Technical monuments Košický kraj

An immense, synchronized spectacle of water, music, and light. That is Spievajúca fontána Košice located in the borough of Košice – Staré Mesto between Košické štátne divadlo and Dóm svätej Alžbety. Its uniqueness lies not only in the fact that it is undoubtedly the most beautiful fountain in Košice, but also the first singing fountain in all of Czechoslovakia. Its beauty attracts vacationing families with children, romantic couples strolling through the evening streets of the city, and wedding guests wishing to capture their most beautiful life moments accompanied by this unique water show. Will you let yourself be enticed by its charm too?

Spievajúca fontána was built in 1986. Twenty years later, it underwent an extensive reconstruction to acquire its current unique form. It consists of an incredible 750 water jets capable of spraying water up to a height of 19 meters. The water spraying is regulated according to the notes of the playing music. The fountain has nearly a hundred songs in its repertoire. In addition, it also responds to the sounds of the nearby carillon and to live music echoing from Štátne divadlo Košice. In the evening hours, the enchanting performance is complemented by a play of lights in five colors.

The gorgeous environment dominated by the interplay of music and water is perfect for a pleasant summer walk. In addition to relaxing by Spievajúca fontána, in this part of Košice you can also enjoy a visit to Východoslovenská galéria, a tour of the city's gem, Dóm svätej Alžbety, and the medieval atmosphere of the famous Ulička remesiel, which includes the original museum Dom remesiel. With children, we definitely recommend visiting the fascinating Slovenské technické múzeum with its unique offering of attractions, including experiments and demonstrations, or the city indoor pool with an outdoor swimming area.

Holiday relaxation options in Košice are truly varied. If you want to see for yourself, start looking for accommodation near Spievajúca fontána Košice right now. Accommodation in Košice represents an excellent starting point for local attractions and points of interest. Choose from a wide selection of guesthouses or apartments on our portal and embark on a journey filled with experiences and relaxation.

Since time immemorial, the inhabitants of Medzev, a small town located in the Košice-okolie district, made their living not only from agriculture and mining, but also from metal processing in hammer mills (hámre). One such workshop, in which a heavy water-driven hammer processed iron, copper, and tin, was situated directly in the town center. Hámor v Medzeve with its complete technical equipment has been preserved to this day as a living technical monument. It introduces visitors to the historical technology of tool making by forging using a water hammer. Seeing this unique mechanism at work is a fascinating experience not only for science and technology enthusiasts.

A hammer mill is a historical workshop designed for metal processing using the energy of running water. Water power drives blacksmith forging hammers, blowers, or bellows to blow air into furnaces. A hammer mill is considered a pioneering mechanism and the first seed of manufactories for producing forged products. The building of Hámor v Medzeve is a combination of stone and wood. It dates back to the second half of the 19th century and is currently managed by the Slovenské technické múzeum. Technologically, it is a single-hammer two-hearth mill. In addition to the historical technology of metal processing, it introduces visitors to the ingenuity and skill of Medzev blacksmiths.

In the interior of the historical building, also called Tischlerov hámor or Mestský hámor, the technical museum has prepared a unique exhibition of small-scale ironwork production for visitors. Through hammer mill equipment, tools, and products, it illustrates the picture of the work of old blacksmiths in hammer mills. Hámor v Medzeve, along with its technical equipment, was declared a national cultural monument. The interior is accessible to the public during limited hours or upon request. Before visiting, we recommend verifying the possibility of entry by phone.

You can combine a tour of Medzev's technical jewel with a visit to the local Hvezdáreň a planetárium or with summer relaxation at Kúpalisko Medzev. In the nearby village of Jasov, you can view a magnificent historical monument, Premonštrátsky kláštor, and walk through the picturesque underground of Jasovská jaskyňa. This region offers truly diverse holiday possibilities. Come see it for yourself with your own eyes. Book accommodation near Hámor v Medzeve right now and start preparing for an active vacation. On our portal, you will find a wide offer of cottages and chalets in Medzev with a guarantee of privacy and an excellent starting position for local attractions.

During a visit to the village of Nižná Slaná, stop by its significant industrial monument. It is the huta Etelka blast furnace, which is often also referred to as the iron heart of Gemer. Once upon a time, metallurgical materials mined in the Gemer region, which was rich in gold, silver, copper, and other mineral rocks, were smelted in this furnace.

In the village of Nižná Slaná, which lies at an altitude of 360 m a.s.l., you can also admire the beauty of a unique village bell tower or uplift your faith by visiting the Evangelical church from the first half of the 14th century. After descending from the Dobšinský kopec hill, the building of huta Etelka, which was built in 1867, will appear before you. It was built by Count Emanuel Andrássy. An interesting fact is that it was named after his mother. Thanks in part to this furnace, iron production was able to come fully alive in the 1860s. At that time, huta Etelka belonged to very prosperous enterprises in Gemer. Nowadays, your heart might break upon visiting it when you see the state it is in.

Once the most beautiful blast furnace in Slovakia, it reached a height of 11 m and its volume was up to 60 m³. The foundation was a pillar structure and an "open chest" design. A cast-iron heater was used for heating, and the blast furnace blower was powered by a water wheel. The furnace remained active until 1907. After its closure, there were efforts to reopen it with a specialization in a wet gravity ore dressing plant. Unfortunately, this proved unsuccessful, so the furnace was closed down again in 1910.

Today, this technical monument is visited by many of its admirers or lovers of interesting photography. Local residents from a non-profit organization are striving to save it. In the future, a museum is planned at huta Etelka that would showcase the operation of this furnace or the history of mining in this area.

Discovering the beauties of this village will certainly take more than one day. After all, who wouldn't go to see Hrad Muránčok as well? Feel free to put on your hiking shoes and head to the nearby Grófska ľadovňa ice house in Vlachovo. It is a sought-after spot for collecting interesting photos for your photo book. After your activities, you can indulge in a little rest at the Kúpalisko Vlachovo swimming pool. Or will you also visit the breathtaking Kaštieľ v Betliari? It is a sumptuous aristocratic residence from the 17th century housing various interesting exhibits. Its adjacent English park will charm you as well.

So that you don't have to rush home tired, we recommend booking accommodation near huta Etelka. As a family, you can choose your comfort in cottages Nižná Slaná, or opt for simpler private accommodation. It only depends on your preferences and the length of stay you choose.

Letanovský mlyn lies in the northern part of Slovenský raj at an altitude of 513 m above sea level, in Eastern Slovakia. It is precisely the mill that forms the boundary dividing Prielom Hornádu into two parts. It is among the popular tourist locations, as this very spot serves as the starting point for several hikes, for example to the resorts of Čingov, Podlesok, or Kláštorisko. Until approximately the middle of the 20th century, the mill fully fulfilled its original function.

In the vicinity of Letanovský mlyn, there was a 15th-century stone Carthusian bridge built by monks as part of the "Carthusian road up the mountain". The bridge was later destroyed during World War II; today, an exact replica stands here, captivating every visitor with an appearance that fits seamlessly into the character of the surroundings.

The first mill was built of wood at the beginning of the 19th century on the left bank of the Hornád. Originally, it was the property of Tiba, later belonging to the Carthusians and the Spiš Provostship, before finally ending up as the property of the village of Letanovce. When Karol Poledniak purchased it from the village, he demolished the original mill and built a new one in its place, specifically a brick, modern three-roller mill equipped with all the necessary machinery. The owner rented it out, but when the mill burned down in 1927, he did not restore it again. It gradually fell into disrepair and was eventually renovated, though only as a recreational cabin.

Local residents used it as a popular recreational facility for many years. Currently, a recreational settlement built in its immediate vicinity features several private cabins and a buffet. The buffet is immensely popular, and during the summer season when it is open, both locals and tourists visit it.

