Article Slovakia for local crafts

Slovakia has an exceptional number of handicraft legacies that have been handed down through generations, thanks to people passionate about lasting values and honoring the country’s history. The artistry and care imbued in traditionally made products is inspiring.

In Modra, a captivating town nestled in the heart of the Lesser Carpathian region, the art of pottery took root and blossomed. The name “Modra” itself means “blue”, a reflection of the vibrant blue patterns that have become the unmistakable signature of Modra pottery. Artisans of the Habán sect of Christians, who came to the area of present-day Modra from Switzerland in the 17th century, perfected the art of decorating the local ceramic objects. Modra pottery is still a much sought-after souvenir for its interesting history, traditional aesthetics, and functionality. Thanks to its rich pottery tradition, this charming Carpathian town was added to the Council of Europe’s European Ceramic Route in 2023. Modra’s majolica and its ornamentation are also included on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Slovakia, a testament to its cultural significance and enduring beauty.

Put down the game console and get ready to unleash your imagination with the amazing toys crafted from beech wood and adorned with beautiful carved ornamentation and vibrant pops of color. Welcome to the incredible world of Kyjatice toys, also listed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Slovakia. Thanks to the passion and dedication of Mr. Ladislav Hedvigi, one of the last masters of this craft, this 150-year-old tradition has been preserved and its production has been restored. These beautiful, artistic wooden toys feature natural motifs and, in addition to being fun games, are increasingly sought after as decoration. Enrich your world with toys from the Gemer region and discover a new aesthetic dimension in the world of games at the newly renovated craft workshop. Under expert guidance, you can hone your skills in carving and painting original Kyjatice toys.

Welcome to Topoľa, a unique and vibrant craft center in the eastern Slovak village of Topoľa, nestled in the stunning the Poloniny mountains. Here, under the passionate leadership of Jaroslav Lechan and his family, you’ll find a world of unparalleled flavors and cherished values. This hidden gem is a must-visit for lovers of traditional ways of life and adventurers from all corners of the globe.  From processing an ancient grain variety to baking bread, visitors can try out all kinds of the activities and see for themselves how they affect the final product’s flavor. The irresistible aroma of bread and the joy of returning to your roots is so infectious that you will be tempted to stay in this pure world forever. So visit Topoľa, you won’t regret it!