Šariš Castle and its castle hill are the most prominent shared focal point for cultural and nature enthusiasts in Veľký Šariš. Other attractions include churches with different architectural histories, a town museum and the steam locomotive at the railway station. You can plan your days of discovery around the themes that interest you most: the history of the castle and its exhibitions, religious buildings, or nature on the castle hill.
Šariš Castle and the Castle Hill
Šariš Castle was first mentioned in a written record in 1245. It houses a historical exhibition. The “Alžbetka” bastion tower also contains an exhibition about alchemy and brewing. The first museum exhibition about the castle featured 350 archaeological finds dating from the 12th to the 17th century.
A guided tour of the Donjon lookout tower takes about 25 to 35 minutes. If you plan to take this tour, check the latest information before your visit. There is also a nature trail with 11 stops on the castle hill. Šarišský hradný vrch is a national nature reserve of volcanic origin, located within the cadastral area of Veľký Šariš. Rare plants grow there, including the grass-leaved iris and Turk’s cap lily. The castle, nature trail and nature reserve give the hill both historical and scenic significance.
Churches, Museum and Industrial Heritage
The Church of St James was originally a single-nave Romanesque-Gothic church and is now a three-nave church. Medieval wall paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries were discovered inside. The building thus reflects two distinct periods: its earlier single-nave form and its present three-nave structure, alongside the discovery of the medieval paintings.
The Chapel of St Elizabeth is an early Baroque religious building dating from the last third of the 17th century and was formerly used as a funerary chapel. Pilgrimages were held in the past on the feast day of St Elizabeth. The Chapel of St Cunigunde was built sometime after 1544 on the grounds of an Augustinian monastery. It has the only dedication to St Cunigunde in Slovakia. The town museum and Veľký Šariš Gallery are also part of the local cultural history: they have a museum and gallery space of 200 square metres. If you plan to visit, check access arrangements in advance.
The “Mlinská džurka” steam locomotive, built in 1882, is located on the grounds of Veľký Šariš railway station. It is not operational and is considered the oldest surviving steam locomotive in Slovakia. Its location at the station makes it a different point of interest from the castle and churches; it is a piece of technical heritage that bears witness to the town’s history.
Routes and Practical Information
The footpath from Veľký Šariš railway station to Šariš Castle follows a yellow-marked hiking trail. A busy section of the international EuroVelo 11 route also passes through Veľký Šariš. The tourist information centre provides an overview of cultural, sporting and tourist activities in the town and at the castle. You can also buy souvenirs related to Šariš Castle and products by local artists there.
The Veľký Šariš Archaeopark is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. Check the opening hours again before travelling. Another event to note is the New Year’s Eve climb to Šariš Castle, announced for 31 December 2026 as its 39th edition. If this event might fit your travel plans, check the latest programme information in advance.
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