The village of Čičmany

The picturesque village of Čičmany, with the highest altitude in the Žilina district (655 m), is located near the source of the River Rajčianka in the Strážov Hills. The first historical mention of the village dates back to 1272. The name Čičmany has probably an Indo-European origin, which means "a settlement in the hills – Vrchovany“. Inhabitants of the village were mainly occupied with agriculture, cattle and sheep (production and sale of sheep cheese). The adverse socio-economic conditions created a number of additional jobs. People from Čičmany worked as forest labourers or glaziers. After World War I they hawked haberdashery and cloth slippers. Some left for seasonal agricultural work in France, Austria, Germany, the United States and Canada, where many settled permanently. Adverse natural conditions, lack of job opportunities, and distance from urban areas have caused the gradual depopulation of the village. As a result, the initially densely populated village became a village with a small population.

Ancient and unique architecture
The village is known for its ancient and unique architecture, which, especially in the lower part of the village, features "ginger-bread houses". The white ornamental decoration of the houses was originally functional – varnished limestone protected the wood from the adverse conditions. The themes of the ornaments on the houses are inspired by the local handmade embroidery.
Between 1907 and 1921, the village was hit by numerous fires. New houses were built like the original ones – from wood. The complex of folk architecture in Čičmany was declared a historical preservation site in 1977.

Other remains of the village Čičmany
From the brick buildings in the village, we recommend you visit the baroque Church of the Elevation of the St. Cross, which was built on the foundations of an earlier building, probably the bell tower from 1669, by a donor Pavol Šeréni and repaired in 1798. In the upper part of the village is located a preserved manor house, built in the baroque - classicist style from the 18th century. The place on the left of the manor house, where there is a brick service building, is still called "Pánska humná" (Manorial barn), according to the original building. It is interesting that in the 18th century there was already a school in Čičmany. The first school building was erected by its citizens in 1790.

The village of Čičmany is also well known for its live traditions.

Považské Museum in Žilina has established an exhibition illustrating the life and work of Čičmany folk in the house known as Raden’s house and an exhibition of traditional lifestyles in House number 42.

Distance from Žilina: 41 km