Happy TravellerWelcome to Rožňava, a charming town located in the heart of Slovakia’s Gemer region. With a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, Rožňava is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful historic town center, noteworthy buildings, and remnants of mining industries. Join us as we explore the many treasures of Rožňava and discover why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History:
Rožňava has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Archaeological finds show that the region was densely settled by miners as early as around 1200. The first written mention of Rožňava dates back to 1291, and the town was granted royal free town status in 1410. During the Middle Ages, Rožňava was a prosperous mining town for gold, silver, and iron. Mining activities stagnated from the 16th century when territories to the south of the town were conquered by Ottoman Turks. Mining – this time mainly of iron ore – was renewed around 1800 and was present in the town throughout the 20th century. Rožňava was ruled by the Ottoman Empire as part of Filek sanjak (its center was Rimaszombat) during periods of 1554-1593 and 1596–1686. It was known as Rojna during the Ottoman period. The name of the town probably derives from the German word for rose (Rose, in the German name of the town Rosenau). Until 1920, it was part of Gömör és Kishont County of the Kingdom of Hungary, and again from 1938 to 1945. During World War II, Rožňava was captured on 23 January 1945 by troops of the Romanian 4th Army, acting as a part of the Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front. On 13 September 2003, Rožňava was visited by Pope John Paul II.
Noteworthy Buildings:
Rožňava is home to many noteworthy buildings that are a testament to its rich history. Some of the most notable buildings include:
– The Mining Museum: an important museum that showcases the town’s mining history.
– The Cathedral: a Gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the late 13th century and is home to many precious historic art objects, including a Renaissance painting of Mestercia showing realistic mining motifs, as well as the body of St. Neith, a catacombs Saint.
– The Town Tower: a Renaissance-style tower located in the middle of the central town square.
– The Jesuit Church: a Baroque-style church that was built in 1687.
– The Bishops Residence: a Baroque-Classical-style building that arose in 1778 from older houses and features a plague column in front of the building.
– The Town Hall: a Classical-style building that was built in 1711.
– The Evangelic Lutheran Church: a Classical-style church that was built in 1786.
– The Reformed Church: a neo-Gothic-style church that was built in 1905.
Demographics:
According to the 2021 census, Rožňava has a population of 19,182. The town is home to a diverse population, with 70.36% Slovak, 18.77% Hungarian, 0.95% Roma, and 0.36% Czech inhabitants. The remaining 9.56% of inhabitants are of other groups.
Notable Citizens:
Rožňava has been home to many notable citizens throughout its history. Some of the most notable citizens include:
– Haviva Reik: a Jewish resistance fighter.
– Pavel Jozef Šafárik: a poet and philologist.
– Vladimir Oravsky: a writer and director.
– Martin Simon: a composer and guitarist.
– Adam Szentpétery: an artist.
– Dana Velďáková: a triple jumper.
– Jana Velďáková: a long jumper.
– Henrieta Farkašová: a gold medal winner at the 2010 Winter Paralympics and at 2014 Sochi Paralympics.
Twin Towns — Sister Cities:
Rožňava is twinned with several cities around the world, including Bačka Topola, Serbia; Český Těšín, Czech Republic; Cieszyn, Poland; Lipótváros (Budapest), Hungary; and Szerencs, Hungary.
In conclusion, Rožňava is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse population, Rožňava is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Slovakia. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Rožňava has something for everyone. So why not plan your trip today and discover the many treasures of this enchanting town?
