Zborov – Castle Ruins, Churches and Marked Trails

Zborov Castle, also known as Makovica, is a castle ruin above Zborov. The complex was built in the 14th century to protect the trade route to Poland. More destinations: Bardejovské Kúpele, Regetovka.

Culture

At Šerédyho Manor, the exhibition “Dejiny Makovického panstva” presents the history, ethnography and natural conditions of the Makovica estate using exhibits as well as extensive visual and textual material. A permanent exhibition entitled “Dejiny Makovického panstva” opened at Šerédyho Manor in 2023. The permanent exhibition “Dejiny Makovického panstva” opened at Šerédyho Manor on 29 August 2024.

St Sophia Church is a sacral building from the 17th century that was originally part of the extensive Rákoci Manor. It was destroyed during the First World War; following reconstruction work, its ceremonial reopening took place in March 2022. The church was built in 1640 in pure Renaissance style with two towers. During the 2026 summer tourist season, it is open from 1 May to 30 September, Thursdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 18:00.

St Margaret Church dates back to the first half of the 14th century. Its design is associated with the Strasbourg Gothic style that spread through the area around 1330. The south chapel has fully preserved stucco ornaments from 1663 and is considered one of the most valuable monuments in present-day Zborov.

Next to St Margaret Church stands the octagonal St Anne's Chapel from the early 18th century, with a lantern dome. Inside is a rare Baroque altar with statues of John the Baptist and Paul of Thebes. The Chapel of the Crucified Savior at the upper end of the village was built in 1757 on the road to present-day Chmeľová.

On the north side of Zborov stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which was rebuilt in 1921 and consecrated on 24 May 1922. The chapel in the Roman Catholic cemetery is considered the oldest building in the built-up area and dates from the 13th to the 15th century. The Batek Family Chapel on the western side also served the Malirsz family and bears a founder's inscription with the year 1875.

History and Memorial Sites

The Jewish Cemetery in Zborov was established at the beginning of the 18th century and used until the middle of the 20th century. Ignác Ansel, the last rabbi of Zborov, is buried there. The German Military Cemetery is divided into four burial fields; a total of 1,137 German soldiers are buried there.

The Czechoslovak Army Memorial was unveiled on 29 April 1928 on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic. It stands in a newly created triangular park next to the Alley of 100 Lime Trees. The Funeral Chapel in Zborov is an important national cultural monument; its roof was restored in 2024.

Routes and Nature

The fastest walking route to Zborov Castle starts in the Zborov-podhradie district, follows the yellow trail markings, takes about 30 minutes and includes a steep climb. The Bardejov Spa–Zborov Castle Hill educational trail is designed as a five-hour circular route and leads via Zborov-podhradie and Zborov Castle. It is 8 km long and has six information panels.

The Makovická cycle route is 52.5 km long and passes through Zborov. For planning your day, the offers can be distinguished by route type, distance and duration.

The hill of Zborov Castle has been protected since 1926 and was designated a state nature reserve in 1950. The protection focuses in particular on several centuries-old pedunculate oaks along the access road to the castle.

Events

The municipality of Zborov held the cultural music event “Zborovské hudobné leto” for the fifth time in 2026. It takes place from mid-June to mid-September.

For the overarching travel overview: Bardejov.