Rajec

Rajec (Rajec; Rajetz) 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 (modern Slovak raj – a paradise, "a place with rich vegetation").

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 452 m above sea level and covers an area of 31.459 km2. It is situated between Strážovské vrchy and Malá Fatra mountains, in the Rajčanka river valley, around 20 km 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

 * Town Hall, renaissance one-floor building available from all sides. Open arcades served like market. On the second floor, there were administrative rooms of town council. After the newest reconstruction in 1992, the arcades are full glassed and the town hall serve as wedding, concert and exhibition room. (3D Model)
 * Town museum, former brewery residence

Twin towns — sister cities
Rajec is twinned with:
 * 🇵🇱 Czechowice-Dziedzice, Poland
 * 🇵🇱 Kęty, Poland
 * 🇨🇿 Krnov, Czech Republic
 * 🇨🇿 Rýmařov, Czech Republic