The name is derived from the archaic Slovak word klubin meaning a "glade covered by smoke after burnt roots". Dolný Kubín means "Lower Kubín", in contrast with to Vyšný Kubín. The location and the settlement was known also as Kublen, Clbin, Culbyn, Kubyn Nysny, Dolny Kubin. Other names in the past include Unterkubin, Alsókubin.
Geography
Dolný Kubín lies at an altitude of above sea level and covers an area of. It is located in northern Slovakia on the Orava River, between the Lesser Fatra, Oravská Magura and Chočské vrchy mountains. It is located around from Ružomberok, from the Polish border and from Bratislava. The town is composed of the following boroughs: Banisko, Beňova Lehota, Brezovec, Kňažia, Malý Bysterec, Medzihradné, Mokraď, Srňacie, Staré mesto, Veľký Bysterec and Záskalie. The city limits also encompass the settlement of Jelšava.
The first written reference of the location dates from 1314 and is about the land Kubín. In 1325, the existence of "Superior Kolbyn" was recorded what could indicate also the existence of Dolný Kubín, more detailed information about the settlement are from 1380s. The settlement belonged to the Orava Castle and was the center for the neighboring settlements. The citizens lived by animal husbandry and hunting, but also by quarrying. It was granted town privileges in 1632, and its importance was further strengthened in 1633 when the town was granted the right to hold markets. In 1683 the town became the seat of the Oravacounty and in 1776 also the seat of a processus district. In the 19th century Dolný Kubín was a centre of Slovak national life and the poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav and other Slovak national revivalists were active in the town. After World War I, Dolný Kubín remained the seat of the Orava County until 1923, when Orava became a part of Váh County and it became the seat of the district. During World War II, the local garrison actively participated in preparation of Slovak National Uprising. Between December 1944 and January 1945, the town suffered from retaliatory actions and mass arrests. Red Army arrived to the town in the night from 4 to 5 April 1945, warmly welcomed by the local population. The town experienced major developments mainly after World War II, when electrical works as well as other enterprises were established.
Landmarks and culture
The Gothic St. Catherine church was built in the 14th century. The Čaplovič Library, containing collection of newspapers, books, maps and other printed works from 15th to the 19th century, along with the P. O. Hviezdoslav Museum, is located in the town. The Orava Gallery focuses on the art works from the 15th century to the 20th century and is seated in the former County House from the 17th century. The Slovak poetical and prose competition, called Hviezdoslavov Kubín , takes place in the town since 1954. The Orava Castle is located few kilometres north-east of the town.
