"Slovak Bethlehem" Rajecka Lesna by GentleSpirit

Rajecka Lesna Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 10 photos

The Village of Rajecka Lesna

I was a bit hesitant when my guide suggested we stop off at this little shrine in a village about 30 km from Zilina. It didn't look like much at the time, an ordinary little village like any other in the region. He winked, saying that i will love it.

You make your way from a small church......to a little shrine...
and there it is!

The Slovak Bethlehem is a carving by Jozef Pekara in the village of Rajecka Lesna. The full carving was finished in 2000.

Amazing Woodcarving

Slovak Bethlehem detail

In the center of the carving is the depiction of the birth of Christ. But the rest of the carving shows images of the mountains, cathedrals and castles of Slovakia. A history of Slovakia in brief. More importantly it shows daily scenes of the lives of Slovaks. It is, a masterpiece, a telling of the story of a nation and its people in miniature.

If you stay and gaze at the masterpiece you will notice the painstakingly careful portrayal of the Slovak, especially the common worker/farmer, something i was happy to see since so many grand epics tend to emphasize the grandeur of the monarch or leader. This instead emphasizes the quiet work of the common man in building the nation

slovak bethehem detail

Slovak Bethlehm is 8.5 meters wide and 3 meters high. Similar pieces (thematically) have been done in other countries, this is one of the largest.

Pros and Cons

Pros:woodcarving masterpiece
In a nutshell:a must see if you are in this part of Slovakia

Last visit to Rajecka Lesna: Dec 2010
Intro Updated Sep 26, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (3)

Visiting the Slovak Bethlehem - Rajecka Lesna

Visiting the Slovak Bethlehem Things to Do (2)

Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Monday-Closed Tuesday - Saturday 9.00 - 11.30 a.m. 1.00 - 5.30... more travel advice

Frivald-Rajecká Forest Things to Do (2)

The statue of the Virgin Mary located above the main altar of the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary... more travel advice

Feast of the Virgin Mary's Nativity Local Customs (1)

This takes place on September 8 every year. Attended by pilgrims more travel advice

Have you been to Rajecka Lesna? Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 16, 2012

1 photo

Slovak woodcarving and Slovak Bethlehem

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
LoriPori Oct 31, 2012 at 3:04 AM

These woodcarvings are absolutely stunning - certainly worth the extra time to go visit it.
Reply
- Report abuse
balhannah Jun 18, 2012 at 2:57 AM

Fantastic carving!
Reply
- Report abuse
Regina1965 Jun 14, 2012 at 4:18 AM

Lovely :)