They come here to relax, draw energy from nature and the surroundings, or take a break to rest and catch their breath during a hike. Relax under the rare flora of Slovenský raj, the sessile oak and the thermophilic Mahaleb cherry.

A great hike to Letanovský mlyn leads from Podlesok along the blue hiking trail through Hrdlo Hornádu. You follow a moderately demanding route along the river; on the way, you cross bridges, walk over footbridges attached to rock faces while holding onto chains, or climb wooden ladders. Some rocks feature very intriguing openings that will catch your eye at first glance. However, this is only one of the possible routes, as red and yellow hiking trails also cross the area alongside the blue one.

No matter which direction you arrive from, the peace of nature, the scent of the forest, and the murmur of the river act as a balm for the soul. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy wonderful hiking and walks here. If you visit in winter, you can go ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. It is therefore up to you in which season of the year you visit this picturesque region. Pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and book your stay on the accommodation Letanovce page. You will remember this trip long after returning home.

Tunel pod Homôľkou, also known as Slavošovský tunel, is located in the nature of the Štítnická dolina and Revúcka dolina valleys. This structure, which was once meant to connect interesting places, is an unfinished railway tunnel situated in one of the ridges of Stolické vrchy below the Homôlka peak at an altitude of 744.8 m above sea level. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction that, in addition to exploring its mysterious spaces, offers other opportunities for recreation and entertainment at this location.

Getting to this tunnel is possible if you turn off the main road in the village of Slavošovce toward the valley. The road to it is not very well marked, but if you stick to the marked hiking trail, know that you will manage it successfully. The route from the village center takes approximately 20 minutes on foot and is suitable for everyone, from young children to seniors.

Construction of Slavošovský tunel began in 1941, when we wanted to connect even more with the surrounding world and had no other alternative for a train connection on our territory, as borders began to change. The first breakthrough of the tunnel occurred in 1944. Unfortunately, due to the end of the war and the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), the tunnel was not completed. If you visit today, you can notice that the tunnel is built in the shape of the letter S. It is 2,400 m long, and exploring all of its interior with a headlamp on your head or a flashlight in your hand can be done within 1 hour. However, it depends on how fast you walk. Claustrophobics avoid this place by a wide berth, as there is a sort of "horror atmosphere" prevailing here; you can feel moisture and cold, and all around you is darkness. A visit to this tunnel thus offers an unusual adrenaline experience. The entrance to the tunnel is not fully finished. You descend into it via a wooden staircase with a handrail, where extra caution is required due to slipperiness. Passing through the tunnel is always at your own risk. The only certainty you have here is that no train will run you over.

The Gemer nature hides a wealth of indescribable beauty within itself. If you head here, you certainly will not regret it. You will find peace, harmony, and perhaps a touch of inimitable fairy-tale atmosphere. In the Slavošovce section of the tunnel, an area focusing on fairy tales by Pavol Dobšinský has been built in front of its entrance. You can relax after a light hike under a shelter at the campsite. You can read interesting information on a 3D information board here. The location is sought after primarily by cyclists, as the tunnel is designated as one of the official cycling routes. Mushroom and berry pickers will also find plenty to enjoy here.

The region will win you over with a multitude of trails and routes for cyclists and hikers alike. You can also set off to the beautiful Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa cave. Did you know that aragonite is a rare mineral that occurs only very seldomly? Come and see it here. There are only two such beautiful caves in the entire world. In winter, you will be thrilled by the opportunity to try snowmobiles in the village of Rejdová. A ride on them will delight you so much that you will want to try it more than once. You can step back into the past during a visit to Štítnický hrad (or Štítnik castle). Significant industrial monuments include Huta Etelka. In the past, metallurgical materials extracted in the Gemer region were smelted in this furnace.

Are you interested in exploring even more attractions? Then book accommodation near Slavošovský tunel. There are many accommodation facilities on offer where you can spend a very pleasant stay. Will you choose cozy cottages for your overnight stay, or will affordable private accommodation suffice? We leave the choice entirely up to you! We are ready to gladly assist you.