On a hill above Ziliz stands an oak more than a thousand years old; the Reformed church reflects several periods of construction. These two local features give a stay a cultural and scenic focus: the history of an ancient tree and medieval building elements in a church built in 1804–1805. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Ziliz can get a sense of the place through these specific natural and historical features.
The Ancient Oak on Kert-tető
An ancient pedunculate oak stands on Kert-tető above Ziliz and is considered a local attraction. It is believed to be more than a thousand years old. The municipality describes it as still living; several branches have been lost, and lightning has damaged the tree. Its great age and the damage it has sustained are both part of its history and define this natural landmark above the village.
In 1961, the oak was added to the register of nature reserves. This adds a clearly dated chapter to its history and provides another link to the natural history of Ziliz.
Church Construction with Medieval Building Elements
The Reformed church in Ziliz was built in 1804–1805 using older medieval building elements. The construction period of the church and the reused elements therefore point to different eras. This provides a specific starting point for understanding the village’s architectural history without reducing the building to a single period of origin.
The oak and the church offer two different perspectives on Ziliz: the oak’s great age and the changes to the tree take centre stage, while the church brings together construction in the early 19th century and medieval building elements. Those interested in both natural and architectural history will encounter each theme here in its own distinct form.
More Nature Destinations in the Wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Travel Destination
The wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers additional natural and cultural attractions. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. A short Aggtelek cave tour is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes, and is rated easy. Its length, duration and difficulty rating provide concrete guidance for planning the day.
A nature trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and presents the natural and cultural-historical values of the area. This offers another way to explore the landscape: rather than the length and duration of a single tour, the connection between the two entrances and the themes of the nature trail define this experience.
Another natural attraction is the Hucul herd grazing on the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometres north of Jósvafő. It can be viewed year-round. Since rules for keeping the animals may change, check the latest viewing arrangements before visiting.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on: Ziliz itself, with its oak and church-building history, or a broader itinerary in the wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén.
Discover more destinations: Szuhogy, Tornaszentandrás, Aggtelek, Edelény, Komjáti, Bódvarákó, Perkupa, Szendrő.
Back to the wider travel overview: Edelényi.
