Veľký Šariš Archaeological Park It offers an unconventional way of discovering what everyday life was like for people in the Middle Ages. It is situated beneath Šariš Castle and provides an insight into what life was like in the settlement at the foot of the castle in around the 12th century. Visitors will find not only the usual information boards, but also reconstructed buildings built using traditional techniques and natural materials. The Archaeological Park thus provides a vivid picture of what the dwellings, farmsteads and daily life of the medieval inhabitants of Šariš might have looked like.
What the medieval settlement at the foot of the castle looked like
The Veľký Šariš Archaeological Park site is a protected area wooden rampart with an entrance watchtower. Behind it lies a complex of reconstructed buildings that illustrate various aspects of life in a medieval community. The predominant building material is wood, supplemented by stone, clay, wicker and straw. A characteristic feature of the individual buildings is their thatched roofs.
The complex includes The farmer’s house, which provides an insight into the life of a wealthier resident of the town below the castle and the economic conditions of medieval Šariš. A separate A farmer’s house It is a simple, single-room dwelling with a structure made of woven wicker and a clay-and-straw render. Adjoining the main dwelling is a smaller outbuilding used for keeping animals.
Medieval crafts and everyday life
The Archaeological Park focuses primarily on the daily life of a person in the Middle Ages. The educational displays in the individual buildings provide an insight into the work of a farm manager, a peasant or a craftsman. Visitors can thus gain a better understanding of how a farm operated, what materials were used in the construction of dwellings, and what role the crafts of the time played.
The Archeopark project also includes live demonstrations of historical activities. During events, for example, the following can be seen on the site: woodcarving, beekeeping, weaving, wool processing, livestock farming, coin minting and the manufacture of medieval armour. The Archaeological Park therefore serves not only as a place of learning, but also as a space for experiential learning.
Archaeological Park below Šariš Castle
Its location beneath one of the region’s most significant medieval castles provides the site with a natural historical context. Šariš Castle It was first mentioned in writing in 1245, and its history dates back to the period when the Kingdom of Hungary was being formed. Archaeological finds also confirm that the castle hill was inhabited as far back as prehistoric times.
A visit to the Archaeological Park can therefore be combined with a climb up to the castle, creating a comprehensive day out dedicated to the history of Veľký Šariš. Whilst the castle represents the centre of power, defence and administration of the region, the Archaeopark offers an insight into the everyday lives of the people who lived in the settlement below the castle.
Veľký Šariš Archaeological Park It is an ideal destination for families with children, schools, tourists and anyone who wishes to learn about history in a vivid way through historical re-enactments. In front of the site there is a car park, a shelter for visitors and toilets.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
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Information
Veľký Šariš Archaeological Park It is also an interesting place thanks to its regular themed events. Throughout the year, it hosts medieval markets, craft demonstrations and family programmes, which enrich a visit with hands-on experiences.
A modern feature of the complex is a virtual guide in the Šariš dialect. This is the first project of its kind in Slovakia, which, during a guided tour, brings to life the history of life below the castle through the regional dialect. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
It is worth visiting the Archaeological Park in conjunction with Šariš Castle. Both sites are situated in the immediate vicinity and form a natural historical trail, tracing the lives of ordinary people living in the settlement below the castle right up to the setting of the medieval castle itself.
The site is open all year round, although its opening hours and facilities may vary depending on the season and the programme of events. The town of Veľký Šariš and the castle’s administrator publish the current dates of events.
