Smrdaky

History of the Smrdaky city

Smrdaky resort is very popular among holidaymakers due to its unique mineral water springs and sulphurous muds, the healing properties of which are harmoniously combined with the picturesque forest landscapes. Once there was a prehistoric sea on the territory of the modern resort, which disappeared thousands of years ago, but left behind deposits of minerals. Thanks to this, the healing springs of Smrdaky are saturated with hydrogen sulphide, and the healing resources of the resort have been returning people to health for centuries. It was thanks to its springs that the once small town of Smrdaky became famous in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and far beyond.

The first settlements of the Little Carpathians appeared at the dawn of time. On the territory of today's resort there lived shepherds, who helped to form a small settlement Nova Ves. Soon, because of the specific properties and smell of mud, these lands were renamed into the present name of Smrdaky. The first written mention of the city dates back to 1617 year. In his work on the healing properties of the springs, Smrdaky mentioned one of the landowners, Majteny-Novak, who lived here. Later, in 1763, doctor Jan Gottmann came here and analyzed the waters of the mineral springs, describing their healing properties.

The first spa building on the Smrdakov territory was built by the owner of this land, landowner and deputy head of the district council Jozef Vietoris in 1833 year. The spa hotel "Mir", built in the style of classicism, received guests and holidaymakers from all over Europe. By the way, this spa hotel is still functioning and is one of the historical symbols of the resort. At the same time, by order of Vietoris, the swamps were drained and the park with many rare species of trees was established. Now this park has grown and occupies an area of 16 hectares, being a favorite place for walks of all residents and guests of Smrdaky. Thus, the Smrdaky city became a recognized health resort in Slovakia as early as the 19th century, and since then the healing properties of its springs and muds have been available to all those seeking healing.

Attractions of Smrdaky resort

Spa Park

The spa park is a favourite place for walks for locals and visitors alike. The once impenetrable swamps that existed at the beginning of the 19th century now there is a beautiful park. In 1833, here the landowner Jozef Vietoris planted the first landing, which turned into a small forest park, and then into a landscaped resort park with alleys, flowering flower beds, cozy gazebos and bizarre sculptures. Old deciduous and coniferous trees grow on the territory, some of which are more than a hundred years old, as well as rare species of flowers and shrubs. Thanks to landscaping and thoughtful lighting, the park, especially in the evening, turns into a magical garden.

St. Martin of Tours Church

St. Martin Church is one of the oldest buildings in Smrdaky. It is an ancient place of worship, which existed when nobody even heard about the present city. Later a monumental temple was built here, the original building dates back to the 17th century, although the foundation of the first church on this site already existed in the 15th century. Since then, the temple tower with two bells and the organ made in the workshops of Martin Sasku in 1862 year have been well preserved. You can still hear the organ during masses here and be amazed at its amazingly clear sound, despite the past years. By the way, near the church there is an ancient cemetery of the 17th century with ancient graves dating back to earlier centuries.

Spa Hotel "Mir"

The building "Mir" has an important historical significance for the Smrdaky resort. It was the first spa hotel built on the territory of the city in the 19th century, which still receives guests and is the hallmark of the resort. It regularly hosts exhibitions, music evenings and concerts.

For those who want to leave town for a picnic or sightseeing in the surrounding area, you can choose:

Kuns Lake (~10 km)

Picturesque place to relax in nature. There are also carps in the lake, so fishing and boating are possible.

City Skalica (~20 km)

In Skalica, guests can enjoy the medieval sights - the Romanesque rotunda of St. George of the 12th century, the Gothic church of St. Michael, several ancient Jesuit, Pauline and Franciscan monasteries and temples, as well as manor estates preserved from the XVIII-XIX centuries, and a renaissance mansion of the beginning of the last century.

Red Stone Castle (~30 km)

The castle, called Cerveny Kamen, is one of the most beautiful in the Lesser Carpathians and best preserved in Slovakia. The castle is a medieval building of the 12th century, built from red stone, with powerful fortifications, a developed defense system and extensive underground passages. It was built by order of the Slovakia Queen Constance, the wife of Ottokar I, and was royal property, and later passed to the Fugger family. Now the building houses a museum with more than 13000 exhibits, including those in the art gallery. Guests can also take a look at the palace furnishings in the 24 rooms of the castle, the old library and the family chapel, the armoury, the pharmacy, the 17th century arcade, the falconry, the wine cellar and, of course, the underground passage with the cellars of the former prison casemates.

Of particular interest to tourists is the castle in the summer months, when there are evening excursions with guides dressed in medieval costumes and in the light of torches. It will also be useful to visit day tours on various topics, such as the system of fortification of the castle with the inspection of all its bastions, the castle wall and moat. The castle often hosts music concerts, tastings, craft fairs and festivals with knightly tournaments.

Festivals and events in Smrdaky

The resort celebrates all the traditional festivals, arranging folk festivals. Resort season in Smrdaky opens a craft festival. The event includes a fair where you can buy folk art, take part in various workshops such as basket making or making pottery, and have fun listening to folk music and tasting local cuisine.

What to bring from Smrdaky?

When choosing souvenirs for friends and relatives, Smrdaky guests are advised to take a closer look at:

Handicraft products

In Smrdaky, at fairs or in souvenir shops, you can buy beautiful pottery with bright ethnic paintings. You can immediately pick up a tablecloth embroidered with colored threads or ribbons for the service. It is also worth paying attention to clothing embroidered with traditional patterns, dolls in beautiful Slovakia outfits, wooden flutes with carvings, Slovakia Janosik hats and homespun rugs.

Drinks

Slovakia is famous for its traditional alcoholic drinks, which can only be tasted here. Therefore, resting in Smrdaky, you should not miss the opportunity to buy for yourself and friends as a gift juniper vodka, called borovicka, or sweet and savoury liqueurs from plums and pears.

Cheese

In Slovakia, cheese production is widely developed and the most unusual products of various shapes, shades and additives are made here. For example, it is possible to take home sheep cheese "korbacik" in the form of cheese braid with spices, orange cheese with sweet pepper or spicy smoked cheese "ostiepok".

Ceramics

Souvenir shops in Smrdaky resort offer famous Slovak porcelain and Modran ceramics. The technology of Modran ceramics production dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. Ceramic products of this type are most often bluish-blue and green painted, and are as highly valued as Gzhel ceramics.