Gothic Route – A Forgotten Heritage Across Borders

Did you know that a small part of Gemer is located also in Hungary? We have forgotten that the area beyond the current border was also part of Gemer. Out of the 4 279 km2 of the former Gemer-Malohont region, 665 km2 are in present-day Hungary. This year’s mini-festival Gothic Route – Forgotten Heritage will be in the spirit of getting to know this part of once one historical territory. On Saturday, 16th of August, we will symbolically connect Slovak and Hungarian Gemer.

Together, we will visit six medieval churches that are linked by their affiliation to the Reformed Church and their medieval origins. On the Hungarian side, we will visit a small church in the village of Ragály, which hides fresco decorations, a romanesque-gothic church in Zubogyi and a hall church of impressive dimensions in the former mining town of Rudabánya.

On the Slovak side, we will visit the lesser-known church in Bohúňovo, together we will visit the well-known Plešivec, where we will be shown the freshly restored frescoes of Italian quality by the restaurator Juraj Gregorek, and we will finish the day in the church complex in Vyšné Valice, which dominates the surrounding landscape. As a bonus, you will be able to take a walk around the church with dendrologist Veronika Rízová, who will show you rare tree species, traces of the old cultural landscape – sorb tree, black mulberry and more.

At 6 p.m., there will be concert of medieval Gregorian chant Schola Gloria Dei – homo viviens et Verbum Domini in this church.

As every year, we will also dispatch two buses – one from Rožňava and, given this year’s theme, one from Miskolc for our Hungarian visitors. You can sign up for the buses using the following form:
Rožňava – please note, due to route planning and church capacity it will NOT be possible to attend the evening concert.
Miskolc

The churches will be open with Slovak and Hungarian guide at each location from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Individual visitors travelling by their own transport will be guided by direction signs in the villages. Lunch break and refreshments prepared by the municipality will be available in Zubogyi.

We are able to prepare the event for you thanks to the support of the VUB Bank Foundation. We are looking forward to meeting you.