Zborov: Castle Ruins, Churches and Culture

Zborov combines striking castle ruins with churches, chapels, cemeteries and trails through a landscape rich in history. Those looking for accommodation in Zborov can therefore plan their stay according to different interests: a short but steep climb to the castle, cultural and historical sites in the town, or longer routes on foot and by bicycle.

Makovica Castle Ruins and the Castle Hill

Zborov Castle, also known as Makovica, is a castle ruin above Zborov. The complex was built in the 14th century to protect the trade route to Poland. The quickest walking route begins in the Zborov-podhradie district, follows the yellow trail markings, takes about 30 minutes and includes a steep ascent. When planning your day, it is important to decide whether you want to climb directly to the castle or prefer a longer circular route.

The hill of Zborov Castle has been protected since 1926 and was designated a state nature reserve in 1950. The protection focuses in particular on several centuries-old pedunculate oaks along the access path to the castle. A visit to the castle thus combines historic architecture with a tangible impression of the landscape.

Churches, Chapels and Exhibitions

At Šerédyho Manor, the exhibition “History of the Makovica Estate” presents the history, ethnography and natural conditions of the Makovica estate through exhibits as well as extensive visual and textual material. St Sophia Church is another focal point. The 17th-century religious building was originally part of the extensive Rákoci Manor, was destroyed during the First World War and ceremonially reopened in March 2022 after reconstruction work. The church was built in 1640 in pure Renaissance style with two towers. During the 2026 summer tourist season, it is open from 1 May to 30 September on Thursdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 18:00.

St Margaret Church dates back to the first half of the 14th century. Its design is connected with the Strasbourg Gothic movement that passed through the area around 1330. The south chapel retains fully preserved stucco ornaments from 1663; the chapel is considered one of the most valuable monuments in present-day Zborov. Directly beside it stands the octagonal St Anne's Chapel from the early 18th century, with a lantern dome. Its furnishings include a rare Baroque altar with statues of John the Baptist and Paul the Hermit.

Further historic points of interest are located in various parts of the town: the Chapel of the Crucified Savior was built in 1757 at the upper end of the town on the road to present-day Chmeľová. On the northern side of Zborov stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which was rebuilt in 1921 and consecrated on 24 May 1922. The chapel in the Roman Catholic cemetery is considered the oldest building in the built-up area and was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. On the western side, the Batek Family Chapel, with its founder's inscription from 1875, also commemorates the Malirsz family. The Funeral Chapel is an important national cultural monument; its roof was restored in 2024.

Cemeteries and Memorial Sites

The Jewish Cemetery in Zborov was established at the beginning of the 18th century and used until the middle of the 20th century. Ignác Ansel, the last rabbi of Zborov, is also buried there. The German Military Cemetery is divided into four burial fields; a total of 1,137 German soldiers are buried there. Another historical memorial is the Czechoslovak Army Memorial: it was unveiled on 29 April 1928 on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in a newly laid-out triangular park beside the Alley of 100 Lime Trees.

Routes for Trip Planning

In addition to the short climb to the castle, the Bardejov Spa–Zborov Castle Hill educational trail offers a longer alternative. It is designed as a five-hour circular route via Zborov-podhradie and Zborov Castle, is 8 km long and has six information boards. For a different type of trip, the Makovická cycle route runs for 52.5 km through Zborov. This allows you to decide even before looking for accommodation whether your trip should focus more on individual cultural sites, a longer educational trail or a bike tour. The different route lengths and the steep climb to the castle ruins are factors to include in your daily planning.

For further orientation, you can also include the pages on Bardejovské Kúpele, Smilno, Stebnícka Huta, Bartfeld, Malcov, Fričkovce, Regetovka and Bartošovce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bardejov.