Ružomberok, a small town in the Liptov region

Ružomberok- the heart of Low LiptovPopulation: over 30,000 inhabitants

Location: is situated on the confluence of the rivers Vah and RevucaHistory: the first written evidence dates back to 13th century

Historical and cultural sights: • Mausoleum of Andrej Hlinka • Town Hall building • Roman-Catholic church of St Andrew• Liptov museum• Gallery of Ludovit Fulla• Vlkolinec• Likava castle

Ruzomberok coat of arms

Historical centre

According to the legend, the place of the historical square was originally covered with wild roses in the time of the first German settlers´ arrival.The town was named ROSENBERG after the roses, later Ruzomberok.

History

• Ruzomberok also became an important financial and industrial center in the last third of the 19th century and the first half of the 2Oth century. We should mention some of the famous personalities who lived in RBK such as Andrej Hlinka, Dusan Makovicky, a personal doctor of a Russian writer L.N. Tolstoj or painters like L. Fulla and Marcel Dubravec.

Mausoleum of Andrej Hlinka

After his death, he was burried in Ruzomberok and the people built him a mausoleum to commemorate his deeds.

Andrej Hlinka (1864-1938), a priest and a politician, is the most famous personality of Ružomberok and the most important figure of the Slovak political life in the early 20th century. He was born in Černová, today part of Ružomberok. He belonged among the main representatives of the movement for the rights of Slovaks during Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

The Gallery of Ludovit Fulla

The Gallery was built to deposit and exhibit works of Ludovit Fulla (1902–1980), one of the most significant Slovak artists who is seen as founder of the Slovak Modernism. It was opened in 1969. This gifted artist, painter, illustrator, teacher and the holder of Grand Prix award in the World exhibition in Paris was born in Ružomberok and spent the last two years of his life in that building. The artist's studio and his study are also open to the public.

The Culture HouseIt is the largest cultural stand offering accomodation and restaurant services. The part of it is a newly reconstructed cinema equipped with a modern sound Dolby Surround.Its construction is connected with the name of Andrej Hlinka who gave all his property to the building and a large amount of money was given by Slovaks living in America. The cornerstone was laid on June 19th 1927 and the building was finished on December 30th 1928.

Deep and long valleys - Hrabovo, Čutkovo, outside Ruzomberok are available for walking in the nature, hiking or cycling.

Close surroundings of the town provides exellent conditions for spending free time in a different way. On the hills of the Big Fatra, just above the town, you will enjoy skiing in Skipark resort. It belongs to the most modern skiing resorts in Slovakia. With its high standard of services it will satisfy even the most demanding customers.

Water&Relax If you are looking for a water relax, you will find it in Thermal Park Bešeňová, just a short distance from Ružomberok. It is an all year-round open wellness paradise with healing mineral springs. Both children and adults can relax in indoor and outdoor swimming pools with the water temperature ranging from 27 to 38°C.

The largest water reservoir in Slovakia, Liptovská Mara Dam. Its surroundings offer great possibilities for walks, trips as well as sailing or fishing.

The most popular sports Two different kinds of sports are popular in Ruzomberok.

The women basketball team MBK Ruzomberok is the most successful Slovak basketball team in the history with two Euro-League Women victories. Ružomberok also has a successful football team, MFK Ruzomberok, playing the highest division of the Slovak League. In 2006, the team was the Slovak Champion and also won the Slovak Cup.