Vranov Nad Topl'ou

Present time

Essential part of the towm is placed on vast plain-land in river-basin of Topl'á-river. Regarding industry branch: they are wood-trade and textile industries. Roman-Catholic church of Virgin Mary Birth, in Neo-Gothic style of 1580, is an outstanding town dominanta. To the other monuments belong Greek-Catholic Church of Holy Eucharistia, Evangelic Church of Holy Spirit, Jewish cemetery of 18th century and St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, constructed in 1930. Not far from the town, you can find the castles, as follows: Čičva, Jasenov and Viniansky Castle. Very well conditions for relax are offered with Domaša Dam (excellent holiday resort), and Slanske Hills. Along long beaches of Domaša water reservoir, you can find holiday resorts as well as snug corners for fishing, tourist walks or cycling. From west part, Vranov region is bordered with Slanske Hills, where you can find many nature and technical places of interest. This area is presenting many chances for active holidays, individual programmes and agro-tourist activities in the course of all weather saisons. Moreover, rich people traditions remained kept in the town and all the region around.

The folklore of Zemplín and Šariš Regions, including temperamental songs and dances, is well-known and very popular. As a guarantee of folklore maintenance for the future, this is the increasing popularity especially among young persons, being able to make acquaintance in the world. The town could be proud on rich musical life, represented with many musical activities and attractive events. During folklore festivals, taken place each year, you have the chance to meet there even the groups from abroad. So, choir songs are very popular in the town, with participation of many foreign choirs. Rich activity is representated with singer choirs, some of them got even their international success. The town has big advantage of close connection with neighbouring countries, such as with Poland, Ucraine or Hungary. Vranov Region belongs to Carpathian Euro-region and cooperates with all towns from neighbouring regions.

History

The area around Vranov nad Toplou is rich archaeological finding places. A man colonized this area since old Stone era. The archaeological finding places are situated in more points of the town. Since 11th up to 13th century, Vranov territory and environs belonged to Hungarian Kings. In Middle Age, the community got, first of all, from its advantageous position on merchant route from Prešov. This fact enabled to develpoment of trade and handicrafts. Later, within 14th century, real development begun, and the community changed quickly to the town. Vranov obtained town´s law in the second half of 14th century, self-autonomy was established, and the town obtained the permission to encash taxes and to provide the markets. Within 16th century, the school-building was built. Elizabeth Bathory, in the age of 15 years, got married in local castle (the building was not preserved, however). Nevertheless, in the course of 19th century, the town was not too developed, so, the people were forced to leave their homes and move into neighbouring regions or abroad, in order to look for better jobs. In 1903, railway connection was effected there, and finally, a couple of years later, even the electricity and phone connection were introduced there. After Czechoslovakia was established, Vranov belonged to less developped industrial areas of the country, so, most of inhabitants lived on agriculture. Anyway, the situation changed in essential way after 1945, when new dwelling houses and industrial factories were built.

Text: Denisa Arvajová, vranov.sk, wikipedie.cz

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: wikipedie.sk, panoramio.com - tonyhaton, efkave, Duco17