(source: Marcela Ballová)
Eight years ago, it seemed that a well-loved wooden structure would soon survive only in photographs. Harsh winters and heavy snowfall in the region beneath Kráľova hoľa in central Slovakia posed the biggest threat. Known as Chamko’s Barn, the iconic log cabin was deteriorating rapidly and on the verge of collapse. Today, however, it still draws visitors—thanks largely to the generosity of hundreds of supporters.
One of the most photographed buildings in the Horehronie region, Chamko’s Barn remains a popular tourist attraction, largely due to the determination of donors who were unwilling to let it vanish.
Thanks to financial support from nearly 600 contributors, the barn continues to stand as a lasting symbol of traditional Slovak architecture and rural heritage.
As Zuzana Jóbová—now Executive Director of the Banská Bystrica Regional Tourism Organisation (KOCR)—explained in 2020, an online crowdfunding campaign organised by KOCR in cooperation with the Regional Tourism Organisation Horehronie raised €8,060 to help preserve the site.
Jarmila Oceľová from the Horehronie tourism office noted that the more-than-100-year-old structure was in a critical state. Its stability was compromised, and holes in the roof meant a collapse seemed likely—particularly with another harsh winter looming.
“That’s when the idea was born to launch a rescue project and try to raise the necessary funds through crowdfunding,” she said. The idea had existed for some time, but it relied on reaching an agreement with the barn’s five owners—which was eventually achieved. Oceľová also acknowledged the strong backing of the municipality of Šumiac and the civic association Čierne diery.
Volunteers were ultimately able to restore the building’s roof truss and cover it with 1,800 new wooden shingles.
“Some of the remaining shingles will be used to help save other beautiful barns in Šumiac—many of which have survived the passing years almost by miracle,” Oceľová added.
©My Bystrica
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