The town of Humenné, often called the center of or gate to the Upper Zemplín, is located in the northeastern part of Slovakia, at the confluence of the Laborec and Cirocha rivers. All year-round attractive environment is full of places where visitors can enjoy culture, traditions, curiosities, history and picturesque nature all around.

The history of Humenné dates back to the times it was just an old Slavic settlement by the river Laborec. However, the found artifacts prove that the territory of the town was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. The first written record on Humenné dates from 1317. Today it is a developed modern city with a rich cultural, social and sports life.

The most popular tourist facility in the city is a Renaissance manor house with a large park. Its history dates back to the beginning of the 14th century and is connected with the lives of the Drugeth family, later the Csaky family and the Andrássy family. The manor was rebuilt and renovated several times. This national cultural monument is one of the largest buildings of this type in Slovakia.

Renesančný kaštieľ. Zdroj...

The manor houses the Vihorlat Museum, which, in addition to permanent attractive exhibitions, annually prepares a number of interesting exhibitions and cultural and social events for the public.

Vihorlatské múzeum. Zdroj f...

The oldest architectural monument in Humenné is the Gothic Roman Catholic Church of All Saints, which is connected to the monastery building. The builders of the church and the monastery were Franciscans. Today, the buildings are a national cultural monument.

Gotický kostol Humenné. Zdr...

Near the center there is an exhibition of folk architecture and housing.

The rugged terrain of the open-air museum houses farm houses, houses of locals, a blacksmith's workshop, a mill, as well as agricultural tools, wagons and other objects from the municipalities of the Upper Zemplín region. The dominant feature of the exhibition is a wooden church from Nová Sedlica built in 1764. These gems of folk architecture are admired by thousands of tourists every year.

Skanzen v Humennom. Zdroj fot...

One of the curiosities of the town is the statue of the Good Soldier Švejk. The legendary character from the novel by the Czech writer Jaroslav Hašek will welcome you with his good-natured smile right at the main railway station. Po stopách dobrého vojaka Švejka (In the Footsteps of the Good Soldier Švejk) is the name of the 52-kilometer bike trail which begins in the saddle Laborecké sedlo and ends in front of the statue of Švejk.

Švejk. Zdroj foto: Jano Što...

The positive vibe of the town of Humenné is completed by the relaxation area on the river Laborec. The place between the Valaškovský bridge and the Sninský railway bridge is great for fishing and relaxation by the water. There is also water bikes and boats rental. The Laborec river is a great place to enjoy various water activities. The most interesting section flows through Radvaň nad Laborcom, Humenné and further up to Strážské.

The old 119-year-old metal Valaškovský bridge is a rarity. It was built with "hot" thread-joining technology, like the Eiffel Tower or the Titanic. The bridge survived two world wars, floods and now is a popular place with couples.

On the northern outskirts of the city is a suburban relaxation area Hubková. This popular area is a forest park with ponds and fireplaces. It is a great place for a pleasant walk, running and cycling.

The local Jewish cemetery, which is one of the largest and at the same time the oldest in Slovakia, is also a great place to visit. Important citizens of the city are buried there, too. According to historical data, the cemetery was established in 1828.

Židovský citorín. Zdroj fo...

The ancient ruins of the Jasenov Castle and the Brekov Castle are important parts of the history of the town and the region, too. Time has been kind to these medieval guards. The castles guarded an important trade route and the border zone. For a long time, the castles were owned by Drugeths who also owned the Humenský manor house. Jasenov Castle is famous for its money shop and a long underground corridor. 

Brekovský hrad. Zdroj foto:...

Today, castles are easily accessible and their surroundings are well maintained. The castle hills provide beautiful panoramic views of the Laborec valley, the town of Humenné, the surrounding villages and the region.

Jasenovský hrad. Zdroj foto:...

Magnificent natural scenery can be admired from the national nature reserve Humenský sokol, which is part of the Humenské Mountains. From the top of Červená skala (The Red Rock) (477 meters above sea level) you can enjoy the view of the town of Humenné, Brekov Castle, Jasenov Castle, the village of Jasenov and the surrounding countryside.

It is definitely worth to go hiking on the Humenský sokol nature trail. Do not miss the remarkable Dúpna Cave with a massive portal which remembers the times when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

Titulná foto: Jano Štovka, MQEP

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