SK, Orava – The Town of Hruštín

The town of Hrušín has more than 3200 people. It is located right in the center between the town of Námestovo and Dolný Kubín. There is also one of the most preserved and most beautiful castles, Orava Castle. The history of town began in the mid 16th century, it was due to dense forests there. More intensive colonization began in mid 16th century in Oravském Zamagurí. This region, untouched by man’s hand, was first settled by shepherds who settled along the rivers Biela Orava or Hruštínka. Oravian castle nobility closely related to foundation of the town of Hruštín. The nobility tried to attract new settlers by offering them land. In the year 1588 , there were first notes of the town of Hruštín.

Local Tehdejší obyvatelé se živili převážně zemědělstvím, konkrétně pěstováním brambor a obilí. Také chovali dobytek. Řemeslná výroba se zaměřovala hlavně na potřeby zemědělství. Obydlí byla stavěna výhradně ze dřeva, protože dřevo byl jediný dostupný materiál. Zajímavé bylo i nedávno minulé dvacáté století, kdy v obci nastal rozmach spolků. Vznikl dobrovolný hasičský spolek, panský a potravinový spolek, spolek Červeného kříže, Matice slovenské a různé další kulturní spolky.

In what ways Hruštín differs from other towns?
Its architecture, for example. According to the specific house architecture in Hruštín that spread to other towns of Orava, the Hruštín house was defined. Its twice broken shields are characteristic feature of it. Another typical feature of the region is its dialect that uses the “uo” suffix, or there are words in the language of locals strange to others. Even some books were published using this beautiful dialect. Essential is a church in the town. The church in Hruštín was built in the 1631 and it is devoted to St John the Baptist. In the beginning the church was one-navy, spacy and of classical style, it had partially forward tower with a dome.

There is also an elementary school, restaurant, hotel, penisions and the Hruštín Town Convention Center that used to be one of the largest cultural landmarks of Orava. Even today there are celebrations, weddings and concerts. In the present, Hruštín is a very pleasant place for life. It gives its inhabitants every basic facilities and services they need.

The town’s vicinity offers unusual sporting possibilities, except of beautiful hilly terrain. In winter, cross-country skiing is very popular as many competitions where families take part indicate. Except this, there are two ski resorts nearby. The Vlek Príslop is intended for beginners and the SKI Zábava, a new complex ski resort, is intended for advanced skiers. In the summer season, visitors can experience some adrenaline on the Hruštínská Gearbox, an offroad event. Less adventurous types will enjoy “Oravian muschroom hunt” or a trip to Puchmajer Lake. This geomorphological curiosity is actually a little lake 5 to 6 meters deep. It is a protected structure with many legends related to it. Even ordinary grass cutting was transformed to difficult but particularly entertaining competition known as the Hruštínská Scythe. The town boasts with its own firing range. Well, we can continue on and on for a really long time. The best would be if you go there by yourself. It is better to see once than to hear twice.

The town of Hruštín will attract many visitors. Well, why not when the Slovakian town connects many interesting places and events?!

Text and photo: Oskar Mažgút