SVK: Gelnica - Royal Mining Town

Gelnica town lie in the Košice region that is surrounded by hills Spiš-Gemer. Gelnica is the centre of the Hnilec valley, which is a popular tourist site. Town have got the name given the river, which flows through it - Gnilec (Hnilec).

History of Gelnica

The first written mention about the city dates from the 13th century, when it merged into the original Slavic inhabitants of this territory with immigrants from Bavaria, Thuringia and Rhineland, who came here to work in local mines. Already in this period there had mined gold, silver, copper, mercury, lead and iron ore mines and worked up to 400 miners. Especially rich deposits of gold, silver and copper have made Gelnica one of the most important mining cities of Hungary, which is confirmed by the fact that already during the reign of Béla IV. (1235 - 1270) became a town with all pertaining rights.

The oldest seal of the city is located on the document in the castle archives in Vienna and dates from the 1497.

In 1726 was restored the Union mining towns Hnilec Valley, which includes Gelnica, Smolník, Štos, Švedlár, Mníšek Medzev and Vondrišel. Gelnica Mining also had its commissariat.

In the 19th century Gelnica was famous throughout Hungary through its production of nails and chains, which have become the most profitable trades people Gelnica. In 1870 produce of nais fed nearly 550 people, who could made 90 million nails a year.

In the 20th century Gelnica had a turbulent period. First, there was a general strike in Hnilec valley, resulting in a 112 arrested workers' leaders and confidants. Then, in the years 1921 - 1923 the town escaped the economic crisis, which caused the shutdown of mining companies and factories and a large emigration of people to work abroad.

After the liberation Gelnica by Soviet Army in 1945, gradually restored the activity of industrial enterprises. They were launched mines that have gone through nationalization – also the Antony factory and Kutcherov saw, which were transferred under the national administration.

Sights

In Gelnica worth visiting historical monuments like the ruins of the castle from the 13th century Gothic church from the 14th century with later alterations and rich interiors and baroque town hall, which was the original Renaissance buildings. Charming character of the town following the Baroque-Classical town houses, some of which are also typical mansard roof, mining and handicraft houses from the 19th century. An important monument is the top and covered wooden bridge in 1831.

Where to go in and around Gelnica

Gelnica and its mountainous surroundings have something to offer to tourists in summer and also in winter. Ways of spending free time is just a few. Vacationers, tourists, hunters, fishermen, cyclists or skiers in the winter there certainly will not get bored. There are also opportunities for tourism and children's camps.

Tourists will get their walking trip in the nearby Kojšovu stick, where is a beautiful panoramic view Spiš-Gemer Ore Mountains and theHigh Tatras, or a trip to Thurzovských "spa" with magnificent lake and through the Slovinky Poráčska valley or a trip through Smolník Peace of the lake. Attractive trips are over the bath rick Jasovská into caves and through the beautiful Smolník Hôrka to nearby Betliar, or the cave Domica.

Fans of water sports in the summer focus on Hnilec dam or near Ruzinov.

The area attracts Dobšinská ice cave, Slovak Paradise and winter ski resorts in Gelnica - to lift the Kojšové mountain and ski resort Plejsy near Krompachy.

With its cultural and historical monuments and natural beauties, the city and its surroundings becomes the centre of tourism especially recently.

Text: Zuzana Megerssová
Photo: Gelnica city