SK, Kralova Lehota – A Town on the River Confluence
Everone who crosses Certovice mountain pass or travel by train on the railway track between Zilina and Kosice travel pass Kralova Lehota. We also traveled pass there until the day we decide dto visit this town and see its beauty.
This mountain town under harsh climate was founded in the end of the 13th century by royal servants. They were supposed to guard local forests and gaming territories. The location of the town was deliberately chosen so it would control the access roads to Bociaska and Ciernovazska valleys. Despite Kralova Lehota's small area, twelve curias were built there for up to 400 noblemen. The inhabitants of this town made their bread by working on fields, breeding sheep, water transportation, or wood cutting. The last craft led to cosntruction of saws, and mills, there was even a high furnace for the production of charcoal. A furniture company was founded here and has been in operation ever since.
In town's district, there are sevreal important sights of engineering. The first one is what remains of Povazska forest railroad. Then there is pumped-storage power plant in Cernovazske valley. In the very same valley is a museum, forest cemetery with iron crosses in the shape of tree, and a unique belltower with unique clock. Below the cemetery, there is a square column to commemorate the visit of Palation Joseph, the grandson of Maria Theresa and the brother of Emperor Joseph I. He used to hunt there.
Other interesting sights include the Lehotsky family chateau. Now it operates a kindergarden. Then there is Holy Trinity church, or Strobl's villa. Nature sights include Turkova protected area, Balvan na Masi is another interesting natural formation. Moreover, we need to mention Cernovazska valley across of which runs a bike trail, or the confluence of Bily and Cerny Vah rivers, from there on it is simply the Vah, a majestic river.
As for traditions Kralova Lehota is also quite unique. One example would be carnival, plus there is an ecumenical group, or wood carving shop, the works of which you may see in local gallery. In the past, there was an amateur theater. Unfortunately, it is now defunct.
Several notable characters such as the actors Ondrej Jariabok and Zora Kolinksa, sculptor Alois Strobl, painter Julius Stetka or Slovakian poet Krista Bendova. There is a memorial plate to remember the poet on her native house – a train station.
Kralova Lehota is an ideal place of start a trip to the villages of Maluzna, Hybe, Liptovsky Hradok, or to Liptovsky Mikulas 17 kilometers away from here. The town on the river confluence gives you a sense of the history and the life of the people of Liptov. People who love architecture and traditions will like it here as well as people who like art for Kralova Lehota offers vibrant line in beautiful natural environment.
GPS: 49°01'26.7"N 19°47'16.8"E
Text: Oskár Mažgút
Photos: HIK, o. z.
Everone who crosses Certovice mountain pass or travel by train on the railway track between Zilina and Kosice travel pass Kralova Lehota. We also traveled pass there until the day we decide dto visit this town and see its beauty.
This mountain town under harsh climate was founded in the end of the 13th century by royal servants. They were supposed to guard local forests and gaming territories. The location of the town was deliberately chosen so it would control the access roads to Bociaska and Ciernovazska valleys. Despite Kralova Lehota's small area, twelve curias were built there for up to 400 noblemen. The inhabitants of this town made their bread by working on fields, breeding sheep, water transportation, or wood cutting. The last craft led to cosntruction of saws, and mills, there was even a high furnace for the production of charcoal. A furniture company was founded here and has been in operation ever since.
In town's district, there are sevreal important sights of engineering. The first one is what remains of Povazska forest railroad. Then there is pumped-storage power plant in Cernovazske valley. In the very same valley is a museum, forest cemetery with iron crosses in the shape of tree, and a unique belltower with unique clock. Below the cemetery, there is a square column to commemorate the visit of Palation Joseph, the grandson of Maria Theresa and the brother of Emperor Joseph I. He used to hunt there.
Other interesting sights include the Lehotsky family chateau. Now it operates a kindergarden. Then there is Holy Trinity church, or Strobl's villa. Nature sights include Turkova protected area, Balvan na Masi is another interesting natural formation. Moreover, we need to mention Cernovazska valley across of which runs a bike trail, or the confluence of Bily and Cerny Vah rivers, from there on it is simply the Vah, a majestic river.
As for traditions Kralova Lehota is also quite unique. One example would be carnival, plus there is an ecumenical group, or wood carving shop, the works of which you may see in local gallery. In the past, there was an amateur theater. Unfortunately, it is now defunct.
Several notable characters such as the actors Ondrej Jariabok and Zora Kolinksa, sculptor Alois Strobl, painter Julius Stetka or Slovakian poet Krista Bendova. There is a memorial plate to remember the poet on her native house – a train station.
Kralova Lehota is an ideal place of start a trip to the villages of Maluzna, Hybe, Liptovsky Hradok, or to Liptovsky Mikulas 17 kilometers away from here. The town on the river confluence gives you a sense of the history and the life of the people of Liptov. People who love architecture and traditions will like it here as well as people who like art for Kralova Lehota offers vibrant line in beautiful natural environment.
GPS: 49°01'26.7"N 19°47'16.8"E
Text: Oskár Mažgút
Photos: HIK, o. z.
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