Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian – Sedliacka Dubová The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is located above the village of Sedliacka Dubová, accessible via an unmarked natural trail. The site has a rich and layered history. The first church, made of wood, was mentioned as early as 1397. The present structure underwent several construction phases: from Gothic origins, through a Renaissance renovation in 1642, to a final Baroque transformation between 1736 and 1754. As the village of Sedliacka Dubová gradually relocated from the Žiar hillside down into the Orava River valley, the church began to lose its importance. It ceased functioning in 1880, when a new church was completed in the village center. The original church was abandoned, its roof removed, and it slowly fell into ruin. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the church tower and nave, as well as the stone defensive wall that surrounds the site, complete with two entrance gates. The southern wall contains remains of two chapels, and along the arched northwest wall, you’ll find preserved remnants of a charnel house. The site is currently maintained by the civic association Dubova Colonorum, in cooperation with ZKSM (Association of Christian Youth Communities) and the village of Sedliacka Dubová. Since 1998, they have organized annual heritage youth camps focused on conserving the ruins, preventing further decay, cleaning the grounds, and conducting historical research. FOTO: Juraj Bednárik