House of folk living and architecture in Šaľa

Reservation of group entrances (min. 15 people) in advance, by phone +421 940 943 015, call between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The House of Folk Living and Architecture in Šaľa is a National Cultural Monument of the Slovak Republic. It is a unique example of traditional vernacular architecture, preserving rare remains of woven wattle walls and a sculptural truss structure.

The roof is supported by a unique construction based on carved wooden columns embedded in the ground in front of the house’s main façade. These columns carry the ridge beam, creating a characteristic sculptural framework. This type of roof structure was traditionally found in southern Slovakia, particularly in regions with clay houses and farm buildings.

The house stands in an area historically known as “Žabáreň”. Its oldest section is believed to date from the late 18th century. During restoration work carried out between 1979 and 1980, a date discovered on an additional structure known as the mešternica—which was later removed—indicated that part of the building was constructed in 1831.

The house remained a family residence until 1972. Its last owner and resident was Mr. Imrich Kuna. The District National Committee in Galanta purchased the property, including the house, courtyard, and garden, although without its original furnishings. The property was subsequently entrusted to the then District Museum of Local History in Galanta, which planned to establish an ethnographic exhibition there.

The Museum of Local History in Galanta opened the ethnographic exhibition to the public in 1979, allowing visitors to experience an important example of the region’s traditional folk architecture.

To this day, the exhibition keeps displaying traditional folk life and rural farming in southwestern Slovakia. The displayed objects come from the collections of the museum in Galanta and originate from the nearby villages and towns of Šaľa, Diakovce, Kráľová nad Váhom, and Dlhá nad Váhom.

In 2008, the National Cultural Monument was transferred to the administration of the Nitra Regional Museum.