The late Gothic Roman Catholic Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vranov nad Topľou was built in 1580. The former Pauline monastery is attached to the church; it has a Baroque portal and a valuable fresco inside. This architectural complex thus brings together late Gothic church architecture and Baroque details. To arrange a tour of the basilica, you can contact the Sever Roman Catholic parish office.
Churches, Monastery, and Places of Remembrance
The Jewish cemetery in Vranov was established in the 18th century and added to the state register of cultural monuments in 1963. Below Čičva Castle is the Barkóczy family crypt, built in 1909 in the Neo-Romanesque style and open to tourists. The cemetery and crypt represent different historic places of remembrance in the district.
The Hanušovce nad Topľou Archaeopark is a living open-air archaeological museum. Its five dwellings represent five periods, from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Visitors can, among other things, work with a stone axe, weigh bronze or iron swords, and grind grain on a rotary quern; the specific program may vary. The permanent exhibitions inside Hanušovce nad Topľou Castle are inaccessible due to renovation work. The archaeological exhibition in the castle cellar and the Archaeopark are accessible. Check accessibility before your visit.
At the Zámutov House of Folk Traditions, you can see old furniture, textiles, pictures, and implements from traditional rural households. Visits are possible at any time by prior telephone arrangement; the operators offer explanations of the exhibits. This offers a chance to shift your focus from archaeological periods to life in rural households.
River Floodplains, Peaks, and Trails
Okres Vranov Nad Topľou stretches across the Vranovská pahorkatina hills and the floodplains of the Ondava and Topľa rivers. Veľká Domaša is a multipurpose waterworks in the district and is considered its main recreational center. The region’s defining geographical features therefore include both river landscapes and the waterworks.
At 1,092 meters, Šimonka is the highest point in the Slanské vrchy mountains and offers panoramic views. The summit can be reached from Zámutov, Hermanovce nad Topľou, Hlinné, or Rudlov in Okres Vranov nad Topľou. Check trail conditions locally before choosing your route.
The Oblík National Nature Reserve includes the eponymous 925-meter-high mountain in the cadastral area of Hermanovce nad Topľou. A nature trail with four stops runs through Oblík; it can be reached from Hermanovce nad Topľou or Petrovce via yellow- and blue-marked hiking trails.
A paved trail section offers another way to get outdoors: the 2.6-kilometer section of the Zámutovská kolejka forestry nature trail can be covered by bicycle, on inline skates, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller. Surface conditions may change, so check them before your visit.
Park, Railway Viaduct, and Regional Cuisine
Grófsky park Tovarné is a preserved remnant of the park that once belonged to Count Hadik-Barkóci’s castle. It was laid out in the style of an English landscape garden, with paths and hunting trails. Near the park there is a rest area with a pavilion and seating, as well as a replica of the count’s gate.
The Hanušovský Viaduct is part of an operating railway line. Tourists are not allowed to cross it on foot; you can view and photograph it safely from below and from the surrounding roads and paths. Check local notices before your visit.
Regional cuisine is also part of exploring the district: the program for the 2026 Hornozemplínske Folklore Festival includes regional dishes and local gastronomic specialties. If you plan to attend the festival, check the specific event dates.
Discover more destinations: Holcíkovce, Nova Kelca, Bystré, Vranov Nad Topľou, Slovenská Kajňa, Kvakovce, Okres Sabinov, Okres Stropkov.
Go to the regional travel overview: Prešov.
