In 2026, we will mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Zemplínska Šírava—a water reservoir that has become a symbol of the Zemplín region, a major recreational destination, and a source of unforgettable memories for generations of visitors. Today, it is known as the “Slovak Sea.”
Construction of this landmark achievement of socialism began in the early 1960s. Dozens of homes were relocated, roads were rerouted, some buildings were demolished, and the character of the entire area was transformed. The historic day came on August 12, 1966, when the reservoir was ceremonially put into operation.
At that time, it was called Vihorlatská Sĺňava.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the reservoir’s opening, the Zemplín Museum in Michalovce has organized an exhibition titled “Six Decades of Zemplínska Šírava.” It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of its construction, the development of tourism, cultural life, and the everyday memories of generations of vacationers.
The exhibition features period photographs, archival documents, posters, promotional materials, items related to recreation at the “Slovak Sea,” and a wealth of interesting exhibits that capture the atmosphere of Zemplínska Šírava’s greatest glory days.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Zemplín Museum in Michalovce and the Zemplín Regional Tourism Organization – Dolný Zemplín. It presents not only a historical retrospective but also a tribute to a place that, over the course of six decades, has become an integral part of the region’s identity.
Visitors can view the exhibition in the museum’s Winter Garden until August 30, 2026.
Location: Zemplínske múzeum, Kostolné námestie 1, Michalovce
Tel.: +421 566 441 093
Email: info@zemplinskemuzeum.sk
