Rajec


Rajec is a town in the Žilina District, Žilina Region in northern Slovakia.

Etymology

Rajec, Rajčianka, Rajčanka are derived from Proto-Slavic appelative *rajь – a wet, muddy place.

History

The first written record about Rajec was in 1193 as Raich, in a document issued by King Béla III. The first mention as a town comes from 1397.

Geography

Rajec lies at an altitude of above sea level and covers an area of. It is situated between Strážovské vrchy and Malá Fatra mountains, in the Rajčanka river valley, around south-south-west of Žilina.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, the town had 6,074 inhabitants. 98.86% of inhabitants were Slovaks and 0.68% Czechs. The religious make-up was 92.79% Roman Catholics, 3.42% people with no religious affiliation and 1.89% Lutherans.

Sightseeings

Rajec is twinned with: