Present time

Klenovec is characteristic with its extraordinary big extent of 10000 ha. The community of Klenovec has nearly 3500 inhabitants. It is situated in an altitude of 322 metres above sea level, surrounded with Vepor Hills. As far as historical places of interest are concerned, it is Evangelic Church with bell-tower of the end of 18th century. Further, the house of prayer of Brethren  Baptists Unit (of 20th century), is also worth to visit. In the village, you can find modern swimming pool, used fully for relax. In the environs of Klenovec, water reservoir Klenovska Rimava is situated, serving as a source of drinking water. Moreover, the community is famous through its long tradition of production of baskets, cheese, blacksmiths´ tools and other branches. The village has its Social House, consisting of two parts. In the first one, you can find hotel, restaurant and wine cellar. In the second part, local culture centre is placed. Klenovec is famous thanks to its folklore tradition. Various festivals are taken place there, including so called Gypsy Festival. Except of the culture, it is a big possibility of sporting activities. The community has excellent conditions for skiing in winter, tourist activities, cycling or agro-tourist activity in summer. Those more courageous persons could try paragliding, including numerous paragliding courses and Slovak Cup in this sporting activity.

History

The name of the community is derived from the sycamore (mapple-tree). The first written notice comes of 1340. In the course of 15th century, the village frequently changed the owners. Since 1594 till the period when the servitude was cancelled, the life of all community inhabitants was closely connected with Kubinyi Family. They had three curiae in Klenovec, and  even one of them was preserved till now. Klenovec was popular especially with one fact. Juro Janošík was seized here, according to judicial documents of 1713. Moreover, it was proved that one member of Janošík´s suite came just directly from this community. Later, in 1852, Klenovec was declared as a town. During Wallachian colonization, the Wallachians came to the village, and in the middle of 19th century, the persons, speaking with Goral dialect, came there from Slovak-Polish border areas. In past, the inhabitants of Klenovec were engaged mostly with agriculture, cattle breeding, drapery, production of iron, lime burning and wood-cuttering. During Slovak National Uprising, Klenovec became one of main centres of Anti-Fascist resistance. This fact is reminded by means of a monument, situated in market place, and other monuments of similar type in the environs.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: picasaweb.com - KarolM, jabodka, jaro