Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Žilina, Slovakia

In Central Slovakia, Žilina is an industrial city characterized by a charming and walkable center, beautifully framed by the vast mountain ranges of the Malá Fatra. The city experienced significant tribulations in the 19th century, enduring two devastating fires within a span of 40 years, coupled with an earthquake in 1858.

As a result of these disasters, the city center is adorned with dignified Neoclassical architecture from the late 19th century, while stately stone mansions have replaced earlier timber constructions. Streets such as National Trieda and the expansive St Mary’s Square exude an air of grandeur. Across the Váh River lies the picture-perfect Budatín Castle, which has recently reopened, now featuring a museum dedicated to the region.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Žilina:

1. Mariánske Námestie (St Mary’s Square)

The central square of Žilina possesses a distinctive grandeur and has served as the nucleus of civic life since the 1300s.

Measuring 100 meters by 100 meters, it is surrounded by edifices featuring traditional gables and continuous arcades on the ground level.

Within these arcades are various shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

A notable feature is the Baroque Immaculata column, crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing the city’s “re-Catholicization” in 1738.

2. Church of the Holy Trinity

This cathedral’s narrative parallels that of Žilina, having been destroyed by fire three times.

The latest restoration occurred in 1942, yet the charm of its two iconic spires remains undeniable.

One spire belongs to the church itself, while the other, known as “Burian’s Tower,” a separate belfry, dates back to the early 1500s and has similarly faced numerous reconstructions.

Interestingly, during much of the 16th century, the church served as a fortress after Žilina was acquired by the nobleman Rafael Podmanický.

Visitors are encouraged to admire the altar, which features a painting of the Holy Trinity from 1697.

3. Church of The Conversion of St Paul the Apostle

This church, established in 1754, features a pair of 32-meter towers that disrupt the skyline of the Mariánske Námestie’s low townhouses to the west.

An intriguing detail is that the choir is oriented towards the west rather than the east, which is atypical.

Additionally, the stone figure of St Paul adorning the façade was purchased in Munich in 1888, rather than created locally.

The Baroque altar originates from the church’s formative years in the early 18th century, and many of the stunning frescoes and decorations were produced by the Austrian painter Johann Ignaz Cimbal later in that century.

4. Budatín Castle

This castle, dating back to the 1200s, was initially constructed to levy tolls at the junction of the Váh and Kysuca rivers.

An interesting aspect of its history is that it remained under the ownership of only two families from the 15th to the 20th century: the Suňogs and later the Csákys, who retained it until the conclusion of World War II.

Numerous alterations have occurred throughout the centuries, particularly in the 16th century when it was transformed into a Renaissance palace and again in the 1800s following the upheaval of the Austrian Empire Revolutions in 1848. After undergoing extensive renovations over the last decade, the castle has recently reopened its doors, allowing visitors to explore the tower, chapel, and the interior museum.

5. Považie Museum

The interior of the castle hosts a branch of a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Považie region. Since 2006, the museum has undergone significant renovations. Its standout exhibit is the “tinker” collection, which boasts more than 5,000 decorative items crafted from metallic wire and sheet metal.

This traditional craft has deep historical roots in Žilina, and among the items showcased are home decorations such as coat hooks, birdcages, and intricately designed trays.

Additionally, visitors can find more whimsical creations including sculptures of dragons and crocodiles, as well as a model train frame.

The museum also features exhibitions of 19th and 20th-century photography, folk art, and archaeological finds.

6. Neological Synagogue

This synagogue was constructed between 1928 and 1931 for the Neolog faction, representing Žilina’s progressive Jewish community.

The building holds significant architectural importance as it was the last new synagogue established prior to World War II.

Designed by the esteemed German Modernist architect Peter Behrens, this cube-shaped structure showcases Functionalist design elements. Taking inspiration from Rachel’s tomb located just outside Bethlehem, it served a variety of purposes after the war, including a cinema, before being restored to its original form to host exhibitions.

Visitors can admire the beautiful minimalist patterns adorning the Star of David on the synagogue’s grand dome.

7. Church of St Barbara

This splendid Baroque church, along with its smaller monastery building, was constructed in the early decades of the 18th century by the Franciscan order.

While it now occupies a central position within the city, it was originally built on the outskirts to allow the monks to engage with rural communities.

Although the façade is aesthetically pleasing, the interior boasts exquisite decorative elements, including a striking pulpit, altarpieces, and sculptures.

Of particular interest are the two organs, which are the last remaining examples crafted by the renowned 18th-century Slovak organ-maker Peregrin Werner.

8. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, like much of Mariánske Námestie, underwent renovations in the 1990s.

Its origins trace back to the early 16th century, with Gothic vaults preserved in the cellars.

The remainder of the town hall was redesigned in the late 19th century, acquiring its current Romantic style along with stone arcades.

One notable addition during the renovations was the installation of a carillon consisting of 14 bells, which plays a cheerful melody at the stroke of each hour.

9. Babušek’s House

One of the distinguished Historicist residences in Žilina, Babušek’s House has hosted numerous notable figures over the years.

Constructed by a wealthy family in the late 1800s, it became home to Dr. Dušan Petrovič Makovický for a decade around the turn of the 20th century.

Makovický was a physician renowned for being the personal doctor of the illustrious writer Leo Tolstoy.

Following Makovický’s tenure, Dr. Ivan Hálek, another prominent physician and eventual political figure in the 1920s and ’30s, occupied the residence.

Subsequently, the influential politician Dr. Vavro Šrobár, a central figure in Czech and Slovak political matters during the interwar period, moved in, residing there when Žilina was declared the capital of Slovakia in early 1919.

10. Považská Galéria Umenia Žilina

Located on Andrej Hlinka Square, which offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, this elegant Neoclassical building initially served as the city’s gendarmerie station.

Throughout the years, it has also functioned as a vocational school, the headquarters for the State Police during World War II, and the editorial offices for the city newspaper.

In the 1970s, it transformed into an art museum for the region, and a decade ago, architectural renovations in the attic received commendations.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the permanent exhibition featuring the impactful work of Vincent Hložník, considered Slovakia’s foremost 20th-century painter.

11. Strečno Castle

Accessing this majestic castle entails a journey eastward toward the Malá Fatra mountains, arriving at a picturesque bend in the Váh River, flanked by towering calcite cliffs exceeding 100 meters in height.

This castle, which dominated the gorge, functioned as a toll station in earlier times.

Though now in ruins, and having been dismantled under the command of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I over 300 years ago, it retains numerous architectural gems, with over 22 structures listed as Slovak national heritage.

Guided tours provide insight into the 15th-century chapel, main tower, and remnants of a Renaissance palace, where surprisingly, the garderobe is still intact.

Notably, the gatehouse features an impressive well that descends 80 meters into the castle’s rocky underpinnings.

12. Lietava Castle

Medieval enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of Lietava Castle, a historical stronghold located just 15 kilometers from the city.

Positioned atop a formidable ridge in the southern hills, it presents a challenging trek, reminiscent of the trials faced by Hungarian forces that sought to conquer this formidable fortress in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Similar to other nearby castles, it underwent transformation into a Renaissance residence in the 1500s and has remained abandoned for over 300 years.

The castle ruins, while remarkable, showcase identifiable plasterwork and Gothic elements within the vaults.

The scenic vistas surpass what can be captured in photographs, revealing beautiful, rolling landscapes enveloped by forested peaks and lush valleys surrounding the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinná-Babkov.

13. Žilina Dam

Situated east of the city, the Váh River was dammed in the early 1990s to construct a hydropower facility, providing water for local industries.

A residential area, Mojšová Lúčka, was submerged, necessitating the relocation of its inhabitants to Nová Mojšová Lúčka.

This picturesque locale, surrounded by hills and mountains, offers an attractive destination for summer activities, both on land and water.

Visitors can stroll or cycle along the lake’s perimeter, which becomes increasingly untamed and secluded as one ventures eastward.

The eastern backdrop is dominated by the Malá Fatra range, with peaks reaching over 1,700 meters and often capped with snow well into spring.

On tranquil mornings, these mountains are reflected in the reservoir’s waters.

14. Žilinský Lesopark

Upon exiting the city’s southern boundary, visitors enter a vast old-growth forest interlaced with trails.

The Žilinský Lesopark intersects with local agricultural lands, providing occasional clearings that offer sweeping views of the Malá Fatra mountains across undulating landscape.

The trails feature informative boards detailing the local wildlife, and there is a treetop rope park designed for children’s enjoyment.

After your trek, consider dining at the forest restaurant, which underwent renovations in 2016.

15. Aupark

In the event of inclement weather or for those wishing to partake in shopping, Žilina boasts a sizable shopping center situated south of the historic town.

Aupark is accessible daily from 09:00 to 21:00, featuring a variety of retailers typically found in major city centers, including H&M, Mango, and Levi’s, as well as an assortment of dining options, including international fast-food franchises like Subway.

The mall also encompasses a childcare facility, fitness center, and a casino complete with two roulette wheels and four poker tables.