Objects of folk architecture Čičmany

Čičmany, the highest village in the Žilina district, is located in the basin of the Strážov Hills at the source of the Rajčianka River. The village has roots dating back to the year one thousand two hundred and seventy-two. Čičmany is famous especially for its unique painted log wooden houses with characteristic white ornamental decoration. These ornaments originally originated as a functional protection of the wood with lime paint and developed into their present form after the year one thousand nine hundred and twenty-one, inspired by local embroidery motifs. Because of their uniqueness, the lower part of the village was declared a conservation area of folk architecture in the year one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven. In the past, the inhabitants were mainly engaged in agriculture, cattle and sheep breeding. They were also engaged in forestry work, glassmaking and, after the First World War, sold haberdashery and woollen slippers around their houses. Equally remarkable is Čičmian folk clothing, which is dominated by the white colour of home-produced linen and woollen cloth. The costume is richly decorated with embroidery in shades of white, yellow, orange and ochre. This traditional garment is still worn by the inhabitants on festive occasions. Today, you can visit two museum exhibitions in Čičmany managed by the Považské múzeum in Žilina - in Raden's house and in house number forty-two, where you can admire the traditional way of life, crafts and customs of the local inhabitants.