Širkovce combines a marked hiking trail to Kapla Castle with cultural attractions in the village: a Reformed church dating from 1718, a park used for cultural events, and annual community events. This makes it possible to tailor a stay to different interests—from archaeological traces and castle ruins to architecture and local cultural life. The hike is a specific excursion destination, while the fair and community days offer time-specific reasons to visit. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to consider whether the hiking destinations or community life will shape your stay.

Landscape between the Rimava and the Cerová vrchovina

Širkovce lies on the right bank of the Rimava, at the foot of the Cerová vrchovina and in the southwestern part of the Rimavská kotlina Basin. The cadastral area is part of the Cerová vrchovina a Rimavská kotlina Natura 2000 site. In the southern part of the municipality, the terrain is flat to hilly; there are oak forests and black locust stands there. These references differ in scale: the riverbank, the foot of the Cerová vrchovina and the basin location pinpoint Širkovce; Natura 2000 status applies to the cadastral area; and the terrain and woodland are relevant to its southern part.

Castle trails and archaeological traces

An approximately 1.5-kilometre blue-marked hiking trail leads from Širkovce to Kapla Castle. The castle was built in the 13th to 14th century; today, only ramparts and foundations are visible. Archaeological investigations at the castle remains also uncovered older settlement traces from the Stone and Bronze Ages. The destination thus brings together medieval ruins and much earlier evidence of settlement. The site of Kapla Castle can be reached by train, car, on foot or by bicycle. Another marked hiking trail leads from Širkovce to the ruins of Širkovský Castle.

Reformed church

The Reformed church in Širkovce was built in 1718, is in good condition and continues to be used for religious purposes. This hall church has a projecting tower, a flat coffered ceiling and wooden Protestant galleries. The term “hall church” refers to a church with a hall-shaped layout; the tower, ceiling and galleries add further architectural features to this basic form. Compared with Kapla Castle, which was built in the 13th to 14th century, the church belongs to a later historical period.

Park and community life

The park has an amphitheatre next to a pond with a spring; it is used for cultural events, whose dates may vary. A fair is held in Širkovce every year, featuring demonstrations of traditional crafts, a cultural programme and refreshments; community days are also held annually. Check the specific event dates before travelling if you would like to attend one of these events. A tradition of agricultural machinery exhibitions has also been established in Širkovce.

Discover more destinations: Rakytník, Poproč, Budikovany, Španie Pole, Tisovec, Ivanice, Hodejov, Husiná.

See the regional travel overview: Okres Rimavská Sobota.