Smilno – Church, Forests and Trails in Eastern Slovakia

Smilno combines a long ecclesiastical history with forest paths, meadows, ponds and a landscape where nature observation and traditional customs come together. If you are looking for a place with specific cultural and landscape experiences for your trip to Slovakia, it is worth exploring the village’s different facets: the Church of St. Stephen the King, the Stolček Panny Márie pilgrimage site, paths through forests and fields, and local traditions.

Church, Chapel and Traditional Customs

The oldest building in Smilno is the Late Gothic Church of St. Stephen the King, dating from the end of the 13th century. After a fire, it was remodelled in the Baroque style. Several historical elements of the original church have been preserved: a 15th-century Gothic window on the eastern side of the chancel, a bell, an altar and a bricked-up Gothic mascaron.

Another religious landmark is the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. The Neoclassical, rustic building was constructed in 1885 in an isolated location behind the village. Holy Mass is celebrated there once a year on 29 June. To this day, there is also a tradition whereby the inhabitants of Smilno come to the chapel on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, when services are held. A symbolic cemetery in Smilno commemorates the soldiers who fell in the First World War.

Local traditions also include traditional foods and handicrafts. Easter customs included wax-decorated eggs dyed with natural colourings made from onion-skin and parsley infusions. Traditional Christmas dishes included beans, cabbage with potatoes, plum-filled pierogi and fučky, seasoned with water and honey.

Meadows, Forests and Water

The landscape of Smilno is characterised by arable land, permanent grassland and forest communities. In the direction of Zborov lie foxtail floodplain meadows as well as mesic pastures and grazed meadows, which are considered habitats of national importance. The bird migration corridor running from Vranov nad Topľou through Smilno and Zborov to Poland is also noteworthy for visitors interested in nature.

Smilno has two relatively large ponds suitable for fishing. In the surrounding area, mushrooms, forest fruits, other fruits and herbs are collected seasonally. The surrounding meadows and forests offer the inhabitants of Smilno several opportunities for walks, making it possible to get to know the village through its landscape and not only through individual buildings.

Paths to the Pilgrimage Site and Through the Forest

Stolček Panny Márie is an important pilgrimage site for the inhabitants of Smilno. The site is located in the forest on Smilniansky vrch. From the cemetery side, a field path first leads to the hill, followed by a forest path. From a certain point at Stolček Panny Márie, the Tatras can be visible in clear weather.

Bicycle signs and information boards have been installed in Smilno for cyclists. The Bardejovský okruh offers a route option from Zborov in the direction of Smilno. In addition, the cycling route through Zverník forest includes a gentle ascent that is considered not difficult. These different trail features make it easier to understand the local routes: you can distinguish between access via field and forest paths, a route from Zborov and walking opportunities through the surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation and Further Comparison of Places

A guesthouse in Smilno offers accommodation for approximately 20 people. If you are considering Smilno as a base for your trip and would like to compare other places, you can also find Bardejov (Bardejov), Malcov (Malcov), Bardejovské Kúpele (Bardejovské Kúpele), Zborov (Zborov), Fričkovce (Fričkovce), Regetovka (Regetovka), Stebnícka Huta (Stebnícka Huta) and Bartošovce (Bartošovce).

For the higher-level travel overview: Bardejov.