Memorials Košický kraj

The Pamätník Oslobodenia a víťazstva is a monumental memorial to one of the largest battles of World War II in the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. The impressive sculpture group with commemorative exhibitions is situated directly on the site where tens of thousands of soldiers fell, in the Dargovský priesmyk pass, on the road from the village of Košický Klečenov to Dargov. It is located on a mountain pass at the foot of the Ploská peak, in the main ridge of the central part of the Slanské vrchy mountains, near the source of the Trnávka river. It reminds passersby not only of the dark weeks of national history, but also of the heroism of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of this territory.

The Dargovský priesmyk pass is a silent witness to 7 weeks of fighting between the Red Army and the Germans for the liberation of Slovakia. The retreat of German troops finally occurred on January 18, 1945, and the day after, the city of Košice itself was liberated. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the bloody battle, the Pamätník Oslobodenia a víťazstva was unveiled in the pass. In addition to the pompous sculpture group, it includes an exhibition of liberating tanks, an anti-aircraft gun, and a memorial hall of battle glory. The author of the sculpture is the artist, academic sculptor Vojtech Löffler from Košice.

An interesting part of the memorial site is an educational trail leading directly through the battlefield locations. Exhibitions of military equipment, reconstructed bunkers, and military positions will transport visitors back to the times of World War II. You can embark on this unique military expedition on foot, by bicycle, and even on cross-country skis. Several hiking trails, a red cycling route, and, in winter, a cross-country skiing trail lead through the area. The road leading through the pass is an important connection between the Zemplín region and Košice.

Are you planning a holiday trip around eastern Slovakia? Be sure not to miss the opportunity to stop at a memorial site honoring the heroism and courage of the liberators of Slovak territory. You can combine a historical excursion with a trip to the nearby Herliansky gejzír, the ruins of Hrad Bačkov, and you will certainly also visit the remains of Slanecký hrad and enjoy the beautiful views from Rozhľadňa Čerešenka.

Interweave your holiday days with experiences you will not easily forget. Book accommodation near the Pamätník Oslobodenia a víťazstva right now and start creating your trip itinerary. There are plenty of options. Choose from the accommodation options in Košický Klečenov or search for accommodation in Košice according to your preferences. We wish you a wonderful stay.

Are you a fan of the movie Behind Enemy Lines? In that case, you will certainly be pleased to know that one of the heroes of this successful war drama remained in Slovakia after filming. No, it wasn't Owen Wilson. American filmmakers left us with a monumental angel with a broken wing, which was part of both the opening and closing scenes. The movie hero, a 15 m tall Socha anjela v Háji, towers over the cemetery in the village of Háj, located in the Košice-okolie district. It represents a major attraction not only for movie lovers, but also for tourists with a passion for original attractions and curiosities.

The plot of the American action movie Behind Enemy Lines takes place in Bosnia. However, few people know that the scenes of this audience-favorite war drama were filmed in the picturesque surroundings of Slovenský kras. The creators therefore donated the impressive statue specifically to the village of Háj, lying in the valley of the national park that provided the backdrop for the famous movie scenes. The majestic angel stands on the grounds of the local cemetery next to the church. The surroundings are nicely maintained, perfect for a pleasant walk.

An interesting feature is that the impressively looking statue is not actually made of stone. It is merely an imitation consisting of polystyrene hardened on the surface with cement. The angel has one wing shot off, and bullet marks are visible on it. The fragile material easily succumb to the influence of weather conditions and requires regular maintenance. It is taken care of by the village, which has also installed an information board at the site.

Be sure to combine a trip to the statue with a famous past with a walk to the jewel of Slovenský kras, the beautiful Hájske vodopády waterfalls. In the vicinity of the village, do not miss a tour of the ruins of Turniansky hrad, a trip to the unique Rastlinný kostol church, or to Hrhovský vodopád. This region is literally woven with tourist attractions and natural beauty. Book accommodation near Socha anjela v Háji and come see it with your own eyes. Accommodation in Háj and the surrounding area offers a wide range of cottages and chalets, as well as popular guesthouses and apartments. On our portal, you are sure to find holiday lodging according to your preferences.

Kláštorisko is the ruins of a 13th-century Carthusian Gothic monastery that you will find while wandering through the Spiš region, in the beautiful surroundings of Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise). It is also known by the names Skala útočišťa or Strážny vrch. It is located at an altitude of 760 m a.s.l. in the cadastral territory of the village of Letanovce. Together with the areas of Čingov and Podlesok, Kláštorisko belongs to the most important centers in the northern part of Slovenský raj.

The monastery's founding charter dates back to December 1299. Archaeological finds confirm that a hillfort structure from the Lusatian culture period was located here. According to legend, the monastery is punishment for the death of the provost of the Crusaders in Chmeľov. He was supposedly killed by Master Kokoš from the prominent Brezovický family, who as punishment and redemption for such a bloody crime had to found six monasteries. However, he only managed to found two. According to some historians, however, something else stands behind its creation.

The Kláštorisko plateau had a very important strategic location. From here, there is a view of the entire Spišská kotlina basin and its surroundings. That is precisely why inhabitants chose it as their refuge as early as the Late Bronze Age (11th century BC), and subsequently in the Early Iron Age (600 BC), they even built a fortress of sorts on the site. During the Tatar invasions of the Kingdom of Hungary, misery, hunger, and suffering befell ordinary people. The people of Spiš tried to save their wives and children from the cruelty of the Tatars. Historians believe that it was the people who hid on the rock and survived the Tatar invasion who built a makeshift wooden church at this location. A monastery was later built behind the walls as an expression of gratitude for saving lives.

The first structure to be built was a chapel north of the church, later used as a chapter house. The space south of the presbytery served the monks as a sacristy. A large monastery corridor was built around the entire perimeter of the courtyard. Along its perimeter were the monks' dwellings separated by low walls. Connected to the large cloister in the southeastern part is a small monastery corridor that stands opposite the communal spaces. Such a division of monastery corridors is specific to the Carthusian Order, as it reflects their requirement for a life of solitude, silence, and strict asceticism. The golden era of the monastery's operation was at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries.

At the end of the 15th century, however, the monastery's life was accompanied by devastation associated with a destructive fire. It was attacked by the Hussites, later by the bratríci (Brotherhoods), who found their refuge at Marcelov hrad. This resulted in the monastic community moving to Levoča, where they built a new monastery and stayed for a short time. Thanks to the return of the monks, the monastery in Letanovce underwent reconstruction in 1478. Not only were necessary repairs carried out, but also various renovations and stylistic architectural alterations took place. In 1517, a hospice was built in its southern part. The remainder of the monastery's existence was influenced by political changes, the mortgaging of estates to the town of Kežmarok, as well as plundering by the robber knight Matej Bašo. In 1543, by decree of the General Chapter, the monastery was abandoned and demolished.

You can reach the monastery on foot from Hrabušice - Podlesok through Prielom Hornádu or from Čingov via Tomášovský výhľad. The braver ones can also go through the settlement in Letanovce. The complex is accessible year-round, and in summer, professional guided tours are available for interested visitors. The entire area of Kláštorisko is a very popular tourist destination. There is even a symbolic cemetery with exhibited artworks by young artists from the Spiš region. The exposition commemorates personalities who contributed to the development of the national park, as well as the lost lives of those who perished in Slovenský raj.

So whether you are interested in the history of the monastery or attracted to hiking in Slovenský raj, you are in the right place. Book accommodation near Kláštorisko on the Letanovce accommodation page and come admire not only the beauty of this monument, but also the famous Letanovský mlyn mill or one of the waterfalls in Letanovce.