Ruins Teplý Vrch

In the village of Drienčany in the Rimavská Sobota district, the birthplace of the famous fairytale writer Pavol Dobšinský, you will find the ruins of a castle built in the 13th century. Although only minimal remnants of its walls have been preserved, this former medieval seat is shrouded in various stories and legends regarding its demise. Set off to find the castle hill and view the remaining ruins of Drienčanský hrad.

You can reach the castle directly from the village of Drienčany. The ruins are located on the edge of the village on an elevated castle hill. An information board in the village will direct you to the castle. Some of the local residents remember legends about the flooding of the castle by Hunyadi's troops. However, according to existing sources, the castle only fell into ruin in the 17th century. From that time on, it gradually deteriorated until the last remaining parts of the castle walls became overgrown with lush vegetation. The castle ruins are situated near a former quarry. One of the local stories mentions the quarry workers themselves, who blew open the cellar walls of the already ruined castle using dynamite. It is said they found wine so old in them that it was no longer even liquid. On the meadow of the castle hill, a booming sound can still be heard in some places when walking. This fact is also said to be evidence of the castle cellars, which are no longer accessible in any way.

If old castles and ruins attract you, we have a few tips for you in the surrounding area. Do not miss Hrad Sobôtka in Rimavská Sobota or Hrad Blh in the nearby village of Veľký Blh. Although only wall remnants remain that barely recall the once majestic castles with defensive ramparts, these places still hold their charm, especially for lovers of ruins.

The Gemersko-malohontské múzeum in Rimavská Sobota, which is the fifth oldest museum in Slovakia, will also immerse you in history. Take a look at permanent exhibitions such as History of Art or Ethnology, which is dedicated to several aspects of folk culture in the Gemer region. Choose accommodation near Drienčanský hrad and discover beautiful hidden corners. Book a modern apartment or a cozy guesthouse and enjoy your trip.

Once a majestic Turkish water fortress, today an inconspicuous ruin marked by the ravages of time. Hrad Sobôtka, a silent monument to the Ottoman Empire, is situated in Rimavská Sobota, on the right bank of the Rimava River in the Rimavská kotlina basin. Of the tower protected by four bastions, barracks, a mosque, and other residential and farm buildings, today only barely recognizable stone walls overgrown with vegetation remain. Despite this, the place possesses its own unusual charm breathing with history.

Rimavská Sobota was part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Right here, on the ruins of the original Hussite fort, the Turks built one of their northernmost fortresses in 1555. The Rimava River formed the natural protection of the water castle. Traditional fortifications were created by wooden stakes sealed with packed clay. The centerpiece of the castle was a tower protected by four bastions. Military barracks, a mosque, and several farm and residential buildings were located in the surrounding area.

An interesting fact is that during its heyday, the fortress was also meant to serve as a treasury. Legend has it that villages brought their taxes here, which the Turks levied on them in exchange for not destroying their settlements. It is even said that the castle was once the seat of an administrative district. After the end of the Turkish conflicts, the castle lost its significance and over the years fell into ruin to its present state.

Access to the ruins is quick and easy. From Rimavská Sobota, drive towards the Sobôtka borough. From the nearby parking lot, you can reach the remains of the castle walls in just a few minutes. Since the castle had the character of a water fortress, it is located right next to the Rimava River. However, the access trail is unpaved.

If you enjoy discovering places with the atmosphere of times long past, make sure not to miss a trip to the ruins of the almost forgotten Hrad Sobôtka during your stay in Rimavská Sobota. And if this place charms you, you can also head to the nearby ruins of Hrad Hodejov or Hrad Blh. After an interesting journey through history, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest on the beach at the Vodná nádrž Teplý Vrch reservoir or at the Termálne kúpalisko Kurinec – Zelená voda thermal pool. The holiday plan is ready, so start looking for accommodation near Hrad Sobôtka. Accommodation in Rimavská Sobota and its surroundings will certainly not disappoint you with its hospitality.

If you decide to visit the Gemer region, you have a unique opportunity to see the remains of one of the oldest Slovak castles. Hrad Gemer or also Gemerský hrad is located on an elevated hill above the village of the same name at an altitude of 232 m a. s. l.

The castle was built on the site of an old Slavic hillfort, probably in the late 11th century. The first written mention of the castle dates back to the late 12th century. It got its name after its first owner, the knight Gumurum (or Gumur). Originally a timber-earth castle, it played its first important role in the fights against the Tatars. Between 1241 and 1242, it was rebuilt into a stronger stone tower-type object. It was the property of the king and fulfilled not only a guarding and defensive role, but also an important economic one.

The ore- and forest-rich region of Gemer developed relatively quickly. In the 14th century, Gemer became the seat of the county and was the second largest small town in the region with the right to hold markets. In the 15th century, two bridges were built across the Slaná river, where tolls were collected. The castle, which guarded the bridges, was never very large. It was more of a guarding fortress surrounded by an earthen rampart. In the 15th century, the structure was conquered by the Hussites. In 1459, the castle was reconquered by King Matej Korvín, while being destroyed. Later it was restored and changed owners several times. In the 16th century, it was definitively destroyed in the Turkish wars.

If you plan a trip to it, you will find that not much is left of the castle today. However, the attentive eye of a visitor will not miss the castle plateau with configuration waves from the destroyed structures. There is a beautiful view of the surroundings from the castle hill. If you climb there, you can learn something about the famous Hussite Panna Cinka. Or will you be more interested in the legend about King Matej Korvín? His stay at this place is also commemorated by a life-size bronze statue. It is interesting because it is the only statue in Europe that depicts a monarch with a working tool.

There is also plenty to admire below the castle. In the 19th century, an Evangelical gymnasium was established in the town, where such significant personalities as Janko Matuška, Ján Kalinčiak, or Janko Kráľ studied. One of the most important poets of Slovak romanticism, Samo Chalúpka, influenced by this place, describes the hard anti-Turkish struggles in the Gemer region in his poem as follows: Sharp sabres flash, spears crack, and the Slovak earth drinks the blood of its sons.

History lovers will probably also be interested in the story of the nearby Hrad Jelšava. Or will you rather visit one of the most impressive Slovak castles Krásna Hôrka? On hot summer days, you certainly won't refuse cooling refreshment in the waves of the Vodná nádrž Teplý vrch water reservoir or boating on the coldest Slovak dam Palcmanská Maša. A unique natural phenomenon that is worth visiting is the magnificent Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa.

This amazing region will provide you with several options where you can lay your head and rest before another wonderful day. Book accommodation near Gemerský hrad. Will you be appealed by the offer of romantic Gemer cottages, or will you rather prefer comfortable and affordable Gemer apartments? We will leave that solely to your choice.