Archeologický skanzen
The archaeological open-air museum in the village of Nižná Myšľa is situated in a location considered one of the richest archaeological sites in our country recording prehistoric settlements. Among the sites, Skalka was mentioned first, followed by Alamenev, Koscelek, Moľva, Prepoštstvo, and Váhreď (Varhégy).
Replicas of original dwellings from the Early and Middle Bronze Age, which disappeared around 1400 BC, are built in the last-mentioned site. The first archaeological research began as early as 1948, and systematic research has been underway since 1977. Approximately 2,300 vessels and 5,000 stone, bone, and bronze objects with various purposes were found. Archaeological artifacts are displayed in the municipal museum located in the historical building of a 13th-century manor house.
The complex of two settlements and a burial ground, which together form the archaeological site, is located south behind the village of Nižná Myšľa on a small hill at an altitude of 217 m above sea level. Fortified Settlement I represents the oldest settlement of the Ottoman-Füzesabony culture. The settlement measured 50 x 60 m with an entrance via a wooden-and-stone structure. Dwellings had wooden walls and a clay-smeared floor. Log-built houses also featured raised hearths. The settlement had an agricultural and craft character; objects made of antler, bronze, stone, and various clay sculptures were discovered here.
Fortified Settlement II was established as a result of population growth and expanded into an area of 8 hectares with a stone, earth, and wood rampart. Houses, including farm buildings, were log-built. The settlement was a cult center where various bloody cultic rituals were performed. Mostly animals were sacrificed, though human sacrifices occurred exceptionally. Settlers engaged in pottery, bone and antler processing, and non-ferrous metalworking.
In the burial ground located 200 meters from the settlement, more than 900 graves were discovered, with each containing numerous grave goods. Burials were carried out in a crouched position facing east, with women lying on their left side and men on their right side. Warriors, farmers, craftsmen, and hunters had wooden supports, remnants of wooden coffins, or even two-part sarcophagi in their graves.
You can reach the site via two color-marked trails: the blue cycling trail or the red hiking trail. This is a comprehensive showcase, so it is advisable to set aside plenty of time to explore not only the open-air museum, but also the entire surroundings of Košice and its attractions. We recommend booking suitable accommodation in the surrounding area on the accommodation Košice page, and then simply planning your trip.
