Rajecká Lesná

Village of Rajecká Lesná is an ancient pilgrim’s site. Its most famous attraction is the well-known Slovak Bethlehem – a monumental piece of work by Master Jozef Pekara from the town of Rajecké Teplice. It is located by the Church of Virgin Mary’s Birth. The Bethlehem is a result of 15-year long work; it is 8,5 m long and 2,5 m high, and presents the birth of Lord Jesus in Bethlehem, history and life of the Slovak nation since adopting Christianity, work and crafts of Slovaks in the past, the way of their life, customs and traditional clothing. Approximately 300 figures wearing traditional outfits are placed throughout the Bethlehem; they are shown at work or entertainment, but mostly as pilgrims. Nearly half of the figures are moving. The official opening of the Bethlehem was held in 1995, during the visit of the Pope John Paul II in Slovakia. Part of the building where the Slovak Bethlehem is situated is used as a Gallery. The works of some of the best wood-carvers from the region of Rajec are displayed there. The Bethlehem is intensively visited by tourists both from Slovakia and foreign countries.