Čičmany

Coordinates: 48°57′N 18°31′E / 48.95°N 18.517°E / 48.95; 18.517

Čičmany
Village
Folk architecture in Čičmany
Country	Slovakia
Region	Žilina
District	Žilina
Elevation	655 m (2,149 ft)
Coordinates	48°57′N 18°31′E / 48.95°N 18.517°E / 48.95; 18.517
Area	9.00 km2 (3 sq mi)
Population	204 (2004-12-31)
Density	23 / km2 (60 / sq mi)
Postal code	013 15
Area code	+421-0 43
Car plate	ZA
Location of Čičmany in Slovakia
Location of Čičmany in the Žilina Region
Wikimedia Commons: Čičmany
Statistics: MOŠ/MIS
Website: www.cicmany.viapvt.sk

Čičmany (Hungarian: Csicsmány, German: Zimmermannshau) is a village and municipality in Žilina District in the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia. It is known as the first folk architecture reserve in the world (founded in 1977).

History

The first preserved reference to the village dates from 1272. After a great fire in 1921, the village was restored to its original appearance with generous contributions by the state. Until the mid-20th century, the village was a centre of sheep raising.

Geography

The municipality lies at an altitude of 655 metres and covers an area of 25.611 km². It has a population of about 204 people.

Culture

Timbered houses with ridge roofs, galleries and pointed or linear wall decorations have been preserved in Čičmany. Of particular interest are the very specific white patterns which are painted on the exterior walls of the houses to decorate them. The local folk music, special folk costumes and folk dances of the village have been preserved as well.

External links

• http://www.cicmany.info
• http://www.cicmany.viapvt.sk/
• http://www.peacegallery.com/europe/slovakia/slovakia11.htm
• http://www.mestozilina.sk/sprievodca/mesto/okolie/cicmany.html