Včelince: Hotels between Archaeology and Nature

Včelince leads to archaeological sites, an educational trail, historic religious buildings, and observation points by bodies of water. The traces extend from prehistory to an annual craft market; at the same time, Včelínce lies on the left bank of the Slaná River and near the R2 expressway.

History

The area around Včelínce was continuously inhabited in prehistoric and early historical times. The burial mounds of Včelínce are among the oldest burial mounds in Central Europe. One of these burial mounds had a diameter of 70 metres and was 7 metres high. In this part of the municipality, the remains of the embankment of one of the largest burial mounds in Slovakia can also still be identified.

At the Feketesár archaeological site, there are burials from the Bodrogkeresztúr culture dating from 3300 to 2800 BC. Five anthropomorphic urns containing the ashes of the deceased were found in Grave 1. In 1907, a Bronze Age hoard containing 117 pieces of jewellery and weapons was discovered at the Lászlófala archaeological site. A bronze pendant from the Včelínce hoard later became the emblem of the 1991 World Archaeological Congress.

Culture

The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Stephen the King in Včelínce was built in 1773. Its tower dates from the 19th century, while the Baroque church interior was completely restored in 2002. The church is registered as a national cultural monument of Slovakia under number 1033. The parish church of Saint Stephen bears the name “Kostol sv. Štefana Uhorského”.

Archaeological finds from Včelínce, including the “Božský trias”, are exhibited at the Gemerské múzeum in Rimavská Sobota. Thus, the local history extends beyond the archaeological sites and educational trail to a museum collection in the wider regional area.

Educational Trail

The archaeological monument in Včelínce is designed as an educational trail with five stations. The trail is based on the results of archaeological investigations of prehistoric sites. Information boards at the individual sites provide information about finds from the Late Stone Age and the Bronze Age.

Highlights of the archaeological educational trail include exceptional finds, presented in part with the help of spatial models of objects from the lives of the inhabitants of that time. Faithful replicas of prehistoric artefacts can also be seen there. The individual stations connect archaeological sites, explanations, and illustrative models without separating the archaeological traces from their local context.

Nature

Včelínce lies on the left bank of the Slaná River. Breeding populations of mute swan, western marsh harrier, and grasshopper warbler have been recorded at a reservoir. During migration and wintering, purple heron, squacco heron, and bearded reedling are also present at a reservoir. At the Včelínce dam, ornithologists ringed a pair of swans.

Market and Location

The Malý Včelinský jarmok takes place annually in Včelínce. Every year, vendors present their handicrafts at the Malý Včelinský jarmok. For travel by car, Včelínce is near the R2 expressway and can be reached via the exit near Tornaľa.

Other Places

Hubovo, Studená, Konrádovce, Kyjatice, Budikovany, Dolné Zahorany, Zádor, Širkovce

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