In the year 1552, a pivotal figure named Mr. Greguss Zázdriwský made his mark by settling in what is now the village of Zázrivá. Alongside his descendants, he initiated the extensive clearing of dense forests, paving the way for agriculture and the sowing of grain. It took centuries of dedicated effort for the landscape of Zázrivá to evolve into its current form.
The evolution of the village’s name is documented through various historical records, with its first mention in 1556 as “Zazrywa”. Subsequent references include variations like “Zazdrywa” and “Zazrywa” in 1564, and “Zaschriwa” in 1786, with the Hungarian version being “Zázriva.”
Zázrivá was established within the jurisdiction of the Orava Castle estate, characterized as a Wallachian village. By 1556, the village’s initial written mention suggests a modest population fluctuating between 150 to 200 inhabitants. During the warmer months, these early settlers, along with their livestock, would migrate to the nearby mountainous regions to graze, returning to today’s Ústředie as winter approached. Over time, familial settlements began to emerge in the summer grazing areas, leading to the development of communities such as Ráztoky, Havrania, Petrová, Biela, Končitá, Grúne, Kozinská, Demkovská, Plešivá, and Dolina.
By 1615, the territorial borders of Zázrivá were officially defined. A census just four years later recorded the presence of 11 Wallachian peasant families and 5 landless zeliars. By this time, the village had already established a mill and a man’s sawmill, while the first documented inn wouldn’t appear until 1667.
The village faced significant adversities during the Bocskay Uprising, leading to a period of disrepair amid the Kurukshetra Wars. During this turbulent time, the once-thriving community dwindled to approximately 27 families and around 140 residents. The land registry from 1770, however, recognized Zázrivá for its rich resources, including abundant woodlands, fertile pastures, notable shingle production, and especially for its lucrative dairy operations. The foundation of the parish office in 1747 marked a new era, and the original wooden church, built in 1705, was eventually replaced by a more durable brick Roman Catholic church in 1791. The census of 1778 recorded 1,107 individuals residing in 14 rales.
Education was also a focus in the village, with the school in Ústredí (then known as Centrum) mentioned as early as 1754, highlighting the educator Martin Juriga in the official records. As history unfolded, Zázrivá experienced notable population growth, with the first census in Hungary revealing a total of 2,030 inhabitants. By 1828, the village boasted 361 houses and 2,598 residents, although they endured significant hardships, including chronic poverty and frequent outbreaks of epidemic diseases. Despite these challenges, the population continued to rise, and by 1870, Zázrivá had increased to 543 houses with the same population count of 2,598.
The political and social landscape shifted following 1848, as Zázrivá found itself under the vassalage of the Orava Compossessorate. While the population was on the rise, agricultural land and the sheep-breeding industry struggled to provide sufficient livelihoods for all. As a result, many inhabitants—known as Bač and Valas—resorted to emigration, seeking opportunities in neighboring Orava and Slovak villages, and even venturing as far as other European nations or overseas. This pattern of migration persisted until the village’s liberation in 1945.
In a significant historical context, from 1944 to 1945, Zázrivá became a stronghold for partisan activities. The local partisans conducted raids and organized diversionary teams aimed at regions in Bohemia and Moravia. In recognition of their profound support and bravery, the village was honored with the Order of the Red Star and the Commemorative Medal of the Slovak National Uprising. Zázrivá celebrated its liberation on April 5, 1945.
By the 1970s, Zázrivá had burgeoned into the largest village in the Orava region, with a population exceeding 4,100 inhabitants. As of 2004, the village had a population of approximately 2,840 residents.
Notable figures born in Zázrivá include Ján Nepomuk Drengubiak, a priest celebrated for his talents as a painter and woodcarver, born on October 31, 1781. Additionally, František Tondra, who would become the Spiš diocesan bishop, and Andrej Imrich, the consecrating bishop of Spiš, were prominent individuals associated with the village.
Where is the village Zazriva located?
Nestled in the picturesque northwestern region of Slovakia, the village of Zázrivá boasts a captivating landscape influenced by its unique geographical features. This charming village spans multiple mountainous terrains within the Fatra-Tatra region and the Central Beskids, herding nature’s beauty into one serene enclave.
