Moldava nad Bodvou can be explored through a range of themes: churches with different architectural histories, a historic blacksmith’s workshop, places of remembrance and karst formations. Practical visitor information is also important, as the museum and chapel are not always accessible.
Churches, Crafts and Town History
The Roman Catholic church is located in the historic centre. It was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century under King Matthias Corvinus, on the foundations of a masonry church that had already existed before 1290. The church is listed as a cultural monument.
The Reformed church is also in the historic centre, on the square. Dating from 1773, it was built in the Neoclassical style. Its distinctive features include an intricately carved pulpit. The two churches offer different insights into the town’s architectural history: the Gothic church with its older foundations, and the 18th-century Neoclassical building.
The Szojkova brána is a replica of a wooden gate. Unveiled in 1996, it commemorates the town fire of 1795. It adds a specific connection to a historical event to the town’s history, complementing the churches.
The Národopisné múzeum s kováčskou vyhňou is located at Hlavná ulica 130, in a stone building constructed around 1850. The front section contains an authentic blacksmith’s workshop with an open hearth. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement with the Municipal Cultural Centre.
The Chapel of Saint Roch
The chapel stands on a hill outside the built-up area but within the cadastral territory of Moldava nad Bodvou. It was built in 1833 in honour of Saint Roch, the patron saint, and in memory of the victims of the cholera epidemic that broke out in the town in 1831. Every August, a commemorative indulgence Mass for the victims is held there. The chapel is open only during these annual services. If you would like to plan your visit around one, check the date in advance.
Rock Gate, Hiking Trail and Cave
Moldavská skalná brána is located in the Hazalutov area, within the town itself. A green-marked hiking trail to the rock gate starts at Moldava nad Bodvou railway station. Check local access conditions before your trip. The rock gate is in the Moldavský kras. This is part of Slovenský kras National Park, although the rock gate itself is not an officially protected area.
The similarly named Moldavská jaskyňa is a separate natural attraction. It lies in the karst of the Medzevská pahorkatina, on the boundary between Slovenský kras and Košická kotlina. At over three kilometres long, it is one of the thirty longest caves in Slovakia. Six bat species and 83 species of invertebrates have been recorded in the cave. The two destinations are therefore quite different: the rock gate is within the town and is the starting point of a marked hiking trail, while the cave is notable for its length and the animal species recorded there.
Excursions and Wine Heritage
With its infrastructure and services, Moldava nad Bodvou is a starting point for various local-history and nature excursions in the surrounding area. Excursion options include Zádielska dolina. The town can thus serve as a base for a trip combining local history with natural attractions nearby.
Wine also has a place in local history. The Wine Museum is located in one of the cellars beneath the Municipal Cultural Centre of Moldava nad Bodvou. Two- and three-storey cellars were also built in the town to store wine and agricultural produce. A memorial plaque commemorates Máté Laczkó Szepsi (1576–1633), a preacher, teacher, historian and poet, who is considered the first producer of Tokaj Samotok (“Aszú”). Alongside the churches and natural attractions, these themes offer further historical points of interest for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vyšný Medzev, Bukovec, Malá Ida, Kechnec, Vyšný Klátov, Opátka, Zlatá Idka, Košická Belá
For the overview of the wider area: Košice-Okolie District.
