Smilno brings together a Late Gothic church, the Marian pilgrimage site of Stolček Panny Márie, and a landscape of arable land, grassland and forest. Visitors choosing the village for a stay will find a range of themes to help plan their trip: architectural history and religious customs, as well as landscapes, cycling routes and seasonal natural produce. For some activities, it is worth checking the details in advance—for example, the time of a religious service, the route or local fishing regulations.
Church, Chapel and Local History
Smilno’s oldest building is the Late Gothic Church of St Stephen the King, dating from the late 13th century. It was remodelled in the Baroque style after a fire. Surviving features of the original church include a 15th-century Gothic window on the east side of the chancel, historic furnishings such as a bell and an altar, and a walled-up Gothic mascaron. Together, these details tell the story of different phases of construction and furnishing.
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary is a Neoclassical building with rustic features, dating from 1885. It stands in a secluded spot beyond the village. The custom of residents coming to the chapel on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, where religious services are held, continues to this day. If the date is important for your plans, check the exact time locally in advance. A symbolic cemetery in Smilno commemorates soldiers who fell in the First World War.
Traditional customs also offer insight into local history. In the past, Easter eggs were decorated with wax and dyed with natural colourings made from onion-skin and parsley infusions. Traditional Christmas dishes included beans, cabbage with potatoes, and plum-filled pirohy. “Fučky” were also among them; they were seasoned with water and honey. These traditional foods and handicraft techniques are part of the local cultural history.
Meadows, Forests and Nature
Arable land, permanent grassland and forest communities shape the landscape of Smilno. In the direction of Zborov are foxtail floodplain meadows, mesic pastures and grazed meadows, which are considered habitats of national importance. A bird migration corridor from Vranov nad Topľou to Poland also runs through Smilno and Zborov. These landscape features place the village within a broader natural context, though they do not all have the same character.
Stolček Panny Márie is an important pilgrimage site for the residents of Smilno, situated in the forest on Smilniansky vrch. From one spot at Stolček, the Tatras may be visible in clear weather, so the view depends on weather conditions. Seasonal foraging in the surrounding area includes mushrooms, wild berries, other fruits and herbs. Smilno also has two relatively large ponds suitable for fishing. Check local fishing regulations before fishing.
Planning Routes and Activities
The path to the hill with Stolček Panny Márie starts on the cemetery side, first following a farm track and then a forest path. Conditions may vary, so it is a good idea to check them before setting out. Signposts and information boards have been installed for cyclists in Smilno. The Bardejovský okruh offers a route option from Zborov in the direction of Smilno; check the route before setting off.
The cycling route through Zverník Forest includes a gentle climb that is considered easy. Conditions along the route can change with the seasons. Information about trail conditions, route direction and the climb helps distinguish different aspects of planning: the route from Zborov heads towards Smilno, while the description of the Zverník Forest section describes a particular climb.
Accommodation in Smilno
A guesthouse in Smilno offers accommodation for approximately 20 people. Check current availability directly with the provider when planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bardejov, Zborov, Stebnícka Huta, Malcov, Bartošovce, Fričkovce, Regetovka, Bardejovské Kúpele.
Go to the broader travel overview: Bardejov.
