The painted wooden houses in Čičmany are a unique architectural and cultural phenomenon. This small village in northwestern Slovakia is world-famous for its traditional wooden buildings, whose facades are decorated with intricate white geometric patterns. The painting, which originally began in the 18th century, was inspired by the embroidery of traditional Slovak folk costumes.
The patterns consist of circles, lines and stylized floral motifs that are not only decorative but also carry symbolic meanings. Originally, the painting was applied with lime to protect the wood from the weather, but it developed into an art form that makes the village distinctive.
Čičmany was declared a monument reserve in 1977 to preserve this cultural feature. Today, the painted wooden houses are a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Slovak folk art. Visitors can walk through the village, admire the impressive patterns and learn more about the history and traditions of the region. A highlight is the museum in one of the houses, which offers insights into the life and culture of the residents of Čičmany.