SK: Liptov – When it rained in “paradise” I

We planned a visit of open-air museum in Pribylina and a museum of Povazska Forest Railroad right for the first day. On following days we only had few moments between rains to go mushrooming, bike trip, or short walk.

In the region of  Liptov , there is not just beautiful and irreplaceable nature you can “consume” for a hwole year. It is a region that has its own kind of people who are living in harmony with it and, at the same time, to get maximum out of it. We speak about trade –an old salt road went through here – and regarding crafts. Craftsmen known across whole Slovakia were masons, and carpenters. They were known not only in Slovakia but in Vienna and Budapest as well.

The majority of local population was engaged in this. Then they worked in agriculture with special attention to sheep, and they also did crafts related to sheep products. Also important was timber industry and hunting. We can’t forget plant production, production of honey and orchading.

Well, have I forget some thing they did it is certain that the museum of pastoral farming in Liptovsky Hradek didn’t. Together with open-air museum in Pribylina it is a part of the Liptov Museum in Ruzomberok.

The building where the museum is located, was built in the beginning of the 18th century. It used to be a residence of the Copper Office and also the office of Royal Salt Storage. When it was undergoing renovation original interior decorations, paintings, or arches were used. This is not only good for displayed items but it gives you a feeling of the past.

The first floor is a place where a prefect of Likavske and Hradecke dominion lived. It is decorated similarly as other castles and noble houses. There are hunting trophies, paintings, inlaid furniture, old textiles, china and other daily live items of the rich.

There is a rich exhibition in the attic related to shepherd’s culture. Especially for me, a Polabska plain inhabitant, it was surprising how importance of displayed items goes beyond region and even nation. From replicas of huts that used original features, to many wooden bowls for sheep milk and other products made of it. Shepherds also produced wool and manufactured leather. I was interested not only by satchels but also by metal decorations, clips and it also surprised me that shepherds used to wear sturdy brass rings.

Not only work is part of men’s life. One part of the museum is devoted to musical instruments and special place is reserved for bells, bigger or smaller, that cows and sheep wore.

When I remember an exhibition of woodcarvers I have to remember also local historical figure - Juro Janosik, a bandit depicted on several wood pieces. There are also clothes of shepherds that remind of his fame.

To be continued...

Text/photo: Miroslava Kapalová