trail through Gaderská dolina. The two castles therefore have different route information: an approximate walking time is given for Sklabiňa, while the description of the route to Blatnický Castle specifies the starting point, trail marking and valley.
Yetiland in the Valčianska Valley offers another kind of experience. The family amusement park features trampolines, inflatable castles, slides, rope obstacles and a water park. The Martin District thus offers everything from museums and historic sites to trails, mountain scenery and an amusement park.
Discover more destinations: Turany, Košťany Nad Turcom, Martin, Lipovec, Laskár, Bystrička, Sučany, Krpeľany.
Back to the overview of the region: Žilina.
