Technical monuments Východné Slovensko

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.

Just by reading the name of the attraction, you will figure out how to find your way around this interesting sight. Slnečné hodiny Nová Lesná (Sundial Nová Lesná) is located directly in the sub-Tatra village of Nová Lesná. This scientific device designed for measuring time will catch your attention as an attraction under the Tatras mainly for children, but adults will marvel at it as well.

Sundials as such work on the principle of incident light. Therefore, if you want to experience firsthand how this ancient device works, plan a trip to see it during beautiful sunny days. The space of the structure as such consists of three elements: the sundial, the panoramic orientation object, and meditation stools. If it were not for the idea of creating the sundial by Mr. Nosek and Ms. Šimoníková, this project would not have been successfully realized.

Time is a relative quantity. Here, you can spend a long time reflecting on yourself or watching the movement of the Sun in the sky by the sundial. The uniqueness of this work lies in the fact that the clock as such is multiple. What does that mean? You can look at the southern clock, western clock, or noon clock. Simply put, you can say that the western clock shows time only in the afternoon, the noon clock shows true local time in the settlement of Malý Smokovec, and the southern one shows daylight saving time (in Arabic numerals) as well as the time for the rest of the year (in Roman numerals).

At the panoramic orientation object, observing the surroundings is particularly interesting. On the installed spatial structure, you will learn information regarding the panorama of the Vysoké Tatry. How wonderful it is to admire individual peaks in the distance, their altitude, and imagine conquering them. Excellent for every tourist.

The meditation stools are part of the area in front of the southern dial of the sundial. There are precisely 12 wooden stools intended for sitting, observing the surroundings, and meditating. They symbolically correspond to the number of hours in a day as well as the number of months in a year.

If you decide to visit this picturesque village, definitely do not miss its attraction. On a sunny day, you will recharge your energy here and learn the exact time. From the sundial, you can also plan a trip to nearby attractions in the area. It will be best to wake up in the morning in accommodation near Slnečné hodiny Nová Lesná, or in accommodation in Nová Lesná, but do not snub accommodation in the Tatra settlements either. From an apartment in Starý Smokovec, you can take a look into Tricklandia, and from private accommodation in Dolný Smokovec, winter sports at the Pod lesom ski resort will come in handy. It is up to you how you decide to spend your time.

On the southeastern foot of the massive Slavkovský štít, above the heads of residents and visitors of Starý Smokovec, lies a popular and easily accessible year-round tourist center. It is Hrebienok that regularly transforms into a magical ice kingdom during the winter months. Scenery as if cut out of a popular modern fairy tale was named Tatranský ľadový dóm Hrebienok. And since ice does not last here in warmer seasons, the ice dome takes on a new, unique form every year, inspired by monumental global landmarks. Tourists therefore love to return here, making their winter skiing trip or Christmas holiday atmosphere more enjoyable with a visit to this icy beauty.

You can visit the ice dome in Vysoké Tatry during the winter season. Sculptors' work usually begins as early as autumn so that the icy masterpiece is accessible to the public on time. Visitors come here from the second half of November until May of the following year. After that, the gates of the ice kingdom close so that it can rise again in a new outfit for the next winter, inspired by the beauty of world architectural wonders. Occasional concerts and performances by artists, held right against the backdrop of this magnificent ice kingdom, offer a unique experience.

Every year, the ice structure is protected by a 25-m diameter dome, which completes its unique atmosphere. Entry is free of charge for visitors. You can comfortably reach Tatranský ľadový dóm via the Pozemná lanovka na Hrebienok funicular from the Starý Smokovec station. Therefore, the trip is also favored by families with children and active seniors enjoying unusual beauty set in the picturesque environment of Vysoké Tatry.

Winter in the Tatras is truly fairytale-like. Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere brought to perfection by master sculptors. Under their hands, a new Tatranský ľadový dóm Hrebienok is born here every year. You can combine a trip to Hrebienok with a walk to Rainerova chata or to Vodopády Studeného potoka. And what would a winter holiday in our high mountains be without great skiing? Located directly in Starý Smokovec is the popular Jakubkova lúka ski resort. It attracts skiers not only with excellent snow conditions, but also with a gentler slope suitable for children and less experienced skiers. And when the Tatra winter penetrates right beneath your jackets, spend a pleasant evening in a chalet or guesthouse providing accommodation near Tatranský ľadový dóm Hrebienok. There is certainly no shortage of offers in the Tatras. Accommodation in Starý Smokovec and the nearby area will satisfy the demands of even the most discerning vacationers.

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.