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 (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

Twin towns — sister cities

Rajec is twinned with: