Gemer and Malohont
The region of Gemer and Malohont, surrounded by a wonderful nature is one of the most beautiful places in Slovakia, yet still rather underrated. Its territory lies in the south of central Slovakia. In the 19th century, the region of Malohont with the center in the town of Rimavská Sobota was annexed to that of Gemer.
Part of the National Park of Slovenská raj (Slovak Paradise) lies in the north of Gemer and neighbors with another national park - National Park of Muránska planina (Muránska Plateau) with uncountable threatened plant and animal species as well as a unique karstic relief.
Photo: Cigánka, National Park of Muránska planina © Tomáš Šereda (www.ttstudio.sk)
The National Park of Slovenský kras (Slovak Karst), located in the southern and southeastern parts of Gemer, was designated in 2002.
Photo: National Park of Slovak Karst © Jozef Makarovič
Truly terrific underground resources - several caves and abysses of the karst such as Dobšinská Ice Cave, Krásnohorská Cave, Domica Cave, Gombasecká Cave and Ochtinská Aragonite Cave are open to the public and are inscribed in the UNESCO List of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage as well.
Among the cultural and historic monuments the castles or their ruins - most popular one the Krásna Hôrka Castle, numerous chateaux and manor houses like Chateau Betliar, together with many churches along the branch of Gothic Way, are of interest for visitors.
Photo: Chateau Betliar © Ivan Valko
Well, honestly, where can you find a place with as many as three national parks and five caves - all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Once you visit Slovakia, you simply cannot omit this lovely region!
National Park of Muránska planina (Plateau)
National Park of Slovenský kras (Slovak Karst)
Evangelical Church in Kraskovo
Church of Ascension of the Virgin Mary
Medieval Fortified Church in Lúčka
