Martinová: River Landscape, History and Nature

Martinová lies in the southern part of the Rimavská kotlina Basin and on a terrace on the left bank of the Rimava. This location connects the history of the village with an open landscape whose forms are shaped by the river and the adjoining terraces. Martinová has been mentioned under the name Martonfalua since 1427. The written history of the village therefore reaches far back and provides its own way of engaging with the place.

The terrain around Martinová comprises Tertiary marls and sandstones covered by river deposits and loess. The different geological layers describe the subsoil of the landscape, while its location on the Rimava complements its spatial structure. Martinová also retained its agricultural character after 1918.

The cadastral area is a deforested landscape of floodplain and terraces of the hilly region. The floodplain and terraces stand alongside one another, giving the surroundings their distinctive topographic structure. The landscape is therefore best understood through the combination of riverbanks, open spaces and the landforms of the hilly region.

The Martinovská Reservoir is an artificial water reservoir and a breeding habitat for waterfowl. At the same time, it is an important refuge for aquatic and marsh-dwelling fauna, especially waterfowl. The water surface thus forms a distinct natural feature within the otherwise open, agriculturally shaped surroundings.

The Martinovská Water Reservoir lies in the cadastral area of Martinová and is designated as a protected area. It is under fourth-degree protection. The names Martinovská Reservoir and Martinovská Water Reservoir refer to the same defining landscape area, shaped by water, shoreline zones and marsh-dwelling habitats.

The Reformed church in Martinová was built in 1760 on the site of an older church building. Its furnishings include a carved and brightly painted wooden gallery from the 18th century. Painted pews with naturalistic floral decoration also date from the 18th century. The wooden gallery and pews thus preserve specific furnishing details from the same period.

The eventful history of the village also includes the year 1683: Thököly’s troops completely devastated the settlement at that time. Alongside the church’s earlier architectural history, this event is one of the notable historical facts about Martinová.

In the surrounding region, Route 3 connects mineral springs and bodies of water. It runs from Kurinec via Hodejov, Bottovo and Kúpele Číž to the Teplý vrch recreation centre. Via Hodejov and Bottovo, Route 3 continues to the Martinovská Reservoir. Its described route therefore links various water-related features and places in the area around Martinová.

More destinations at this level: Rimavská Sobota, Hrachovo, Sútor, Španie Pole, Teplý Vrch, Hajnáčka, Klenovec, Blhovce.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rimavská Sobota District.