At the heart of Zázrivá lies the Zázrivská brázda, a broad valley that serves as the village’s nucleus. Encircling this valley to the north are the striking Kysucké bradla, a series of rugged hills that create a majestic backdrop. Towering above the landscape, Kozinec rises to 995 meters, while the impressive Havranský vrch reaches 970 meters. The landscapes are further elevated by Okrúhlica, which peaks at 1,076 meters, and Pupov, standing tall at 1,095 meters, collectively forming part of the Kysucké vrchovina range.
To the southwest and south, the village is embraced by the enchanting Little Fatra Mountains, featuring remarkable summits such as Malý Rozsutec and the scenic Osnica. The eastern boundary is defined by the Oravská Magura, which includes the sub-units Kubínska hoľa—known for its lush forests—and Paráč, characterized by its rugged terrain. Finally, from the south, the village is sheltered by the lesser-known yet equally captivating Hrčkova Käčka and the formidable Čierny vrch.
The overall shape of Zázrivá’s territory resembles a trapezoid, with its shorter sides delineating the northern and eastern perimeters. This unique configuration not only enhances its natural charm but also highlights the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas that surround this tranquil Slovakian village.
Little bit of the village history
The village of Zázrivá, originally established as a Wallachian settlement, is situated within the historical boundaries of the Orava Castle estate. Its first known written reference dates back to 1556, revealing a small community that, according to census records from that era, boasted a population of approximately 150 to 200 residents.
During those early years, the villagers followed a seasonal nomadic lifestyle, migrating with their livestock to the higher elevations for the summer months. Over time, some families chose to settle permanently in these summer grazing areas, paving the way for the establishment of distinct neighborhoods within Zázrivá, including Ráztoky, Havrania, Petrová, and Biela, among others.
By 1615, the village’s boundaries were officially delineated, marking a significant moment in its development. Meanwhile, during the childhood reign of King Louis II, the governance of the Orava region was under the stewardship of Knight Dônč, who generously donated expansive meadows to the Wallachian community of Valaská Dubová, primarily around the settlements of Plešivá and Kozinská.
However, the village faced considerable challenges during the turbulent times of the Kuruk Wars, leading to a period of decline. The once thriving village began to lose its Wallachian privileges progressively. A notable yet hopeful development occurred in 1747 with the establishment of the Parish Office, which aimed to foster community life. In 1791, the village witnessed the construction of its first brick Roman Catholic church, positioned on the site of the original wooden church that had been erected in 1705 but later dismantled and sold to the nearby village of Žaškov.
Education took root in Zázrivá as early as 1754, when a school was documented in the area known as Ústredí, formerly referred to as Centrum. The school was headed by a teacher named Martin Juriga, as noted in historical records. Following the year 1848, Zázrivá found itself under the servitude of the Orava Compossessorate estate, a situation that stymied community growth.
The momentum of emigration among residents escalated up until 1945, driven by various socio-economic pressures. It wasn’t until 1871 that the Urban Association was formed, an important milestone that represented the villagers’ collective struggle to amass the necessary resources for purchasing their freedom from serfdom, thereby seeking autonomy and a better future.
Most recognize culture places and attractions near by village
The Church of All Saints features a fascinating late Baroque architectural style, characterized by its single nave and a uniquely polygonal presbytery that gracefully culminates in a pointed tower, constructed between 1791 and 1796. Nestled on the fringes of the village, this church is situated amidst a serene cemetery setting.
Tragically, in 1934, the structure was ravaged by a fire, leading to a significant lack of restoration efforts in the subsequent years. A partial restoration was eventually undertaken in 2012, during which the perimeter walls surrounding the choir were preserved, and both the tower and the presbytery received new roofing, allowing them to stand resiliently against the elements.
In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary presents an intriguing blend of modernist design, featuring a single-nave layout and a segmental conclusion to the presbytery, built on a Greek cross plan. This church, constructed between 1928 and 1933, boasts a striking pointed tower and a façade that captures the essence of 1920s period decorativism.
The exterior is elegantly divided by high-relief lisones, which enhance its visual appeal, and is topped with distinctive decorative cornices. The tower is adorned with a elegant tent roof that adds to its charm. A notable feature is the entrance, which is conceived as a four-axis portico within the tower itself.
The construction of this impressive church was spearheaded by the local priest, Ján Briššák, reflecting the community’s commitment to modernity in religious architecture. Inside, the church houses a magnificent Tyrolean organ, reputed to be the largest in the Orava region, adding a rich auditory experience to its visual beauty.
