Sabinov combines a distinctive historic cityscape with a unique film history: the Czechoslovak film Obchod na korze was shot here and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966. The city also offers an urban woodland and recreation area, as well as seasonal swimming facilities. When choosing the city for a trip, visitors can weigh up architecture and exhibitions, walks in green surroundings, and activities available in the relevant season.
City History Between the Church and the Streets
The Gothic Roman Catholic Church, dedicated to John the Baptist, defines the historic centre. Its main altar is considered the church’s most valuable feature. Several townhouses on Námestie slobody were originally built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. A walk through the historic centre around the square and along the adjoining streets offers views of bastions and walls from the former town fortifications. The fortifications, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, are among Sabinov’s most significant monuments. The Piarist Grammar School and a Renaissance bell tower are also among the city’s sights.
Film History and Cultural Insights
Obchod na korze offers a tangible connection to local film history: the film was shot in Sabinov and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966. A permanent exhibition at the Cultural Information Centre is dedicated to the film. Check the exhibition arrangements before visiting. The centre is located in a former townhouse at Námestie slobody 62 and provides visitors with information and promotional materials. If you want to use specific materials, check their current availability in advance.
Other exhibitions also focus on the city’s history. V PAMÄTI NAPÍSANÉ explores treasures from the historic libraries and archives of the former Free Royal Town of Sabinov. The municipal cultural centre carries regional folk traditions forward through folk groups, performances and showcases. The cultural offering thus covers both historical topics and living regional folklore.
Woodland and Views
Lesopark Švabľovka is an urban woodland and recreation area for walks and active outdoor pursuits. On Šanca stands a wooden lookout tower with views of Sabinov and the surrounding area. The park offers a different focus from the historic buildings in the city centre: here, the emphasis is on woodland, activity and the view. These two perspectives can be considered as separate interests when planning a trip, without combining them into a fixed walking route.
Seasonal Activities and Dates
For the 2026 season, Mestské kúpalisko Sabinov lists a children’s pool, a 25-metre leisure pool and a 50-metre swimming pool. This season’s facilities also include a beach volleyball court, badminton courts, an area with a table tennis table, and a children’s playground. Opening hours and operating conditions are seasonal; check them before planning a visit.
Sabinov Town Days, featuring the Market of Sabinov, take place every year in June. The programme may vary from year to year. The programme for Sabinovský jarmok 2026 listed, among other things, langos, gyros, trdelník, mead and cheese as food and sales offerings. Individual vendors change from year to year, so the offerings in any one programme should not be considered a permanent selection.
Discover more destinations: Lipany, Drienica.
View the broader travel overview: Okres Sabinov.
