Technical monuments Volovské vrchy

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.