Betlanovce: Renaissance, Churches and Gorges around Slovak Paradise

Betlanovce combines Renaissance history with a location on the northern boundary in the buffer zone of Slovak Paradise National Park. Tourists use the village as a starting point for the Suchá Belá, Piecky, Veľký Sokol and Kláštorná roklina gorges. This places historic buildings and distinctive natural attractions side by side in a shared village landscape in Betlanovce.

Culture and History

The Renaissance manor house stands at the centre of the village’s history and is considered the oldest Renaissance manor house in the Spiš region. It was built between 1564 and 1568. The residents of Betlanovce call it “Korunky”, a name referring to its Renaissance gable attic. Betlanovce is also home to a late Baroque curia dating from the second half of the 18th century.

The history of the Church of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian reaches back just as far: it already stood in Betlanovce in the second half of the 13th century. In 1309, Pope Boniface IX granted it a plenary indulgence; at the same time, it was dedicated to Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian. The church was extensively rebuilt between 1731 and 1781.

Nature

Betlanovce lies within the Slovenský raj Special Protection Area for birds. This protected area was designated by Decree No. 3/2011 Coll. of the Slovak Ministry of the Environment. The current status of the historic buildings varies: the manor houses in Betlanovce are currently privately owned. The county house is currently a cordoned-off ruin.

Hiking and Water Activities

The Prielom Hornádu educational trail in the vicinity of Betlanovce is open year-round. The trail is 22 km long and includes 16 stations with 20 information boards. Its information combines a longer route with clearly structured stations and labelled boards.

In the vicinity of Betlanovce, the Prielom Hornádu gorge can be navigated during the summer hiking season when conditions are favourable and there is sufficient water. Suitable options include one- or two-person kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats or paddleboards. The launch point for navigating the Hornád is located directly beyond the turn-off to Betlanovce, immediately before a bridge; short-term parking is available there.

Culture and Village Life

The village has a campsite for cars, private accommodation and a restaurant. Events are also associated with Betlanovce: the “Juniálesy pod holým nebom” usually feature a varied programme for children and adults and have developed into a tradition in Betlanovce. The Katarínska zábava was held annually in Betlanovce at Hotel Slovenský raj.

A tennis court is also listed for sporting activities; it was available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

It is also worth checking the services included, individual price components and the stated booking and cancellation conditions. Opening several offers allows you to view these fields side by side and compare the differences objectively. The details stated on the individual property’s offer page remain decisive. The village information and the listed offer fields should therefore be read separately.

Further destinations: Slovinky, Hnilcik, Spisske Tomasovce, Hrabusice, Hnilec, Letanovce, Harichovce, Smizany.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.