Strážky Manor House It is one of the most beautiful historic towns in the Spiš region, where art, history and the peaceful atmosphere of an English-style park come together. Here you will find permanent exhibitions dedicated to the work of the painter Ladislav Mednyánszky, a historical portrait from the Spiš region and a rare historical library. The complex also includes a beautiful English park with statues, which offers a pleasant spot for a stroll and a rest.
Following its renovation, the manor house now houses the Slovak National Gallery, which presents a number of exhibitions here – historical furniture and interior accessories, works by Ladislav Mednyánszky, portraits from the 17th to 19th centuries, a historical library and various other exhibitions and displays. Visitors will also be enchanted by the large English-style park.
The Strážky manor house was built on the foundations of Gothic castlewhich is said to have been built on the ruins of a Templar monastery and is one of the oldest in Slovakia. Later owners, the Horváth-Stansith family, descended from a prominent Croatian noble family, gradually rebuilt the Gothic castle into a Renaissance manor house.
In 1588 Gregor Horváth-Stansith established an important humanist school in the family seat and between 1618 and 1628 he continued to rebuild the manor house, which at that time took on its present form. The original three-winged building was supplemented by a fourth wing after a fire in 1708, thus creating typical square plan with an inner courtyard.
In 1862, he moved into the manor house in Strážky Baron Eduard Mednyánszky. He brought with him from Beckov to Spiš Ladislav’s ten-year-old son, which later became a painter of European stature. During several stays at the family estate at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, this eminent artist painted a number of beautiful landscapes featuring original social elements.
The charm of the manor house is enhanced by the 19th-century English-style park. Together with the Gothic fortified Church of St Anne and the Renaissance belfry in the historic centre of the village, the manor house forms a national cultural monument.
Following its renovation, the manor house now serves as a venue for the Slovak National Gallery, which presents a number of exhibitions here – historical furniture and interior accessories, Ladislav Mednyánszky and Strážky (a painter who frequently stayed and worked here), portraits from the 17th to 19th centuries and other works, including seasonal exhibitions and displays.
The Slovak National Gallery acquired this building in 1972 by transfer after the death of its former owner, Baroness Margita Czóbel.
The park and a wide range of activities
The manor house was also the site of the reconstruction and revitalisation of the 19th century English park, where an exhibition of sculpture is currently installed. In addition to exhibition spaces, the Strážky Manor offers various music, drama and educational programmes. You will also find a park with a wheelchair-accessible exhibition of 20th-century Slovak sculpture.
SNG Strážky Manor House website
What’s there to see in the local area?
In 1862 Baron Eduard Mednyánszky moved into the manor house in Strážky. He brought his ten-year-old son Ladislav from Beckov to Spiš, who later became a European painter. During several stays in the family seat at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, this important artist painted several beautiful landscapes with original social components.
The charm of the mansion is multiplied by the 19th-century English park. Together with the Gothic fortified Church of St. Anne and the Renaissance bell tower in the historic centre of the village, the manor house is a national cultural monument.
After the reconstruction, the manor house is used by the Slovak National Gallery, which presents several exhibitions - historical furniture and interior accessories, Ladislav Mednyánszky and Strážky (a painter who often stayed and worked here), portraits from the 17th - 19th centuries and a historical library.
The Slovak National Gallery acquired this building in 1972 by transfer after the death of its former owner, Baroness Margita Czóbel.
The manor house was also the site of the reconstruction and revitalisation of the 19th century English park, where an exhibition of sculpture is currently installed. In addition to exhibition spaces, the Strážky Manor offers various music, drama and educational programmes. You will also find a park with a wheelchair-accessible exhibition of 20th-century Slovak sculpture.
Monday: closed Tuesday: closed Wednesday: 10:00-17:00 Thursday: 10:00-17:00 Friday: 10:00-17:00 Saturday: 10:00-17:00 Sunday: 10:00-17:00
